Dry Fur

Hi! I'm new here and have looked for this topic and haven't found it so...

I adopted a black kitten from a shelter 3 weeks ago, and is just now 13 weeks old. The first week everything with his coat was normal. But about 9 days ago we hit a humid heat wave and I haven't been able to keep his coat soft. I have a crappy air conditioner and 2 fans that keep the living room nice and cool if he was hot.

He acts (well he may lick his fur more due to the heat), eats and uses the litter box the same. I'm slowly changing his food from "kitten chow" to a natural high qualitly food, "Acana" and give him wet food several times a day to try and get some moisture in him. Someone suggested to put olive oil on some of his dry food to get his moisture up. I can tell he's dehydrated (not vomiting or lethargic- just dry). I have 3 water bowls out for him and use water from the fridge and put ice cubes in when I have to go out.

He doesn't seem uncomfortable, I just want the best for him especially because this is a critical time in his development. Any suggestions?

Hi there, welcome

Is his dry coat the only indication that he is dehydrated?

Are his gums tacky and dry? (they should be slippery)
Check his litter box after he urinates to see if his urine is very yellow (I know this sounds gross but if it is it is another indicator)
If you pull his fur (gently) between his shoulders does it stay there a little while or return to normal?

These are tests I know of to check for dehydration. I know the dry fur is a sign too - but it can be a result of other issues - not just dehydration.

I think putting olive oil in his food sounds strange - you can add water to his wet food. My experience of dehydration was years ago with a poorly senior cat. I had to put a lot of water in her food to make sure she drank at all.

Mild dehydration can turn into severe dehydration quite quickly and as your kit is a kitten I would suggest if you are concerned you have a vet check him over.

Hope that helped.

Please consult his vet...

what may be happening is what I call so so food to good food itis... basically the body is riding itself of the old food causeing a mild detox

Please do Not put oil on dry food ... it is fine as a extra fatty acid supplement( which is for the coat and other things ... mix it into the dry food