Dehydration is the excessive loss of water and the electrolytes cotained therein. Although we animals are 60% water, a loss of just 5% can start causing all kinds of problems and 10% dehyration can be fatal.

Dehydration is caused by a variety of things, including symptoms of other health problems. General sickness, fever or ill health, for example, can reduce a cat’s appetite, meaning it doesn’t take in enough water. Conversely, kidney problems and diabetes can cause an increase in urination, meaning the cat loses more water than it should. Heatstroke, shock or blood loss from injury can also all cause dehyradtion, as can diarrhoea and vomiting – for more obvious reasons.

The following are all indications: loss of energy and lethargy, dry mouth, constipation and a dry mouth. However, the easiest way to test for dehydration is with a simple skin-elasticity test. This involves gently grasping the scruff of your cat – the skin at the base of the neck – and pulling it upwards; in normal circumstances, the skin should spring back. If the skin is slow to retract, this is a good indication of dehyradation – the slower the retraction, the more severe the dehyration.