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Is Pedialyte safe for cats? What about zinc toxicity concerns?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 21 years and 1 month old | 8 lbs

Hi, there is a big concern of giving cats Pedialyte that contains zinc. The product is not new but the concern is. 7.8mg of Zinc/1L of Pedialyte is 0.78mg/100ml or 0.078mg/10ml. You don't give electrolytes regularly and the amount given I feel is a low dose over a short period of time. Cats need zinc in their diet as do we, is this short term treatment a concern for zinc toxicity in cats? Thank you for your time. Regards, Leanne

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on September 2nd, 2017

Short periods of pedialyte (up to 3 days) are unlikely to cause any adverse effects from the zinc content. If a cat was receiving regular supplementation I would recommend using a veterinary specific brand such as royal canin rehydration support. The electrolyte needs of humans and dogs/cats are very different as they do not sweat like people do and require a different balance of salts

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  • Image profile

    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Short periods of pedialyte (up to 3 days) are unlikely to cause any adverse effects from the zinc content. If a cat was receiving regular supplementation I would recommend using a veterinary specific brand such as royal canin rehydration support. The electrolyte needs of humans and dogs/cats are very different as they do not sweat like people do and require a different balance of salts

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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