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Modern domestic cats share a common ancestor. Felis silvestris lybica can be traced to the Near East Neolithic period of the Fertile Crescent, and to the Classical period of ancient Egypt. The dry, warm geographical location of their origin suggests that today’s cats are equally adaptable to hot, desert conditions. Indeed, today’s pet cats have a lower thirst drive than other animals, but they still require adequate daily hydration throughout the year, and especially during the summer months.

Why This Matters

Feline hydration is vital to their overall health. Not only responsible for boosting the features of the circulatory and digestive systems, water intake replaces fluids lost during exhalation, sweating, urinating and defecating. Additionally, water delivers important minerals to the feline body, including chloride, potassium, and sodium. When water intake goes down, and water loss goes up (due to factors like the heat), feline dehydration can occur. 

A Delicate Balance

Every day, cats need approximately 4 ounces of fresh water per five pounds of body weight. This can be managed largely through diet, as wet foods are about 80% water. Cats that eat kibble may need to replace water loss by drinking more water each day. 

As temperatures rise, it may be a good idea to measure the precise amount of water needed (8 ounces for the average 10 pound cat) at the start of the day. If there is too much water left over, cat owners may want to find ways to increase hydration, such as:

• Clean water bowls daily to eliminate bacterial growth and provide fresh water
• Add a water fountain to increase interest but keep in mind this too needs regular cleaning
• Adding ice cubes to the water dish may also peak their interest
• Add wet food to a cat’s dry diet
• Make cat popsicles with low-salt chicken or tuna broth
• Increase the number of water bowls around their favorite spots
• Move water bowls away from litter boxes and food dishes
• Change the bowls to gauge if they like shallow and wide dishes instead of deep and narrow ones as they may irritate the whiskers

Dehydration in Cats

Hot weather can lead to hydration in cats, a dangerous health condition. Left alone, dehydration can have serious consequences and even result in heat stroke. 

Look for the following symptoms of cat dehydration:

• Sunken eyes
• Dry gums
• Dry skin (softly pinch at the skin by the shoulders; if it remains tented when released, they are in need of hydration)
• Appetite loss
• Weakness
• Panting
• Trembling
• Increases heart rate
• Lethargy

Sun stroke occurs when cats become too hot and cannot properly cool themselves down. Always be sure your cat has access to shade, ventilation, and cool water. Very young and senior cats are at increased risk of heat stroke, as are overweight and flat-faced cats. If you are concerned your pet is having a sun related illness, move them into a cool place, apply a cool compress to the cat’s body and call us for more help. 

All Summer Long

While feline coats actually work toward regulating body temperature, you can help them out by grooming their fur coat regularly throughout the season. The removal of dirt, debris, and unwanted hair can help them look and feel their best.

If you have questions about summer cat safety, please give us a call at (407) 831‑5205. Our team is always happy to help at South Seminole Animal Hospital.