Why Is My Cat Drinking So Much Water
Most people associate cats with being loners, but they are actually social animals. They rely heavily on their owners to keep them healthy and happy. Drinking is a behavior that is often overlooked by cat owners because it’s not as obvious as eating or playing. However, if your cat suddenly begins drinking more than usual, there could be a serious problem brewing.
Stress.
Stress is one of the most common causes of increased thirst, urination and appetite in cats. It can also cause your cat to stop eating or drinking, grooming and sleeping — all signs of stress.
A change in their environment, such as moving to a new home or having a baby enter your family can cause stress for cats. Other common causes include loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms; being left alone for long periods of time; being bullied by other pets in the household; losing an owner or companion animal; moving homes with unfamiliar furniture and smells; having new people living in the home who aren’t familiar with them (such as new roommates); undergoing medical procedures such as surgery on a limb that was previously injured prior to surgery taking place during which the limb was immobilized so it healed properly (this happens frequently when someone gets bitten by an animal).
Diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that affects how your cat’s body uses insulin. Insulin helps to regulate your cat’s blood glucose level, which can cause problems with digestion and weight gain if not regulated properly. In addition to increased thirst, diabetes may also cause your cat to urinate more often than usual, due to the excess glucose in their bodies being excreted through their urine. If you suspect that your pet has diabetes or you are concerned about his/her water consumption and urination habits, it’s important for you to take him/her in for checkups with a veterinarian so they can assess whether there are any underlying health issues at hand.
Kidney Disease.
Another common cause of increased thirst is kidney disease. Kidney disease can be caused by a number of factors, including diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). Other causes include hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland that can be caused by an underactive pituitary gland.
Kidney disease usually occurs in cats who are older than 10 years old, but it can also happen to younger cats as well. Signs of kidney disease include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting and other GI issues like diarrhea or constipation. It’s important to note that these signs may appear only intermittently at first; if you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior at all that seem out of the ordinary for him (like him being more thirsty than usual), it’s worth bringing into your vet for a checkup just to make sure everything is okay before things get worse!
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
If your cat is drinking an abnormally large amount of water, it could be a sign that his or her blood pressure is elevated. This problem—called hypertension—is common in cats and can lead to other health issues.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when the blood vessels are under stress from high amounts of circulating fluids. The body reacts to this stress by releasing hormones that help maintain normal levels of fluid in the body’s various systems. One way these hormones work is by causing excess fluid retention (edema) in some areas of the body, including the legs, abdomen, chest cavity and lungs. Another way they work is by constricting or narrowing certain blood vessels so it takes less effort for them to transport oxygen-rich blood from your pet’s lungs back through its four chambers before returning it again through its heart where carbon dioxide combines with water molecules we breathe out as carbon dioxide gas into our atmosphere…
Hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck along the windpipe. It produces two hormones that control metabolism: triiodothyronine (T3), which increases body temperature and energy levels, and thyroxine (T4), which slows down your cat’s heart rate.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your cat’s thyroid gland produces too much T3 or T4 hormone. This causes the cat to produce excessive heat and go through rapid weight loss despite having an increased appetite. The excess hormone can also cause physical symptoms such as muscle weakness, irritability, loss of haircoat, hyperactivity and panting.
Cancer.
If your cat is drinking more water than normal, it could be a sign of cancer. Cats can get cancer, too! Cancer is a common cause of increased thirst in cats, and it’s usually diagnosed through an examination by a veterinarian. There are many different types of cancers that affect the kidneys or urinary tract system—some are even hereditary! But rest assured: most kidney cancers are treatable if they’re caught early enough.
Dietary Changes.
Cats can be finicky eaters, so it is important to keep their diet consistent. If you have recently changed your cat’s food or introduced a new type of food into their diet, this could be causing them to drink more water than normal. In addition, if you have recently switched houses or added a new member to your household—such as another cat or dog—your cat may be stressed and require additional hydration in order to cope with the changes in its environment.
Pancreatitis and Liver Disease.
If your cat is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign of liver disease or pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which is a small organ that sits between the stomach and intestines. The pancreas produces enzymes to help digest food and also hormones that control blood sugar levels in the body.
When it comes to cats, pancreatitis can be caused by an infection or blockage of the bile ducts within the liver. It can also be caused by high blood pressure as well as kidney failure—which are common with both diseases.
If you suspect your cat has developed liver disease, there are several symptoms to look out for:
A drinking cat could be an indication of a serious health problem.
If your cat is drinking a lot of water, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian. A cat’s excessive intake of fluid can be indicative of many different health problems, including kidney disease and diabetes. The vet will run tests to determine the cause and help your pet get better.
A drinking cat is a common symptom of a serious health problem. It can be difficult to determine the cause of this behavior, so it’s important to get your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
