How to Tell If a Kitten Is Dehydrated

Kitten dehydration is serious and must be detected and treated quickly. Minor dehydration can be treated at home, but dehydration accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Water is the most important nutrient for cats, and proper kitten care including daily weighing can help prevent this serious and potentially lethal condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital scale
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh the kitten daily and keep a record of her weight. If you notice a drop in weight by one or two pounds, you should check further for dehydration as weight loss can be a symptom of dehydration.

    • 2

      Feel the kitten's gums. A dehydrated kitten will have dry gums, whereas a healthy cat has wet and slippery gums.

    • 3

      Pinch the kitten's skin between the shoulder blades, pull the skin up in a twisting motion and then release the skin. If the skin does not return to its normal position immediately, the kitten is dehydrated. The longer it takes for the kitten's skin to return to normal, the more the kitten is in need of fluids.