Cats and vaping

[Odysseus]

Given the dehydrating nature of our vapor, and the fact that so many house cats eventually pass due to kidney failure, it seems to me that vaping in a closed house or room with your pet cat is probably really bad for your feline. I have no scientific evidence of this. It just seems like basic reasoning.

We have geriatric house cats 16 and 17 years old. Given the health symptoms they were presenting and the fact they were both diagnosed with poly-cystic kidney disease, we decided to begin giving them SQ (subcutaneous) fluids every other day to help keep them well hydrated and their kidneys flushed. They seem much happier, have better appetites, don't "meatloaf" and have stopped vomiting bile. It will likely prolong their lives from anywhere between several months to a couple of years. Their quality of life seems to have greatly improved as well.

Now, the last thing I would want to do is anything that may dehydrate them or force their kidneys to work harder. Just something for cat lovers to think about.

 

[BleedingOrange36]

Hmm.... Interesting.
Now you have me slightly worried. My one cat absolutely loves vape clouds...
He appears out of no where and heads right towards my cloud.
Thanks for the heads up, I will do a little research and see if there's anything info out there.

 

[Ferrel1134]

Oh no now I got to watch them.


Smoke free since feb 19 2013

 

[BleedingOrange36]

I'm curious if dehydration in cats is linked to the clay used in litter.....
My cats spend an awfully lot of time in the dome..... I wonder if the dust gets inhaled and could cause a problem?

 

[StormFinch]

The following is just stuff from what I know from e-cig studies, vapor culture and years of animal related jobs/volunteer work, I'm not a vet or vet tech.

The vapor we produce dissipates relatively quickly, so short of letting our cats vape or blowing it directly in their faces, I really don't see dehydration from vapor being a problem. However, PG is a known poison to cats when ingested, so I would definitely keep them out of the clouds.

On the other hand, feeding a cat a diet consisting of only dry food can be detrimental to their urinary health, as cats in the wild get most of their fluid intake from their prey. Prey is approximately 70% water compared to dry food at 10%, and wet food at around 78%. Although my cat clearly prefers her dry food, I can tell a marked difference in her coat and skin if I don't feed at least half her diet in quality wet food. Yes, she'll drink out of the water bowl, but prefers it out of the faucet if she can get it. She still starts with the dry skin and coat if I let her eat nothing but dry food, and I feed high quality in that as well. If you believe your cat is having problems with low level dehydration, try feeding at least half their diet in a good canned cat food and see if it helps.

 

[jamie]

Given the dehydrating nature of our vapor, and the fact that so many house cats eventually pass due to kidney failure, it seems to me that vaping in a closed house or room with your pet cat is probably really bad for your feline. I have no scientific evidence of this. It just seems like basic reasoning.

Given that firsthand exposure doesn't cause such problems for rats or newborn infants, I'm skeptical that secondhand exposure would be worse for cats. But that's just my own 2 cents.

Hopefully you'll be measuring your humidity at home to test your theory and report back.

 

[jamie]

I'm curious if dehydration in cats is linked to the clay used in litter.....
My cats spend an awfully lot of time in the dome..... I wonder if the dust gets inhaled and could cause a problem?

It is problematic for some cats, as are heavily perfumed litters and similar products. Uncovered boxes and unscented litters could be generally considered superior, and lower dust levels superior to higher dust levels. HOWEVER I wouldn't say it's dehydration, rather it's respiratory irritation, allergies, asthma, etc.