Does Your Cat Drink a Lot of Water? Here's What You Need to Know
Does your feline seem to be consuming more water than normal? Although cats' drinking habits might vary, extreme thirst or polydipsia may be a reason for worry. For the sake of your cat's health and welfare, you must comprehend the causes of their excessive water consumption.
How Much Water Does Your Cat Need?
A healthy cat needs around three ounces of water for every five pounds of body weight. For instance:
- A 5-pound cat needs 3 ounces of water.
- 6 ounces are needed for a 10-pound cat.
- 12 ounces of water a day are required for a 20-pound cat.
Since cats that consume wet food will obtain the majority of their hydration from their meals, this overall recommendation includes water from treats and wet food. However, in order to make up for the absence of moisture in their meal, dry-food cats often consume more water.
What’s Causing My Cat to Drink So Much Water?
Your cat may be drinking a lot of water for a number of reasons, including:
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Increased Activity or Hot Weather: Cats, like us, consume more water in hot weather or when they are more active.
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Dietary Changes: Your cat's drinking habits may change if you switch up their diet, particularly between dry and wet food.
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Medication: As a side effect, several of the drugs your veterinarian prescribes may make your cat more thirsty.
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Health Problems: Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, and kidney disease are prevalent illnesses that contribute to excessive drinking. It's crucial to see a veterinarian if your cat is drinking more and exhibiting other symptoms.
Signs of Possible Health Issues
Increased thirst may be a sign of a more severe medical condition. The following are some typical health issues linked to binge drinking:
Kidney Conditions
Dehydration and excessive urination are common symptoms of kidney disease. Other signs and symptoms might be:
- Bad breath
- Loss of weight
- Diminished appetite
- Extreme sluggishness
- Urinary accidents or back pain
Liver Illness
Liver problems might manifest as symptoms like:
- Jaundice, or skin or eye yellowing
- Abdominal swelling
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Too much thirst
Hyperthyroidism
Your cat may drink more water as a result of this condition, which is often accompanied by:
- Loss of weight
- An increase in appetite
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
Diabetes
A diabetic cat will often consume more water and show other symptoms such as:
- Loss of weight
- Urinating a lot
- Appetite loss
- Lethargy and weakness
When Should I See a Vet?
You should contact your veterinarian if your cat is drinking a lot more water than normal or if you see any other worrisome signs. To identify the underlying problem, the veterinarian will often suggest a urinalysis and blood tests.
You may provide your veterinarian crucial information that can aid in the diagnosis by keeping an eye on your cat's water consumption. Early intervention may sometimes result in more successful therapy, particularly for illnesses like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or renal disease.
How Can You Measure Your Cat’s Water Intake?
You may measure how much water your cat drinks over the course of a day to keep an eye on their drinking patterns. Start by completely filling their water bowl, then at the end of the day, observe how much water remains. Drinking more than 100 milliliters per kilogram of body weight each day is known as polydipsia. It's critical to get veterinarian guidance if your cat is consuming excessive amounts of water.
Conclusion
The weather or a change in their nutrition might be the cause of your cat's excessive water intake. Excessive thirst, nevertheless, may potentially indicate more significant health problems. You can make sure your pet is healthy and hydrated by monitoring how much water they consume and seeking advice from a veterinarian if necessary.
