How Long Can a Cat Go Without Water? Dehydration in Cats 101
Cats don't need a ton of water - but they're still at risk for dehydration if they go without for too long. Here's how to keep yours safe.
Cats are slick little creatures – usually able to take care of themselves. Except, well, staying hydrated, apparently. As a loving cat parent, you might’ve wondered how long can a cat go without water and how to spot the signs of dehydration in cats. (Especially since your feline buddy might not be lapping up like crazy – kind of like your dog!)
So let’s dive into the topic of how to spot a dehydrated cat – and how an Activity Tracker can help you spot the signs and take action much in advance.
How long can a cat go without water?
No more than 24 hours.1 Cats generally don’t need as much water as dogs. But going without water for too long means they’re at risk for dehydration, which can be dangerous for cats.
Because of this, it’s important you stay alert for any signs that your cat might not be getting enough water.
Signs of dehydration in cats
How can you tell if your cat is dehydrated? The signs can be subtle, but if you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to spot when something’s off. The sooner you recognize these symptoms, the sooner you can help your cat recover.
Here are the main symptoms of dehydration in cats:
- Loss of skin elasticity. Gently pinch the skin between your cat’s shoulders. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin should spring back quickly. In a dehydrated cat, it will return slowly or may even stay tented.
- Pale, dry gums. A healthy cat should have moist gums. If their gums feel dry or sticky, it’s a red flag.
- Sunken eyes. Cats suffering from dehydration might have eyes that look dull or slightly sunken.
- Reduced appetite. Dehydration often makes cats lose interest in food.
- Lethargy. If your normally active kitty suddenly seems sluggish or just sleeps more than usual, it could be a sign of dehydration.
💡An Activity Tracker for cats can help you spot a drop in your cat’s active minutes that much earlier. Which can be a potential lifesaver if they’re already struggling with lethargy. We’ll cover it in detail a little further below.
When to head to the vet
Dehydration isn’t just a mild inconvenience — it can quickly turn into an emergency if not addressed. If you notice any of the following red flags, it’s time to call the vet:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea. This can cause rapid dehydration, and it needs immediate attention.
- Not drinking water. If your cat isn’t drinking at all for over 24 hours, that’s a serious concern.
- Extreme lethargy. If your cat seems unable to move or respond normally, it’s important to seek veterinary help right away.
What to expect at the vet
If your cat is showing symptoms of dehydration, your vet most likely begin with a physical examination. They’ll start by checking your cat’s gums, skin elasticity, and overall condition. They may also run blood tests to determine the severity of dehydration or check for any underlying issues that could be causing it.
Depending on how severe your cat’s dehydration is, your vet might recommend:
- Upping your cat’s water intake, like with wet food or a water fountain to encourage drinking
- Making it easy for your cat to drink more often by providing them access to fresh, clean water throughout the day,
- Moistening your cat’s food with broth. Avoid broth flavors that contain extra salt.2
- Cat “soup” supplements, available at most pet food stores.
- In more serious cases, subcutaneous or intravenous (IV) fluids
All of which, if you ask us, are great reasons to catch on to the signs of an illness early – and take action before your cat’s health worsens.
How an Activity Tracker can help you spot an illness in advance
You might wonder, how can an Activity Tracker help with dehydration? Turns out, your trusty Tractive GPS also helps you monitor changes in your cat’s activity levels – helping you spot a potential health issue early. Like, for example, if your cat suddenly seems less active or is lethargic. (Usually one of the earliest signs something isn’t right.)
With its built-in motion detector, your Tractive device comes equipped with Activity Tracking. Helping you figure out not just where your cat’s off wandering throughout the day – but also how often they’ve been on the move. (Logged as “active minutes.”)
Which, with time, can help you figure out:
- How active your cat tends to be on the regular,
- Where your cat ranks on your community leaderboard (i.e. how active they are compared to other, similar cats around the world)
- And if there’s a weird drop in your cat’s active minutes – which could signal an infection, illness, lethargy, or even pain.
💡So with this actionable data at hand, you can head to your vet that much earlier – and potentially save your cat’s life while at it!
Ready to get a jumpstart on your cat’s health?
With just a little vigilance, you can spot the signs of dehydration in cats that much quicker – and take action earlier. Here’s a wrap-up of the key takeaways from this post:
- Cats can only go 24 hours without water. Dehydration can set in quickly after.
- The main signs of dehydration in cats include dry gums, reduced skin elasticity, sunken eyes, and a big drop in their regular activity.
- Red flags for the vet include persistent vomiting, refusal to drink, and extreme lethargy. Head over for a checkup right away if you notice any of these signs.
- Use an Activity Tracker to keep tabs on your cat’s daily active minutes. A drop could signal the beginnings of lethargy – helping you spot the signs of dehydration or other health issues early, much before they grow worse.
“Great little tracker, perfect size and weight for cats.
Tracks activity and sleep habits making it easier to spot issues and discuss activity levels with her vet. Also tracks her when she decides to roam the neighborhood.”
– Clayton Ward, (Source: Trustpilot)
Stay on top of your cat’s wellness
See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far from home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you. Track sleep and activity.
Worried your cat isn’t drinking enough water? Here are some tips to get them to stay hydrated throughout the day:
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
