Thread: More front than Brighton!

Let's put it this way, I'm glad I've got experience of dehydrated animals and know how to fix it quickly! Sugar water is the best way to do it, that I know of - 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 5 teaspoons of sugar, 1 litre of hot water, mix it up, let it cool and then try and get them to drink (for future reference for anyone). If there are other/better ways, would be great to hear them, so I can add to my panic box!

I wouldn't have known that so thanks for the tip!

You're welcome :-) When you *finally* pick him up and take him for a quick vet check, ask them for some small needleless syringes - always good to have a stock just in case!

Good tip 8 weeks and counting...

Syringes are definitely helpful to have around. You can purchase a few from your vet. We have used them recently to give FortiFlora (mixed in water) to one girl who won't just lick it up.

Incidentally, didn't know if people realize that unlike other mammals, cats are believed to lack the ability to taste sweetness, so they would not be attracted to sugar water like a dog would:

An interesting example of a mutation that is shared among all felines, including the big cats, is a mutant chemosensor in their taste buds that prevents them from tasting sweetness, which may explain their indifference to fruits, berries, and other sugary foods

[Wikipedia]
and
Strange but True: Cats Cannot Taste Sweets: Scientific American

Ooh how weird! My rat must be part cat then too, as she hates sweet things and just refuses to eat them!

The sugar water is for energy and rehydration rather than getting them to drink, though, and they pick up very quickly with it, rather than just plain water.