Wow, there were so many great suggestions for that kitty who just wouldn't drink! We can all agree that it's an important problem that should be addressed pronto, and I'd like to give a special thank you to TsuKata for offering this tip from the vet who shared it with her after she had a cat that refused water. She writes:
Grab at the kitty's loose skin a little, not a pinch, just a gentle grasp that moves the skin up. It should be almost like you're scruffing her but not so much that you're lifting the kitty and not necessarily at the scruff. See if the skin has elasticity and goes back to the body immediately when you release. If it does not, your cat is dehydrated and should be taken to a vet to be given fluids immediately. If it does go back quickly, even though the kitty hasn't theoretically had water two weeks, your cat is likely drinking from a sink, toilet, or other source . . . and you just need to find that source.
Marc Jacobs
Our cats drink from EVERYTHING. we keep a bowl of water outside the house as one of our cats refuses to drink clean water. they will drink from puddles, our swimming pool, whatever water they can get their hands on that wont splash them. I so hope we never have this problem
1::blushes at being featured:: That tip has come in handy many times. Glad that it's getting shared with others!
2My kitty Hey Arnold (I didn't name him!) was dehydrated a few weeks ago. The poor little guy was kept on an IV at the vets. He's okay now though.
3My last Persian, Emma, tended to be dehydrated due to a medical condition. My vet showed me how to give Emma subcutanious fluids at home, saving me the cost of office visits 2-3 times per week. It was scary at first, but turned out to be doable. Glad this issue was brought up! Thanks TsuKato and PetSuger!
4We feed my cat the water that's squeezed out of a can of tuna - tuna in water, obviously, not oil - and he loves it! In fact he comes running whenever he hears the can opener. And that water would just go down the drain otherwise, so why not put it to use? It's a treat for him and it's a good way for us to be assured that he's getting enough water.
5This works on dogs, too, and it's VERY handy. Dehydrated critters are awful.
When my pup had issues with dehydration, I used a slight bit of sugar free gatorade powder in my pup's water to encourage her to drink, and I wet down her food too. It was a step in the right direction.
6thanks! didn't know that.
7When it gets hot out, sometimes I put water over my dogs' food to get them to drink a little extra H20.
8this is good to know
9Thanks for sharing, I already knew this b/c Bubba is diabetic so we have to check his hydration from time to time as well but its still a great tip for everyone to know!
10When my cat Hiei was a kitten, he refused to drink so we would give him children's unflavored pedialite to boost his immune system. We've never really had problems with his drinking habits since then.
11Will this trick work if your cat is really fat? my cat is a tabby and weighs 22 pounds. my dog always cleans out all the water bowls and i wonder if saber gets thirsty when im not there... help?
12Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.