How Much Should Cats Drink
Every cat is different, and each one will drink different amounts depending on their lifestyle, health, and environmental factors. For example, a cat that lives inside a cool house may not drink quite as much as a very active cat who spends a lot of time outside. Your vet will be able to tell you roughly how much water your cat needs based on their diet, lifestyle, and physical health.
Bear in mind that a lot of your cats water intake might come from their food. Wet cat food already contains some water, so a cat who has a wet food diet wont need to drink as much as a cat who only eats dry food. Dry food contains very little water, so they need to make up for it by drinking enough. Your cat should instinctively know that they need more water and should drink enough to make up for it after all, they feel thirst just like we do.
There are plenty of other factors that will affect how much your cat drinks. Like us, theyll drink more if its hot, or if theyve been physically very active, so take these things into account.
Check out the guide below and find out roughly how much your cat should drink per day depending on their weight:
Final Verdict Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating
In conclusion, how best can we address the question why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? Well, when it comes to the why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating question, there are a couple of reasons your cat may be drinking too much water and at the same time not eating.
Unfortunately, the most obvious reasons are not desirable ones. They include underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Apart from diabetes, this behavior could also mean that your cat is suffering from kidney problems.
Cost Of Drinking A Lot
The cost of treating excessive thirst in cats varies depending on the cause. For example, treating diabetes, which is a lifelong illness, can range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the age of your pet and the severity of the condition. Kidney disease ranges from $200 for medication to $35,000 for a kidney transplant. Liver disease may cost up to $6,000 and the others range from $200 to $2,000. The average cost overall to treat a cat who is drinking a lot is about $2,000.
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Drinking: Increased Water Intake In Cats
Drinking more is a common medical problem in cats, particularly older cats. This factsheet discusses how to tell if your cat is really drinking excessively, the causes common and rare and how the issue may be managed. The medical term for an increased thirst is polydipsia and for an increase in the volume of urine being produced it is polyuria. Vets often refer to the joint syndrome as PU/PD.
A healthy cat may take in between 20 and 90ml of water per kg of body weight per 24 hours. This figure includes the water in food, which obviously varies according to how much dry and how much canned/pouched food the cat has.
So it is not until your cat is drinking around 100ml of water per kg body weight per day that you can be sure this is excessive. However, most cats do not drink this much and for many a lesser intake may be significantly abnormal so if you notice any increase in the amount of water being drunk by your cat this may be the first indication of a problem and should not be ignored. Cats on dry diets will need to drink more than cats on moist food so if you have recently changed your cats diet this may be the reason for a change in drinking habits.
When cats are drinking more it is nearly always caused by a disease that is causing the kidneys to make dilute urine and the cat then has to drink to stop being thirsty. So it is actually usually the increased urine production that happens first and the increased drinking is to compensate.
How Much Water Does A Cat Drink In A Day
First of all, it is important to consider the normal amount of water a cat should drink per day. To do this, it is necessary to know the cat’s routine and personality, as polydipsia and the consequent polyuria are symptoms that can go unnoticed and, therefore, carers may take some time to realize that something is not going well.
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Always Associate Water With Positive Reinforcements
If you have a younger cat, this is a perfect opportunity.
Use this time to make your cat more used to being around water. Cats arent instinctually averse to water. They dislike it because they dont like the texture of something they cannot control.
Giving your cat water and allowing them to play with water while using treats and positive words will allow them to associate it with a positive moment, thus eliminating the need to stay away from it.
I recently published guides to address two more problems kittens not drinking water& can cats drink Gatoradethat might help you to deal with the common issues of felines.
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How Can I Get My Cat To Drink More
Cats are very fussy about things in general and water is no exception. Male cats especially benefit from drinking sufficient water to help prevent urinary tract disease. Older cats are less inclined to drink water and are subsequently more likely to become dehydrated. They are also likely to have underlying diseases processes requiring a greater fluid intake. Accordingly, you should encourage your cat to drink sufficient water all year round to help prevent disease .
Some suggestions to increase your cats water intake:
- Cats like fresh water the same as we do and prefer water changed daily.
- Purchasing a pet water fountain can provide constant fresh water and some mental stimulation for your feline friend.
