Like all mammals, cats lose a certain amount of fluids required by their natural functions to produce urine, saliva, and waste. These much-needed liquids are easily fulfilled by proper consumption of water.
Certain circumstances can cause cats to lose too much of these precious fluids, leading to dehydration, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening complication. Common causes of dehydration in cats include: chronic illness that can divert the cat from food and water. , vomiting, vomiting and/or diarrhea, increased urination (usually caused by medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure), heat stroke, shock, blood loss, fever.
Fortunately for pet owners, cats typically present one or more symptoms of dehydration, which can include:
Dryness in the mouth
Dry mouth can be a sudden sign of dehydration in cats. A cat’s mouth may develop a sticky or leathery texture, and the animal may repeatedly rub its tongue against the palate of the mouth and lips.
Difference in skin elasticity
Changes in skin elasticity often indicate health concerns such as dryness in cats To perform the test, simply grasp the scruff at the back of the cat’s neck and release. In healthy animals the skin will quickly retract. Slower withdrawal may indicate dryness, although this test is difficult for some owners to correctly judge.
Mode Changes
Cats suffering from dehydration often exhibit noticeable mood changes, such as lethargy or habitual incontinence. Some cats may become extremely sleepy or difficult to wake.
Absence of urination and or Movements Entry
Any time in which eight to ten hours have passed in which the cat has consumed either urine or litter is close to being present with dehydration.
Depressed eyes
Perhaps the most obvious of all signs of dryness in cats are depressed and swollen eyes.
Hair Refill Time
When a cat is dehydrated, its blood circulation Animal testing Capillary filling time is an almost foolproof way of diagnosing an animal with dehydration. This can be done by lifting your upper lip and pressing your finger firmly on top of the gums for at least five seconds. When the finger is lifted, a white spot will be shown where the pressure was applied. Using a second hand watch, time how long it takes for the white spot to disappear and for the gum tissue to return to a normal kidney shade. In healthy cats, the capillary refill time is usually no more than two seconds. It is recommended to perform this test at least twice to obtain the correct timing.
Dehydrated cats require immediate replacement of all lost fluids, typically through an IV system, to prevent serious complications and even death. If you suspect that your cat is dehydrated, it is absolutely necessary to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
Sources:
http://www.cat-world.com/au/dehydrationincats.htm
http://www.petplace.com/cats/dehydration-in-cats/page1.aspx
