Make your own cat rehydration solution

During warmer months, we enjoy more outdoor activities in the heat, which can lead to dehydration. It’s good to have a rehydration solution at home, and here we’ll give you tips on how to make your own.

Dehydration and heatstroke

There’s a lot you can do to prevent heatstroke and dehydration. Always keep your cat in the shade and avoid exercising them when it’s hot outside. If you usually walk your cat on a lead, try doing so in the morning and evening when it’s cooler. It’s also important for your cat to have access to fresh water, and having a rehydration solution at home can help them stay cool and hydrated if you notice signs of dehydration.

Signs of dehydration

You can check for dehydration by gently pinching the skin on your cat’s neck and lifting it. The skin should spring back into place immediately. If it takes longer to return to normal, this could be an early sign of dehydration. You can also check inside their mouth; the gums should be moist and pink. Press your finger on the mucous membrane for a couple of seconds. The colour should return to pink within 1-2 seconds. If it doesn’t return, or feels dry and sticky, it’s time to give your cat some rehydration solution.

How to make your own solution

• 1 litre of water

• 1 tablespoon of dextrose or honey

• 1 teaspoon of salt

Do like this:Mix together and give to your cat.

Dosage:50ml of solution per kilo of body weight per day. To work out the amount per hour: (cat’s weight x 50ml) / 24.

If your cat is severely dehydrated, they may need double this amount.

When to contact a vet

Contact a vet if your cat has any of these symptoms:

• The cat is vomiting small amounts of water

• Very young or elderly cat

• Blood in vomit or diarrhoea

• Vomiting and diarrhoea are recurrent