if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'learnaboutpet_com-box-4','ezslot_4',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-box-4-0'); Some cats drink more water because of the type of food they eat. If your cat is extra thirsty, theyll probably also use the litter box or pee outside more than normal. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, How to reduce your dog's anxiety on walks, drunk a substantial amount of water since they were a kitten, Three home remedies for dog allergies (and they're all pretty simple), Can dogs be allergic to grass? There are a few reasons why cats suddenly drink a lot of water. Kidney disease: Kidney disease is another common condition in older cats that may cause increased drinking and urination. As blood sugar levels rise, the cat will become thirstier and will need to urinate more often. Treatment is variable depending on the underlying cause. Make sure the caretaker knows your cats daily routine and personality. Most cats will visit a water source frequently to drink, often five or six times per day. My cat has stopped eating food but still drinks water and a bit of milk Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating at home?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'learnaboutpet_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',560,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'learnaboutpet_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',560,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-560{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important;width:100%}. Diabetes can have very serious consequences if gone untreated or unmanaged. One example is screening for high levels of growth hormone in the cats bloodstream. If your cat suddenly starts drinking substantially more, it could indicate a health problem. They have changed remarkably little in the thousands of years since and while its still vital always to provide them with fresh, clean water in good health, most cats drink sparingly. Youre not alone if youve experienced this problem. Be prepared for some trial and error. There are many possible causes of dehydration, one of which we already discussed: hot weather. Caring for a Diabetic Cat: The Good and The Bad of Diabetes Care The sodium in your cat's food may be higher than the previous one, causing extra thirst. For cats experiencing age-related changes in kidney function, treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, maintaining your cats appetite, and keeping their blood values within an appropriate range. If its hot or dry, try setting up a humidifier to help keep your cat cool and decrease the need for more water. VEG has locations all over the country, with emergency vets who are available 24/7 to help you and your pet. You might also notice symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, vocalization, hyperactivity, or changes in their breathing. Anyway, $100 a bottle of this stuff wasnt too bad considering it can last a few months. Though the chronic in the title means this condition develops slowly, the signs may seem to appear quite suddenly. When shes not helping animals back on their feet, Dr Godfrey writes a number of veterinary and animal-focussed articles. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. My cat is 16 and a half and in the last few weeks, he lost a lot of weight. Why? Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. Tons of information is available, and someone with a diabetic cat should become as knowledgeable as possible. According to the above information, exactly why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? There are many possible diseases that can cause cats to drink too much water, including diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. An increase in drinking vets call this polydipsia can certainly be a sign of illness. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It just takes more work. Get the cat to the vet. Or you could get creative and find a friend with a diabetic cat and split the bottle. The cat is eating well but thinks the water bowl has turned into the best open bar in the world. A cat who is dying may instinctively hide in an out-of-the-way room, under furniture or somewhere outside. Talking about why your cat has recently been drinking a whole lot of water, what about when it comes to why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? The cat is making more trips to the water bowl. Dry food kibbles are actually 5 to 10% water, while wet foods whether loaf or stew are nearer 80% water. However, if the water bowl is too close to the food, the cat will instinctively feel that the water could be contaminated. Some cats wont let you prick their ear for a drop of blood. You want to get a cat with diabetes diagnosed as early as possible so it can be treated aggressively. