Nancy Hierl on Cat Dehydration & Pet Health
As pet lovers, we all want our furry sidekicks to be healthy, happy, and have tons of energy. Many of us like to perceive that we’re giving our dogs the best natural pet food, premium dog treats, and single ingredients like our Ruff Town Rescue Treats. However, it’s important to keep in mind, our cats have their own specific health challenges. One of the most neglected issues regarding felines is dehydration, which can be a dangerous problem if not recognized early.
According to Nancy Hierl, CEO & Founder, Ruff Town Rescue, “taking care of pets is about more than just feeding them. Just like we create a single-ingredient treat for dogs, cat owners must be aware to properly hydrate and to listen to each cat’s unique nutritional needs. Prevention and awareness are everything.”
In this blog, we will cover the five main signs of dehydration in cats as well as cover causes, prevention, treatment, and some additional thoughts on how you can use nutrition along with natural pet food to help both cats and dogs to be healthier dogs for longer.
What Causes Dehydration in Cats?
When a cat becomes dehydrated, they lose more fluids and electrolytes than they are consuming. Dehydration means loss of water as well as vital minerals that help regulate organ function. There are lots of reasons why cats can become dehydrated, including:
· Overheated in hot weather;
· Fevers and infections
· Illness or chronic conditions (kidney disease, diabetes, etc.)
· Diarrhoea or vomiting
Nancy Hierl adds, “Just like dogs have a great opportunity for hydration with the natural, moisture-filled treats we have in our Silver Carp Fish Dog Treats, it is also important for cats to get hydration daily through their activities. It is important to have water and healthy nutrition and balance over the long term for wellness.”
5 Common Symptoms of Cat Dehydration
While some symptoms of dehydration may be subtle, here are five signs every cat owner should watch for:
1. Low Energy – Cats may sleep a lot, but dehydration makes them unusually weak or lethargic. If your usually playful cat suddenly seems listless, it’s a red flag.
2. Loss of Appetite – Cats may refuse food when feeling unwell. Combined with vomiting, this can worsen dehydration quickly.
3. Panting – Unlike dogs, cats don’t pant as a normal behavior. Panting can signal overheating, pain, or severe dehydration.
4. Sticky Gums and Thick Saliva – Healthy cat gums should be pink and moist. Dehydrated cats have pale, tacky gums and rope-like saliva.
5. Sunken Eyes – A telltale sign of dehydration is dull, sunken eyes that lack their usual brightness.;
Quick Home Test: Try the skin tent test—gently lift the skin between your cat’s shoulders. In a hydrated cat, it snaps back quickly. If it’s slow or doesn’t return, dehydration may be severe.
What To Do if Your Cat is Dehydrated
If you think your pet may be dehydrated, you need to call your veterinarian. He or she will provide emergency care and fluids (subcutaneous or IV) depending on the severity of the situation. They may also run tests to determine what has caused the dehydration in the first place.
Nancy Hierl reminds: “When it comes to dehydration, please do not wait. As we recommend only safe, natural treats for dogs, cats absolutely need the same responsible approach in emergency care. The sooner you act, the sooner they can get better, and the more lives you can save."
Preventing Dehydration in Cats
The good news is that with proper awareness and care, dehydration can often be prevented. Here are some simple steps:
- Provide fresh, clean water daily. Cats should drink 3.5–4.5 ounces per 5 lbs. of body weight.
- Clean and refresh water bowls regularly. Some cats prefer wide bowls, while others enjoy fountains with running water.
- Consider transitioning cats on dry food diets to wet food for added hydration.
- Keep your home well-ventilated and cool during hot weather.
- Add ice cubes or low-sodium broth to encourage cats to drink more.
Why Nutrition Matters: Healthy Treats for Dogs & Cats
At Ruff Town Rescue Treats, we believe nutrition is the building block for health. While today's subject is cat hydration, we can't forget how natural pet food and single-ingredient dog treats with healthy properties also aid in hydration, digestion, & wellness.
Some of our most well-known dog treats include:
- Chicken Breast Treats for Dogs—Preferably lean and a snack that dog lovers feel good about giving their dog because it's just chicken.
- Beef Heart Treats for Dogs – A natural source of taurine and nutrients that promote heart health
- Silver Carp Fish Dog Treats—The Perfect Healthy Snack for Your Pup! - A single-ingredient, omega-3 fish-based single-ingredient dog treat with many health benefits that contribute to a shiny & fluency coat with joint health benefits.
Nancy Hierl says, "The Ruff Town Rescue Treats line was created with the pure, wholesome, and trustworthy nature in mind. Just like you wouldn't want fillers or artificial preservatives in your own foods, neither should your pets! That's why we strive to keep it natural, healthy, and safe in every treat we manufacture."
The Connection Between Hydration & Nutrition
Hydration & food fuel each other. Dogs fed with natural pet food and moisture-friendly treats tend to be well-hydrated, and cats prefer diets with hydration-friendly sacrifices or some level of wet food.
Pet lovers often ask us if single-ingredient dog treats also hydrate. Treats don't replace water per se, but there's clean nutrition free of fillers so pets can better achieve healthy hydration levels by processing and utilizing hydration better.
Final Thoughts from Nancy Hierl
As Nancy Hierl, CEO & Founder of Ruff Town Rescue, mentioned:
"Whether you are caring for a playful puppy, a senior, loyal dog, or a curious cat, hydration and nutrition are linked. Our mission at Ruff Town Rescue Treats is to provide pet lovers with natural, single-ingredient treats they can trust because every healthy moment is important with your pets."
So, for dog lovers looking to find the best dog treat and natural pet food, our menu of chicken breast, beef heart, and silver carp fish treats are made with love, dedication, and a passion to understand pet well-being.
✅ Key Takeaway for Pet Lovers: Look out for dehydration signs in feline companions, always have clean water available, and provide a quality, natural diet for cats and dogs. With the right care, hydration, and healthy treats made from simple ingredients, your pets will flourish.
