Cats can consume Pedialyte, a commercially produced rehydration solution for children.
Some cats will merely drink from a clean bowl of water.
You can feed your cat a kitten food for the first year or two of life.
So, can cats drink pedialyte?
Yes, the cats can drink pedialyte when it is supplement of their feeding regimen.
Cats can consume Pedialyte too Cats can drink milk or water from a bowl just like any other animal, but milk doesn’t contain all the necessary nutrients that growing cats need.
However, if your cat has other health issues, it is probably not a good idea to give your cat Pedialyte.
If your cat is taking other medications or supplements concurrently, it’s advisable to consult with your vet before giving your cat Pedialyte or any medications.
Can Cats Drink Pedialyte?
Yes, cats can drink Pedialyte.
If you have a young kitten or cat that refuses to eat or drink you can mix powder into some wet food or dry food and increase the water intake through offering fresh or boiled water.
Pedialyte was meant for children, but when the child gets better or gains weight you can mix it with food when feeding the cat and the cat will drink it on its own.
What exactly is Pedialyte?
Pedialyte is the brand name of a pediatric electrolyte solution made by Abbott Laboratories.
It is used to restore fluids and minerals such as potassium and sodium that are often lost by vomiting, diarrhea, and fever in children.
When the body is dehydrated, it need fluids and electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, to function normally.
Pedialyte or related products can be obtained over-the-counter at pharmacies.
It also aids the body’s water balance and normal volume regulation.
Pedialyte is also a popular sports drink and some people use it to stay hydrated after an illness when they are unable to drink enough fluids.
Is Pedialyte Safe for Cats?
In general, Pedialyte is quite safe to offer your cat, but it is very important to ensure the solution you give is the correct type for your cat’s age and is not toxic to him.
However, several types of Pedialyte are specifically labeled for use with infants and children, and should not be used with cats.
Unflavored, unsweetened Pedialyte is the ideal product for cats because it contains only the sugar necessary to bind the electrolytes with sodium and potassium.
Furthermore, some Pedialyte contains zinc, and although zinc is non-toxic in small quantities, it can cause problems if ingested too frequently or in large amounts.
Pedialyte For Cats With Pancreatitis
You may give your cat Pedialyte if he has been vomiting and is dehydrated from diarrhea or until recently drinking little water.
If your cat is very dehydrated, use an eye dropper to gently fill his mouth with water and then give him a small amount of Pedialyte as a drink.
In dogs and cats, the pancreas is not normal until it returns to normal following an episode or chronic pancreatitis.
The pancreas is a gland that lies behind the stomach and secretes insulin and several enzymes that help digest food.
Lethargy and a reduction in appetite is common after pancreatitis in cats.
Vomiting isn’t a major problem in cats with pancreatitis, but if they vomit frequently you do need to seek veterinary attention for them.
Pedialyte For Cats With Kidney Diseases
If your cat has a disease that might lead to dehydration, such as kidney diseases, diabetes, or liver diseases, your veterinarian may prescribe a medication that will keep him hydrated.
To encourage your cat to drink water, try putting a little cat grass in his water bowl or toke some ribbonmint cat grass and place it in his water bowl.
Canned food is typically recommended and is not suggested for diabetic cats.
Another option is to increase your cats’s water and food intake by giving him more canned food or adding more chicken broth to his diet.
Electrolytes are required in a cats diet to help regulate his body fluids and metabolic functions.
Can Cats Drink Pedialyte For Dehydration?
Pedialyte is typically safe for cats to drink.
Pedialyte is available in a number flavors including strawberry, tropical punch and orange mango.
Unflavored and unsweetened pedialyte is the type that can be given to cats and is typically glucose free.
Furthermore, although zinc is essential for the feline diet, pedialyte is not a good source of zinc since it is a mineral supplement and not a well-balanced food.
Although this is unusual with Pedialyte, you should discuss your concerns with your veterinarian since it may be an indication of an underlying medical condition or disease.
Pedialyte has a minimal risk of causing side effects and rarely causes any adverse effects in cats.
Your cat may become dehydrated due to an imbalance in his diet or due to an underlying health problem or disease.
Pedialyte is an excellent home remedy for moderate dehydration and may help alleviate some of the symptoms of the disease in cats.
Illness-related vomiting and diarrhea may cause dehydration, which may be mild or severe.
A high temperature or hot weather may contribute to dehydration in cats.
How Often Should I Give Pedialyte to My Cat?
The quantity of Pedialyte administered depends on the body weight of the cat.
In general, 2-4 milliliters of solution are given for a cat weighing about 10 pounds, whereas 10-15 milliliters are recommended for cats weighing about 10-20 pounds.
How to prevent your cat from being dehydrated
While dehydration is not always avoided, there are things you can do to prevent it from occurring, or at least minimize its effects should your cat become dehydrated.
- Bone broths without salt or seasoning are a great way to prevent your cat from losing too much water when he or she has diarrhea or vomiting.
- Do not give your cat other liquids other than water until he or she recovers from dehydration.
- Keep an eye for other symptoms, such as lethargy, skin or coat loss, and excessive drooling, and take them to the vet if they occur.
- If you know how much your cat drinks every day and he or she is not drinking more than usual or had diarrhea or vomiting for more than two days, take him or her to the vet as dehydration.
- Make sure your cat is drinking enough by looking in her mouth for saliva; a white stick is a sign of dehydration.
- Maintain a constant supply for drinking water at all times.
Also See: Can Cats Drink Buttermilk?
Conclusion
Pedialyte is healthy for cats and should be given if your cat is sick from dehydration or diarrhea.
Pedialyte is non-toxic and will not harm to your cat.
We suggest taking Pedialyte when moderate dehydration occurs or use chicken broth to dilute the Pedialyte if your cat is dehydrated for more severe conditions.
Also, bear in mind that dehydration may be a symptom of other illnesses or conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, so always take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice signs of dehydration.