- Plastic bowls can make water taste funny to cats and often swapping to a glass, ceramic or stainless steel bowl can make it more attractive.
- Changing their diet to include some wet food .
- In the warmer months, ice cubes help to both cool the water and provide a source of entertainment.
A thirsty cat could be an unwell cat, so it is vitally important that you contact your veterinary health care team to discuss any concerns that you have.
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Cat Drinks Too Much Water
If a cat begins to drink more water than normal and even excess it is possible that if it is not for a specific physiological reason we are facing a possible sign of a disease. One of the most common is a renal failure . But there are also other diseases associated with a cat drinking a lot of water, with an increase in the number of times it goes to the sandbox such as diabetes, kitten diarrhea or liver disease.
In any case you have to take into account that a cat can drink more simply when they are hot, when they have done an intense exercise or when they have had a strong mental stimulus as we mentioned before. The problem may come if it is something that you have observed repeatedly and continuously without an apparent cause.
Do Cats Drink More In Hot Weather
Cats dont sweat as we do, nor pant like dogs, though they may groom more in warm weather so that their dampened coat helps them cool off by evaporation. And we all need more water to prevent dehydration in hot temperatures, but unless theres been a sudden heatwave, its unlikely that youll see a marked change in how much your cat is drinking just because of a warm spell. Stay alert to other possibilities and, if in doubt, schedule a check-up with your vet.
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How To Collect A Urine Sample From Your Cat
Your veterinarian may ask you to bring a urine sample of your cat, so they can run a urinalysis. You can collect a urine sample by either free-catching or collecting from your cats litter tray.
The latter approach is easier and less stressful for you and your cat. Fill your cats litter tray with non-absorbing substrate . Once your cat finishes using the litter tray, check for the urine and pour it into a collection pot or a clean container. You may find it easy to collect the urine using a pipette.
Although it will not impact the result significantly, it is best to avoid putting too much sand in the collection container if possible.
Once the sample is collected, the containers lid should be closed and sealed to prevent any leakage. It may be a good idea to label the container with the name of your cat, the date, and time of the collection, and the name of the specimen .
Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water Why Effects And Causes
Is you cat drinking a lot of water after food or before food, If you have noticed that your cat drinks a lot of water, you have to be alert. Usually in summer if the cat drinking lots of water then it will be common, even if your cat drinks in the other seasons also then it is a issue in your cats health that must be diagnosed immediately.
If the cat not eating or drinking then you must take your pet to veterinarian. The diseases that affect the urinary system of cats are the most common that veterinarians usually treat. Changes in a cats thirst are almost always a sign that can indicate that something is not right. We also have to pay close attention to how they urinate and where they do it because like everything it will give us indications that it could be a physiological alteration of the cat.
If you have a pet then you must know how much water should a cat drink and till how much is better for the cats. Here we are going to share about cat drinking a lot of water its common causes and effects and the symptoms of drinking too much water results in a serious issue in the health of your cats.
Contents
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Kidney Support Products For Cats
Now that you know some of the medical and behavioral reasons for increased water consumption in cats, what next? After talking to your veterinarian and having your cat examined, ask about kidney issues.
Here are some of our favorite non-prescription kidney support supplements for cats:
All featured products were chosen at the discretion of the Great Pet Care editorial team and not directly recommended or endorsed by the author of this article. Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
A few drops of Kidney Support Gold can help support your cats immune system functionality against kidney issues. It also helps to moderate normal hydration, urination, and thirst in a powerful herbal formula. Medicine for cats can be hard on their delicate systems, but Kidney Support Gold is designed as a gentle, all-natural formula.
Highlights
- Supports the nephrons
- Helps support normal fluid and electrolyte balance
- Helps maintain normal levels of blood urea and creatinine, which are excreted by the kidneys
- Developed by on-staff holistic veterinarians
- Easy to administer dropper included
Things to Consider
Highlights
Things to Consider
- Give twice daily for one to three weeks, then no more than twice weekly or per your veterinarians instructions
- Number of chews depends on the weight of your cat
Indications Of Excessive Thirst
Dehydration is dangerous for cats and can cause health problems.Dehydration leads to decreased circulation, inability to control body temperature, cardiac arrhythmias, and more.2 However, if your cat is drinking a lot of water, it might be difficult for you to tell whether or not theyre dehydrated. Of course, if youre filling up your cats bowl with fresh water every time they drink it all, it can be hard for your cat to become dehydrated. That being said, there are many ways your cat can become dehydrated, even with access to clean water. Signs of excessive thirst or dehydration in cats include:
- Drinking from their water bowl more often
- Needing more water bowl refills than usual
- Drinking from the toilet bowl, ponds, tap, etc.
