⚠️ Veterinary Disclaimer: This calculator is an educational tool for estimating fluid requirements based on standard veterinary formulas. Fluid therapy plans must be individualized by a licensed veterinarian. Cardiac or renal patients require adjusted rates.
Understanding Feline Fluid Therapy
Calculating the correct fluid rate for a cat involves balancing three distinct volume requirements: maintenance needs, correcting dehydration (deficit), and replacing ongoing losses. This calculator uses the standard "Maintenance + Replacement + Losses" approach over a 24-hour period.
The Formulas Used
This calculator utilizes standard veterinary algorithms to determine total fluid volume:
Maintenance: Calculated as 50 ml × Body Weight (kg). This is a widely accepted linear approximation for feline resting fluid requirements.
Deficit (Dehydration): Calculated as Weight (kg) × Dehydration % × 1000. This converts the percentage of water loss into milliliters required to restore hydration status.
Ongoing Losses: An estimate entered by the user to account for fluids lost through vomiting, diarrhea, or polyuria over the next 24 hours.
Drip Sets: 15 vs 60 gtt/ml
For cats, the choice of the administration set (drip set) is crucial for accurate dosing:
60 gtt/ml (Microdrip): Standard for most cats and small patients. Since 60 drops equal 1 ml, the flow rate in drops per minute equals milliliters per hour.
15 or 20 gtt/ml (Macrodrip): Generally reserved for very large cats or rapid bolus administration, as it is difficult to accurately count slow rates with these sets.
Assessing Dehydration in Cats
Accurate input of the dehydration percentage is vital for the calculation:
< 5%: Not clinically detectable.
5-6%: Subtle loss of skin elasticity, slightly tacky mucous membranes.
6-8%: Delay in skin tent return, dry mucous membranes, eyes may appear slightly sunken.