Signs that your cat is not drinking enough water

Cats are the descendants of the African wildcat (Felis lybica), a predator accustomed to arid environments that obtained most of its water from the bodies of its prey. From this genetic past, our domestic cat has inherited a low thirst drive. Fed primarily on dry food (which contains less than 10% moisture, compared to 80% for wet food), a cat can quickly become chronically dehydrated.

Why is dehydration dangerous?

Insufficient water intake leads to excessive concentration of urine in the bladder. Minerals then clump together to form struvite or calcium oxalate crystals, causing cystitis, highly painful urinary blockages, or irreversible kidney failure.

4 warning signs to check at home

1. The skin tent test: Gently pinch the skin at the back of your cat's neck and release. On a well-hydrated animal, the skin snaps back into place instantly. If the fold takes one to two seconds to flatten, the cat lacks water.

2. Dry and tacky gums: Gently open its mouth. The gums should be bright pink, shiny, and moist. If they are sticky to the touch, it is a sign of dehydration.

3. Infrequent and strong-smelling urine: A properly hydrated cat visits its litter box 2 to 3 times a day to urinate. If you notice only one small clump every 24 hours and the ammonia smell is very strong, its body is conserving water.

4. Dull coat and sunken eyes: Prolonged lack of water makes the fur dry and ruffled and promotes the appearance of dandruff. The eyes may also appear slightly sunken in their sockets.

How to respond?

Switch to a mixed diet (bi-nutrition) by incorporating daily wet food, increase the number of water stations throughout the house, and opt for a flowing water fountain.

Sources: SantéVet (Guide to feline urinary diseases), MonVeto (Detecting dehydration in felines).