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How long can a cat safely go without water before it's dangerous?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9.5 lbs

Can a cat safely go 24 -48 hours without water?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 19th, 2018

This is cutting it close and I would not even try it. Cats, like all living things need water and deprivation of water will cause kidney damage, cell damage, and the cat will feel very uncomfortable, and likely seriously lethargic. Cats can die if deprived of water. Each cat is different and you cannot put a time frame on when water deprivation turns dangerous.

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