Just like humans, the feline body is composed mostly of water. Cats require adequate water in their bodies for all their various life functions. Despite water being a vital requirement for them, most cats don’t like drinking it. The dislike for water combined with a dry kibble diet void of almost all moisture can lead to a dehydrated cat.
In cases of extreme dehydration, you should see a vet for the best possible care. But, in cases of mild dehydration, heat stress or high temperatures, you can prevent severe dehydration by giving your cat homemade electrolytes. These electrolytes can also help in keeping very sick cats stable until they can see a professional.
Before we go into the process of preparing these homemade electrolytes, let’s talk about the right way to detect whether your cat is dehydrated, what electrolytes are and their benefits.
How do you know if your cat is dehydrated?
Just like humans, cats require the right amount of water to grow and develop healthily. If your cat does not take enough water or loses body fluids due to vomiting excessively and exposure to extreme heat, your cat’s health could be affected negatively. The loss of water causes a speedy drop in your cat’s electrolyte levels & fluid. When there is a loss of electrolytes, the cat’s body will find it hard to distribute the vital nutrients it needs to all of its tissues. The resultant effect is moisture imbalance, which shows up physically as:
- Lack of appetite
- Reduced energy levels
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Depression or Lethargy
- Panting
- Poor skin elasticity
- Dry mouth and gums
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes
An excellent method to check for severe dehydration quickly and effectively is the pinch test. The pinch test involves gently pinching your cat’s skin so that it forms a tent shape in your fingers. If your cat is adequately hydrated, the skin will bounce back quickly when you let go. If your cat is dehydrated, the pinched skin will stay in the pinched tent position. However, this technique does not work well in cats that are underweight or overweight. In addition, if you notice that your cat has a dry mouth and your cat’s eyes are sunken, these are also clear signs of dehydration. If dehydration is not treated quickly and correctly, your cat can suffer severe damage to its kidneys.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that play an important role in maintaining proper body functions. They help balance the required amount of water in the body. They also play a crucial role in regulating the alkalinity and acidity of the blood for the proper functioning of the body.
Benefits of Electrolytes for Cats
Here are five key electrolytes in cats and their benefits.
Sodium (Na+): It regulates fluid balance in the body, which is vital for the functioning of tissues, cells and organs. It also ensures the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves.
Magnesium (Mg2+): It ensures the normal functioning of the muscles, heart and nervous system.
Phosphorus (P): It is responsible for bone health and energy metabolism.
Potassium (K+): It helps regulate the fluid balance, acid-base balance and heart function.
Calcium (Ca2+): Calcium is responsible for muscle contractions, nerve signaling and bone health.
When your cat is dehydrated, its body reacts by extracting fluid from its cells, which results in the loss of electrolytes. The presence of a required amount of electrolytes helps the body cells function correctly. On the other hand, an imbalance can cause disruptions in the proper functioning of these systems, thereby leading to a variety of health issues.
Not only do electrolytes hydrate your cat, but they also provide a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to fight inflammation and even ward off diseases!
How to make Homemade Electrolytes for Cats
Apart from taking fresh and clean water, your cat must get a boost of electrolytes. You can get oral fluids or serums from your local veterinary clinic. However, in cases where it is not possible to get these clinical serums or electrolytes, you can prepare your electrolytes for your cat. You can still create a homemade electrolyte with the ingredients you have in your pantry! Here is a quick and effective recipe to help your cat replenish their lost electrolyte.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
All the ingredients in this homemade electrolyte solution are everyday household staples. However, there are a few things to note:
- You should use regular table salt as larger salt pieces will be more difficult to dissolve into the solution.
- You can also use any water for this solution as harmful bacteria in the water will be eradicated with boiling. However, if mineral water is available, it may be more beneficial because it has naturally higher levels of electrolytes to boost the hydrating properties of this solution.
Directions
- Gather all the ingredients
- Boil the water: The water needs to be hot enough to dissolve the other three ingredients and easily mix into it.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly: Once the water has reached its boiling point, mix in the baking soda, salt and sugar. The three ingredients will dissolve quickly in the heat of the water, and thorough mixing will blend all the ions.
- Cool at room temperature before use: The electrolyte mixture should be covered and allowed to cool before it is used. This mixture should not be given at high temperatures, as extreme temperatures can cause burns.
- Storage: The left-over electrolyte solution should be stored in an air-tight container to lower the risk of contamination. For best quality, store it in the refrigerator; however, before using, bring it back to room temperature. It is also important to note that this mixture should be utilized within 24 hours.
How to prevent Dehydration in your cat
As pet parents, we know that prevention is always better than cure. Apart from using electrolytes to keep your cat hydrated, there are also other ways to ensure your cat stays adequately hydrated.
- Make sure your cat has fresh and clean water at all times.
- Make sure the water is easily accessible to your cat.
- You can try experimenting with different water bowls and also consider trying a pet water fountain.
- Monitor your cat’s water intake. If you have an idea of the amount of water your cat drinks daily, you’ll be able to tell quickly when your cat starts drinking less water.
- Mix wet and dry food in their diet to help provide a source of hydration.
- Add bone broths without salt or other liquids to your cat’s food.
Final Thoughts
This homemade electrolyte recipe is really amazing. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are easily accessible at home. If your small kitten or cat is dehydrated and refusing to drink water due to an illness, this solution is an effective way to get them rehydrated. This solution can help keep your cat hydrated during summer. It can also act as a quick response to a dire situation before the arrival of a vet.