How Long Can a Cat Go Without Water Before Getting Sick?

Cats need water to stay hydrated. A cat’s kidneys can filter out large amounts of water, but they still need to drink water regularly to stay healthy. 

A cat will drink up to 18 ounces of water per day. While a small pet like a cat can get along without drinking fresh water every day, they need to have access to clean drinking water at all times.

How long can a cat go without water?

A cat’s body is mostly water, so they naturally dehydrate quickly if they don’t get water. A cat can go 3-4 days without water before becoming severely dehydrated and needing to be hospitalized. 

However, some cats are more resilient and can go even longer without hydration. In extreme cases, where a cat does not drink for more than 7 days or does not eat for 2 days, they may need to be hospitalized due to the risk of brain damage or death.

Factors that affect how long a cat can go without water

Water is essential for cats’ survival, but consuming too much can lead to dehydration. Cats have a high metabolism, so that they can go longer without water than other animals. 

However, even a healthy cat can succumb to dehydration if they don’t get enough fluids. Here are some things that can affect how long a cat can go without water:

• A cat’s age: A younger cat will need more water than an older cat.
• Gender: Male cats tend to drink more water than female cats.
• Weight: A heavier cat will need more water than a lighter cat.
• Activity level: If a cat is inactive, their body will use up its resources to maintain life and won’t have as much reserve for hydration.

What happens to cats when they go without water?

When a cat goes without water, they can quickly become dehydrated. This can cause them to struggle to move and breathe and sometimes lead to death. 

The causes of dehydration in cats are varied, but the most common culprits are lack of food or water, being confined to a small area, or having a blocked urinary tract. 

If your cat is exhibiting any of the above signs of dehydration, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In many cases, treatment with fluids and electrolytes will bring the cat back from the brink.

What sign of my cat is dehydrated

When you notice your cat is dehydrated, there are several signs to look for. The most important sign is that the cat is not drinking enough water; this can be due to a lack of appetite or an inability to drink because of a foreign object blocking the throat. 

The mouth may be dry or have white patches on the lips and tongue, which are caused by a lack of saliva. The eyes may be sunken, and the skin may dry. A lethargic cat will not move around much, nor will they eat or drink. 

If your cat has any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.

What to do if your cat becomes dehydrated

If your cat becomes dehydrated, you must take her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Here are some things you can do at home to help her become rehydrated:

1. Make sure that she is drinking enough water. Place a bowl of fresh water near her food and make sure she drinks from it throughout the day. If she doesn’t drink from her regular water bowl, try putting chicken broth or diluted apple juice in it instead.
2. Provide plenty of fresh, clean food and water. If your cat eats dry food, try giving her canned food with wet food inside or mixing kibble with some canned sardines or tuna for extra moisture.
3. Heat a pot of water and put it near the cat. If she can drink from the pot, then she is rehydrating well. If she cannot drink from the pot or vomits after drinking from it, she needs professional help.
4. If your cat is not eating or drinking anything, take her to the veterinarian immediately, as dehydration can lead to serious health problems such as brain damage or death. Your cat may need fluids through an IV, or they may need to be hospitalized for care.

How to make your cat stay hydrated

One of the most important things you can do for your cat keeps them hydrated. Cats have a lot of water in their bodies, so it’s important to ensure they are getting enough. Here are some tips on how to make your cat stay hydrated:

1. Keep fresh water always available, both inside and outside the home.
2. Make sure the water dish is clean and filled to the top with fresh water.
3. Try not to let your cat drink from standing water or places where there is stagnant water.
4. Give your cat a small amount of wet food once or twice a day, which will help keep them hydrated.
5. Avoid giving your cat human drinks such as coffee, tea, or soda – these can be harmful to their health.
6. Try adding a water fountain to their environment. A water fountain will help keep your cat hydrated and healthy because it will give them access to fresh water all day long, no matter where they are in the house.

If you are looking for a water fountain that might be perfect for your feline cat, please check our recommendation below:

#TOP 1

PETLIBRO Upgraded Cat Water Fountain

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Feature:

• Quadruple Filtration System: 1. Activated carbon removes bad taste and odor 2. Ion exchange resin could soften the tap water 3. Medical stone removes heavy metals and releases trace elements 4. The non-woven fabric could filter hair and impurities that provide clean water and health to pets. (Each cat water fountain comes with 4 packs of premium filters.)
• Fresh Water Encourages Drinking: The bubbling fountain and free-falling stream can meet the needs of different pets and entertain them. The streams aerate the water for added oxygen and freshness.
• Runs Ultra Quietly: PETLIBRO automatic cat fountain runs absolutely silent even when the water level gets low (less than 23dB in professional lab tests).
• BPA-free & Emergency Water Storage: Made of high-quality ABS material, our automatic pet water fountain is BPA-free, durable, and safe. With a water storage capacity of about 80ml, it can provide water for your pet in case of power outages.
• 2.1L Large Capacity & Visible Water Level: The PETLIBRO dog water dispenser has a large effective drinking space. It's suitable for small and medium pets. The transparent window makes it easy to monitor the pet's overall water consumption.

#TOP 2

Catit Flower Fountain with Triple Action Filter

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Feature:

• Cat fountain features 3 different water flow settings for picky drinkers and offers maximum oxygenation for fresher, better tasting cat water; the unique design filters water so that it always stays fresh
• Can hold up to 3L in the cat water bowl and takes up little floor space; dimensions are 9.0 x 8.3 x 7.7 inches
• Includes triple action softening cat water filter and small energy-efficient pump with power cord (if an extension cord is necessary, connection must be watertight and dust proof); made of BPA-free materials
• Ergonomic design matches the Catit Multi Feeder; combine the cat water fountain and cat feeder to create a cat feeding station for a complete dining experience
• If the cat water fountain pump is making excessive noise, be sure to check the water level as it is most likely low

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#TOP 3

NPET WF050 Super Quiet Automatic Pet Drinking Fountain with Faucet Kit

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Feature:

• 【Encourage Drinking 】This cat water fountain is equipped with a faucet and spring surge modes which match the drinking habits of cats, dogs, and other pets. Faucet model: attract your pets to drink more water. There are three parts to the faucet. You could adjust the faucet height by taking out or set up the middle part.
• 【Notice】Round shape design, which your cats will not be hurt. Visible fully transparency water tank, it is easy to know when to clean and change water. So that your pet can always drink clean and healthy water. Component structure ,easy to install, easy to clean. The silicone tube of the pump is necessary, please don't take it off. Doesn't come with a wall plug. It is recommended to use a 5V, 1A adapter or power bank to operate it.
• 【Large Capacity】1.5 L water capacity is suitable for different age of cats, dogs and multiple pet households. No need to replenish water frequently, the storing water can last one week. Therefore you could go out for few days without worrying your lovely pets.
• 【Filtered Water】3 layers filter: Sponge could catch cats hair and debris, the ion exchange resin layer could soften the tap water, the third activated carbon layer could remove bad taste and odor that provides fresh and clean water to pets.
• 【Eco-friendly Material】This fountain model WF050-01 is not coming with an adapter. The pet fountain that is made of high quality non-toxic and odorless plastic material. A simple quick-release structure is designed for easy removal and cleaning.

Conclusions

Cats can go about three days without water but should drink plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration. If your cat seems thirsty, give them a small amount of water every few hours. 

If you notice any changes in behavior or appearance, such as increased panting, vomiting, or diarrhea, take your cat to the veterinarian for an examination and possible treatment.