Does My Cat Have a Drinking Problem? Hydration and Health in Feline Medicine

Cats evolved in the fertile crescent, in a desert environment. They are well suited to handling water efficiently, but only under healthy natural circumstances. When they are ill, when they age, or when they are not eating a diet they have hunted, they are frequently at risk for dehydration. A common presentation of dehydration is constipation, but the importance of adequate and appropriate hydration goes beyond that. Water is a foundational need: all cells require water and balanced electrolytes. This presentation looks at the role of optimizing hydration in cats of any age and health status._x000D_
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Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the participant should be able to_x000D_
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Understand which problems are exacerbated by dehydration_x000D_
Tailor a hydration plan for an individual patient both in clinic and at home_x000D_
 Craft a program that suits the personality of a given client and their cat