Is Your Cat Dehydrated? 7 Easy Ways to Check

Water is essential for your cat’s overall health, but many felines don’t drink enough, leading to dehydration. Unlike dogs, cats are naturally low-thirst animals, and their reluctance to drink can sometimes put them at risk.

Dehydration can cause serious health issues, including kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and lethargy. But how can you tell if your cat is getting enough water? Here are 7 easy ways to check if your cat is dehydrated and what to do about it.

1. Check Their Skin Elasticity (The Pinch Test)

One of the simplest ways to check for dehydration is the skin elasticity test.

How to Do It:
Gently pinch a small amount of skin between your cat’s shoulder blades and release it. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin should snap back into place quickly.

Warning Sign:
If the skin slowly returns or stays tented, your cat is likely dehydrated and may need immediate hydration.

2. Examine Their Gums

A cat’s gums are a great indicator of hydration levels.

How to Check:
Lift your cat’s lip and touch their gums. They should feel moist and slippery, similar to human gums.

Warning Sign:
If the gums feel dry, sticky, or tacky, this could indicate dehydration. In severe cases, the gums may even appear pale or dry, signaling a medical emergency.

3. Monitor Their Water Intake

Keeping track of how much your cat drinks is an easy way to spot early signs of dehydration.

What to Watch For:
• A full water bowl at the end of the day
• Your cat avoiding their water dish
• Dry food eaters drinking less than usual

Warning Sign:
A noticeable decrease in water consumption over a few days can lead to severe dehydration, especially in hot weather or if your cat has underlying health issues.

4. Check Their Urine Output

A hydrated cat should urinate regularly, producing light yellow to clear urine.

How to Check:
• If your cat uses a litter box, note how often you scoop out clumps of urine.
• Watch for smaller, darker urine clumps, which can indicate concentrated urine from dehydration.

Warning Sign:
If your cat is peeing less frequently, or if their urine is dark and strong-smelling, they may not be drinking enough.

5. Observe Their Energy Levels

Dehydration can cause fatigue, weakness, and sluggish behavior in cats.

What to Watch For:
A well-hydrated cat should be alert, active, and responsive to their surroundings.

Warning Sign:
If your cat is lethargic, sleeping more than usual, or reluctant to move, dehydration could be draining their energy.

6. Look for Sunken Eyes

A dehydrated cat may have dull, sunken, or dry-looking eyes.

What to Watch For:
• Bright, clear eyes indicate good hydration.
• Well-hydrated eyes should have a healthy shine and normal shape.

Warning Sign:
If your cat’s eyes appear dull, dry, or deeply sunken, it may indicate serious dehydration and should be checked by a vet immediately.

7. Check Their Appetite

Hydrated cats usually maintain a steady appetite.

What to Watch For:
• A well-hydrated cat should eat normally without hesitation.
• Eating dry kibble naturally increases their need for water.

Warning Sign:
If your cat suddenly stops eating or seems uninterested in food, it could be due to dehydration or an underlying medical issue.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Dehydrated

Encourage Drinking – Use a cat water fountain, place multiple water bowls around the house, or try flavored water (like low-sodium chicken broth).

Switch to Wet Food – Canned food contains up to 80% water, making it a great way to increase hydration.

Add Water to Food – Mixing a small amount of water with wet or dry food can help increase moisture intake.

Keep Their Water Fresh – Cats prefer clean, fresh water, so refill bowls daily and clean them often.

Monitor for Illness – If dehydration persists or worsens, see a vet immediately, as it could signal kidney disease, diabetes, or an infection.

Hydration Is Key to Your Cat’s Health

Dehydration in cats can lead to serious health complications, but catching it early can prevent problems. By checking for skin elasticity, gum moisture, and energy levels, you can quickly assess if your cat needs more water or veterinary attention.

If your cat is showing signs of dehydration, don’t wait—take action immediately to help them stay hydrated and healthy!