Why Does My Cat Drink So Much Water
If you’ve noticed that your cat is drinking a lot of water, it’s probably because you’ve been paying closer attention to him or her lately. But if the change in water consumption is sudden and doesn’t go away, then it could be a sign of something serious.
In this article, we’ll look at several possible causes behind excessive water consumption by cats (and what each one means). After that, we’ll discuss what steps you should take if your cat develops an abnormal thirst for H2O.
Why Does My Cat Drink So Much Water
Cats are carnivores, meaning they need a significant amount of water to help break down their food. This is why it’s important for your cats to drink plenty of water each day. However, there are other reasons why your cat might be drinking more than usual:
- When sick or stressed, cats tend to drink extra water—or so they hope it will help them feel better.
- Cats can get dehydrated quickly when it’s hot outside or if they spend too much time indoors in air conditioning.
- Cats may also want more water when pregnant or nursing because their bodies require extra fluids and nutrients to support their kittens’ development.
You should contact your veterinarian if you notice that your cat is drinking excessive amounts of water without urinating frequently (which indicates the kidneys aren’t working properly). They’ll likely recommend some tests for kidney disease or diabetes mellitus (a common cause) before making any definitive diagnoses about why your pet seems so thirsty all the time!
1. Your Cat May Have Diabetes
- Your Cat May Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes your cat to lose too much sugar in their urine. It can be caused by a number of factors, including obesity and stress. Cats with diabetes need insulin injection treatment so they can regulate the amount of sugar in their system.
2. Your Cat May Have Chronic Kidney Disease
If your cat is drinking a lot of water and you don’t think it’s because of an underlying illness, your cat may have chronic kidney disease. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperthyroidism.
The symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite (which will cause the cat to lose weight)
You can test for chronic kidney disease at home with a urine test; if there’s protein in the urine then this suggests that your cat has chronic kidney disease. Other tests and treatments are available if needed; however since cats are living longer these days it’s just as important to prevent the disease as it is to treat it once it develops.
3. Your Cat May Have Hyperthyroidism
- Your Cat May Have Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism is not the only condition that can cause your cat to drink more water than normal. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive, which in turn causes too much iodine to be produced in the body. The production of these hormones affects how fast your pet’s metabolism works and how quickly their heart beats. It also means they need more energy to sustain their bodies, which results in them needing more food and water than they normally would.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common cause of increased drinking in cats because it affects their kidneys so much that they can no longer filter out toxins effectively, making them feel thirsty all the time (and drinking lots of water helps flush these toxins out). If you notice other symptoms such as weight loss despite eating well or excessive grooming behavior in addition to increased thirstiness, it could be worth taking your pet for an exam with a veterinarian who specializes in treating cats so that hyperthyroidism can be ruled out before any serious damage occurs from dehydration caused by excessive thirstiness!
4. Your Cat May Be in Pain
If your cat is suffering from an illness, pain could be the culprit. If you have an older cat, it’s possible that he has arthritis or another condition that causes chronic pain. In fact, many illnesses are accompanied by a great deal of discomfort and therefore require frequent trips to the litter box or water bowl.
Pain can also be caused by dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. Whenever your cat eats or drinks something cold, he runs the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) that will cause him to drink more water than usual to dilute his urine and reduce its acidity. Diabetes is another condition that leads some cats to drink abnormally large amounts of water because their bodies can’t properly regulate blood sugar levels.
5. Changes in Diet May Trigger Drinking
Some cats may drink more water because of dietary changes. For example, if your cat has recently switched to a new diet, he may be drinking more water in order to help his body adjust. Changes in diet can also affect the way that your cat digests certain foods and this could cause him to need more fluids. In addition, sudden changes in your cat’s food can lead him to drink more water as he tries to quell any stomach upset from eating something unfamiliar.
Another reason why cats drink excessive amounts of water is because it helps with digestion. If you have recently introduced a new type of food into your pet’s diet, then it is possible that they have an upset stomach due to this change. This can result in excessive consumption of liquids which can lead them down the path towards dehydration if left unchecked for too long!
If you believe that there are other causes at play here such as allergies or kidney disease then speak with your veterinarian immediately!
6. Cats Might Drink Excessively After Dental Work
- Cats Might Drink Excessively After Dental Work
It may be that your cat is drinking more water after dental work, as this is a common cause for excessive drinking. However, it is also possible that he or she will drink excessively after eating or drinking anything new or different in their diet. Some cats have also been known to drink more with urinary tract infections (UTIs), though this can be temporary and doesn’t always last long.
If your cat is drinking a lot more water than usual, it might be time for a trip to the vet.
If your cat is drinking a lot more water than usual, it might be time for a trip to the vet. Cats are naturally very clean animals and can easily become dehydrated in a short period of time. Drinking excessive amounts of water is often an indication of one of several health issues, including kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Your veterinarian will be able to determine what’s causing your cat’s excessive thirst and recommend treatment options if needed.
If your cat is drinking a lot more water than usual, it might be time for a trip to the vet. If you notice any changes in your cat’s eating habits or weight loss, try to get them checked out as soon as possible.
