Dehydration is a condition where the body loses water due to several reasons. Your pet kitty’s body is made up of nearly 60% to 70% water and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, etc. When the water content drops by 5% to 10% in your pet kitty’s body, the condition is termed moderate dehydration. Beyond 10% is considered a severe condition, and any water loss above 15% is considered fatal for your fur baby by many veterinarians.
Losing water can be attributed to as simple a reason as your kitty not drinking enough water through to a critical cause like an underlying medical condition. To avert the risks of dehydration, your kitty needs steady fluid intake; it helps in the continuity of life processes like circulation, digestion, toxin elimination, etc. So take her to the vet if you notice symptoms like dry mouth, poor skin elasticity, frequent urination, constipation, and several other signs that hint at a loss of body fluids.
The best cat insurance helps your kitty with regular vet checkup bills, medicines, diagnosis, and treatment costs in the event of an illness. In addition, pet insurance covers many more quality health care services your kitty can avail of at affordable prices, making pet healthcare financially less burdensome for you. You are safeguarded by this support, yet you must ensure your furry friend is sipping sufficient water to replenish her body.
How to prevent dehydration in your feline family member?
- Know your kitty’s drinking preferences. Some cats may love to have their water bowls in quiet places, while others may relish drinking in glass water bowls. A few cats may choose to get their tongues wet and drink from running water while other cats may prefer to drink from still water or bottled water or tap water. Allow her to drink water the way she likes and in the place she wants to.
- Stagnant water that has gone unused for days is a hotbed for bacteria. On the other hand, your kitty may find it repelling, so make sure you offer her freshwater so she continues to take generous sips and stays healthy.
- Seek your vet’s recommendation and purchase canned food to feed your kitty. These food items have more water content than dry food, hence may complement your kitty’s low thirst instinct.
- If your munchkin is suffering from vomiting, then make sure to provide her water little by little every hour or two. Please don’t make her drink excess water at a time; it may aggravate the condition and induce more vomiting. If the vomits persist beyond two instances, then meet your vet right away.
- Provide your paw pal with a warm shelter in cold weather and a shady place to rest in hot weather, along with plenty of clean water to sip now and then.
These preventive measures help in normal conditions. However, if your kitty is nursing a severe health complaint like kidney issues or diabetes, she may need proper diagnosis and treatment by the vet to overcome dehydration. You must take her to the vet if signs persist. Pet insurance allows you to give your fur baby top-notch medical care at economical costs. Having cat insurance is a blessing for your kitty at all times, especially when unforeseen health issues unfold and you will have to bear expenses you aren’t prepared for.
