If your dehydrated kitten is not drinking water, you must contact your vet right away.
Dehydration in kittens is an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate professional veterinary attention. Kittens are particularly vulnerable to dehydration because of their small size and delicate systems.
According to veterinary guidance, if your cat is showing signs of dehydration, you should contact your vet right away. Dehydration in cats can be fatal, and once the symptoms become evident, your cat is likely to be severely dehydrated and in need of emergency veterinary care. Specifically, a refusal to drink for 24 hours or more qualifies as a veterinary emergency.
Why is it Urgent?
- Rapid Decline: Kittens can dehydrate much faster than adult cats.
- Severity: Not drinking water when already dehydrated means their condition will worsen rapidly.
- Underlying Cause: Refusal to drink could indicate an underlying illness causing the dehydration or making them feel too unwell to drink.
- Need for Intervention: Dehydrated kittens often require subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous (into the vein) fluids to rehydrate effectively, which only a vet can administer.
Recognizing Dehydration Signs (Contact Vet Immediately if Seen)
While seeing these signs indicates severe dehydration, be aware of them and act before they become this severe if possible.
- Lethargy or weakness
- Sunken eyes
- Dry, sticky gums
- Poor skin elasticity (when you gently pull up the skin on their back, it stays tented instead of springing back quickly)
- Reduced or absent urination
If you observe any of these signs and your kitten is not drinking, it's an emergency.
What Your Vet May Do
Upon evaluation, your veterinarian will assess the severity of the dehydration and determine the best course of action. This will likely involve:
- Physical examination
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., blood work, urine test)
- Administering fluids (subcutaneous or intravenous)
- Addressing any underlying cause of the dehydration
Do not attempt to force-feed water or give large amounts of water rapidly to a severely dehydrated kitten without veterinary guidance, as this can be dangerous. Your vet is the only one who can safely and effectively rehydrate your kitten and treat the cause.
In summary, a dehydrated kitten not drinking water is a critical situation. Do not delay – contact your veterinarian immediately for emergency care.