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Why Is My Cat Drinking So Much Water Should I Worry
One of the best ways you can love your feline friend is simply to watch them: watch what normal looks like, watch what they eat, when they drink, how they move, whether they come to you demanding a fuss or keep to themselves. Most of all, note any change. Change may be the warning sign that your cat needs to visit the veterinarians office to be checked over.
So, what if youve noticed your cat is at the water bowl more often? Or drinking in new places? Have you found yourself refilling the bowl, yet again? To see if there could be a simple explanation, lets start with some facts:
Common Causes Of Cats Drinking A Lot Of Water In Limerick Pa
There could be several reasons that your cat is drinking more than usual, including behavioral issues such anxiety and stress, or environmental changes that could include excess heat. But it can also be the sign of several underlying conditions which will require the care of a veterinarian.
The condition of increased water intake in cats is known as polydipsia, and refers to a continuous need to drink because of excessive thirst. Three common causes of this are:
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Can Drinking More Be A Sign Of Poisoning In Cats
Cats are fastidious eaters and as a rule carefully inspect food before eating unlike their see-it, eat-it canine companions. Sadly, there are occasions when they accidentally take in poison, perhaps from baited food, or by grooming themselves clean of pollens from the Lily family.
If sudden kidney failure results from such poisons, you may see excessive thirst as the first sign. More often, there are more immediate and dramatic signs, such as drooling, vomiting, twitching, or collapse.
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Contents Overview
My Cat Is Drinking A Lot Of Water And Meowing Excessively
If your cat is drinking excessively and meowing, it could mean they have hyperthyroidism. This condition can cause cats to be more vocal while becoming more frantic and sometimes on edge.
This can mean they are more active at times they wouldn’t usually be, and sometimes means they’re very loud too. Of course, sometimes theyre being more vocal because they feel more hungry and want to be fed, but the vocalizing can also be at random.
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Why Is My Cat Drinking Lots Of Water But Not Eating
Hyperthyroidism is the most common cause of increased thirst in cats. Your vet can find out if your cat has this by doing a simple blood test. If it does, there are several treatment options available, including medication and surgery.
Monitoring your cats water intake at home can help your vet determine how serious the problem might be. If you notice that your cat is drinking more than usual, take it to the vet as soon as possible so they can run some tests. Other symptoms to look out for include weight loss and lethargy.
Should I Worry About My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water
Cats dont usually drink very much, so they tend to keep their hydration at an absolute minimum. Theres some recent evidence to suggest that increasing their water intake might keep their kidneys healthy for longer. Remember, you can encourage your cat to drink more using running water like taps or water fountains.
If your cat suddenly starts drinking substantially more, it could indicate a health problem. Excessive thirst can vary depending on your cat’s previous behavior. So, it might mean your cat suddenly spends all their time at the water bowl.
However, for other cats, you might just see your cat drinking, where you never saw them drinking before. If you notice any change in your cats thirst, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.
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Should I Be Concerned If My Cat Drinks A Lot Of Water
If your cat is drinking a lot of water, it could be a sign of diabetes. Increased thirst is one of the most common signs of diabetes in cats.
If your cat is showing other signs of diabetes, such as weight loss, increased appetite, and urinating more frequently, then you should take them to the vet for a check-up.
Talk To A Vet About Your Cat
If you find your cat is drinking too much water and the condition doesnt clear up in a day or two, this may mean its time to see a vet. If your cats excess water drinking only happens for one or two days, it could be associated with a benign cause, such as a high temperature outside.
Its up to you to consider the possibilities and think about the potential causes of your cats excess water intake. Check your cat carefully for other signs and symptoms that could point to the underlying problem as well.
Book an appointment online at Boston Veterinary Clinic to talk with a vet about why your cat is drinking so much water.
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