The dryness of summer has brought to mind the dangers of dehydration in the feline world. It is a serious, life-threatening condition that comes on suddenly and is easily treated, often with dramatic results.

All life requires water to survive. Only a 5% drop in a cat’s normal body moisture can bring on symptoms; a 10% drop is critical. During hot, dry weather, it is imperative that plenty of fresh, clean water is available for your pets at all times. Check the bowl often, refilling as needed.

Don’t forget your outdoor and barn cats. Provide plenty of water and shade for them as well. If you are going away for a few days, check the weather forecast and leave water accordingly or have someone come by to check on them.

All felines are at risk, but kittens are more so as their lives can be very fragile. If you have a nursing mom with kittens, keep a close eye on the litter in case one or more are not getting their fair share and show signs of fading. It doesn’t take very long for a kitten to succumb to dehydration, and expire. There is nothing sadder than to see this happen.

Illness and intestinal parasites can bring it on. Be watchful if fever, diarrhea or vomiting is present, as these rapidly deplete the body of fluids.

Diarrhea in kittens is often caused by worms, a simple thing to treat. It also often starts when solids are introduced. If it persists, a fresh fecal should be collected and taken to the vet along with the kitten to determine the cause.

Signs of dehydration include listlessness and an unwillingness to eat or drink. A pinching of the scruff (the skin at the back of the neck) will not relax back to normal when hydration is needed. Another way to check is to press the flat of your finger against the cat’s gum until the tissue turns white, then time how long it takes for the flesh to return to pink. For an adult cat, a 1-2 second response is normal.

During hot weather, encourage your cat or kitten to drink as much as possible. Draining a can of tuna-in-water into a bowl is practically irresistible. Add water, tuna-water, or chicken broth to some wet food until it’s soupy.

If a cat refuses food and water and becomes lethargic, take it to your veterinarian immediately for treatment. It will need subcutaneous or I.V. fluids professionally administered. In an emergency and if you can’t get to a vet, it is possible to syringe-feed Pedialyte or a weak solution of water and light Karyo Syrup. It must be done very carefully, only what the cat will readily swallow, for if it gets into the lungs, they can aspirate and die.

Dehydration should be taken seriously, so keep a watchful eye on your pets this summer.