As we discovered last time, dehydration can be very dangerous if it gets too severe. Today we’ll look at how to help your cat avoid dehydration.

First and formost, you should make certain there is a constant supply of clean, fresh drinking water available for your cat all the times. This is especially important if you are going away for a while, though I assume all responsible cat owners take all the necessary steps if leaving their pet alone for any length of time. It may sound strange to point out, but make sure the water is within easy reach; your cat should have to go on an adventure for a drink! Having water in all the main rooms of the house is highly recommended, as many cats spend most their time in the same rooms as their owners. If your cat goes outside, you should ensure there is a sheltered area avaiable, so he can sit out of the sun on hot days.

If you cat has any underlying health problems, you should pay especially close attention for any signs of dehydration (covered in the last post). As I mentioned before, sickness can cause a cat to consume less water, just as kidney problems or diabetes can cause more water to be excreted. If you detect any symtoms of dehydration, take your cat to the vet immediately – especially if it has diarrhoea or is vomiting.

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.

As cats get older, they need extra care and love. In this post I’ll point out some of the things you should be aware of when looking after an older cat.

As cats get older, and their kidneys weaken, the potassium level in their blood starts to drop. This causes a condition known as hypokalemia, to which loss of appetite, lethargy and poor coat condition can be linked. As if this wasn’t enough problems already, their natural thirst will start to fade as well, meaning that older cats can easily become dehydrated – sometimes to a dangerous level. It is wise to keep fresh water available in multiple rooms for your cat, to encourage him to drink as often as possible. Be sure to also keep an eye on his drinking habits and go straight to a vet if you are worried.

Linked to the above dehydration and lack of water is the fact that older cats produce less saliva and can hence have difficulties swallowing. Special food can be purchased for older cats, through otherwise it is sensible to check food to remove or but up large chunk and lumps.

With a little care and attention, older cats can be just as comfortable and happy as young ones.