A lot of people may be surprised to learn how long cats can survive without food and water. While cats are completely dependent on people for their daily needs, they can also safely survive for a few days without these necessities. However, leaving your cat alone can be dangerous. Here are some tips to keep your feline friend healthy and safe.
Wet food provides essential amino acids
Animal protein is the best source of amino acids for cats, which are essential building blocks of proteins. These proteins are crucial to a cat’s overall health, as they are responsible for forming enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. A balanced diet for your cat should contain a variety of animal proteins, including meat, fish, and eggs. This type of diet helps your cat’s body regenerate tissue and keep its claws strong.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot produce on their own, so it is important to feed your cat a quality food that is rich in taurine. Taurine is found in many organs and muscle meat, and a lack of taurine in your cat’s diet can lead to various health problems. Fortunately, manufacturers have incorporated taurine into most cat food to combat this problem.
Older cats are more likely to die of starvation
Although a cat can survive without food and water for two to four days, it will eventually die if not given enough to keep it healthy. The body can only maintain a certain level of energy by using up stored fat. This process causes the liver to swell and slowly shut down. This disease is known as hepatic lipidosis and is unique to cats. It is especially common among overweight cats.
An older cat can also suffer from an underlying disease called inflammatory bowel disease. IBD occurs when inflammatory cells invade the gastrointestinal tract. These cells thicken the walls and disrupt the ability of the intestines to function properly. Your vet can diagnose IBD and prescribe a special diet for your cat.
Kittens are less likely to die of dehydration
A kitten is less likely to die of dehydration if it has access to food and water. But older cats can still succumb to dehydration if they have underlying illnesses. The best thing to do for a dehydrated cat is to take it to the vet for treatment. In some cases, a veterinarian will give the cat subcutaneous fluids, which are often given as an outpatient procedure. Other cases may require hospitalization. If the dehydration is very severe, an IV catheter is placed to provide fluids directly into the bloodstream. Regardless of the cause, it may take several days to return the cat to normal hydration.
If you find your kitten is dehydrated, do not wait for it to eat or drink. Your kitten may not even realize it is thirsty, and this can make the situation even worse. A dehydrated kitten will not die of thirst, but a dehydrated cat will experience a variety of other medical problems, including liver and kidney failure. To prevent your kitten from becoming dehydrated, be sure to give him or her fresh water at least once a day.