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, food recommendation, diagnosis, or treatment. You can also get a water bowl with measurements marked on the side, or a smart water fountain to measure how much water your pet drinks: Water bowl behavior can be important to note as well. Welcome to Learn About Pet. Your Cat Seems Disoriented Some aging cats may seem lost or confused in a familiar environment. So, you can understand why the veterinarian will need to examine your furry friend and may do some tests before they make a diagnosis. If your pet is ever in an emergency situation, use the link below to find our nearest location so we can get your pet the help they need. These cuddly cats have an unfortunately habit of storing fat inside insulin-producing cells, which smothers their ability to produce vital insulin. More often, there are more immediate and dramatic signs, such as drooling, vomiting, twitching, or collapse. Your vet will take a history from you, which is where your observations of what has changed and when really helps. Another potential cause that could trigger your cat drinking a lot of water is hot weather. Watch your cat for signs of heatstroke including: If the only sign your cat is exhibiting is increased thirst but is not exhibiting any of the above signs, heat stroke is a less likely cause. Firstly, it could be normal for them. In more severe cases, water intoxication can also cause seizures . Similarly, some cats may experience increased thirst due to dietary factors. The ancestors of our domestic cats evolved in the desert, able to survive by catching their prey and with limited water resources. Check Now: Blue Buffalo Science Diet Purina Wellness 4health Canine Carry Outs Friskies Taste of the Wild See 200+ more brands. When the first version of this article was published, in 2012, we mentioned thata bottle of Lantus (glargine) insulin considered by many vets to be the first insulin choice for diabetic cats ran about $100. Monitor your cat's water intake and call a veterinarian if there's a dramatic shift. Of course, this also means youre quick to recognize any changes in your cats behavior that may indicate a problem, too. What is going on? drowsiness and fatigue. In other words, the cat is severely polyuric/polydipsic (PU/PD). The symptoms of a dying cat will vary and depend on whether the feline is experiencing an illness or injury. This is because water can make the vomit more fluid-like, which can make it harder for the cat to clear its throat. According to the American Kennel Club , signs of dehydration include seeking water, excessive tiredness, dry or tacky gums, loss of skin elasticity and . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This article was last updated Dec. 7, 2018. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. Its not just hyperthyroidism that causes increased thirst and weight loss. Loss of appetite is a big red flag in cats. Feldhahn, J.R. et al. For information about the cost of insulin for cats, see Part 2 of this article below. They are wrong. Your cat may be drinking more water because they are dehydrated or behind in its fluid consumption. Cats with liver disease often need more diagnostic tests before a treatment plan can be made. However, many cats drink more or less than that, depending on their activity level or many other factors. If a blood and urine test arent enough, your vet may also want to do ultrasounds or X-rays. Seven strange things cats do that are actually quite normal, This simple grooming mistake can pose a serious health risk for your dog, Trainer shares clever tip to help your dog get used to the vacuum cleaner, and make spring cleaning a breeze. After graduating in 2011, Dr Godfrey went on to become a veterinary surgeon, conducting surgery consultations on a range of animals at a small independent practice in Cardiff, South Wales, UK. Cat Drinking a Lot of Water Suddenly? Here's 8 Possible Reasons Why if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'learnaboutpet_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-leader-4-0'); There are many reasons why your cat might be drinking a lot of water. But for most of us with average home/work situations, being home morning and night for 2 kitty meals and 2 injections shouldnt be that difficult. Caring for a diabetic cat is both a challenge and something to be proud of. Cats dont usually drink very much, so they tend to keep their hydration at an absolute minimum. In every one of these, being seen by your veterinarian sooner rather than later will give the best outlook for your pets health and comfort. However, increased thirst could indicate an underlying health problem, and early treatment could make a real difference. Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating? If your cat is unwell, has been drinking more for more than a day or two, or has any other symptoms, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your pharmacist might talk you into Lantus Solostar pens. These are 3 ml pens that are sold in bundles of 5. Final Verdict Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating. Before you know if your cat is drinking an above-average amount of water, you need to know what the normal range is for a cat's daily water intake. New York, In addition to diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney and liver problems, it could also be caused by infection or inflammation of the urinary tract. Talking of the symptoms of a cat dying, what about when it comes to dying cat drinking lots of water? Diabetes is a fairly common disease and can be managed with insulin therapy and other medications. Older Cat Not Eating But Drinking: Senior Cat Food Issues - MrBossCat All they want is a tasty treat now and then, interactive toys to challenge, Why Does My Cat Drink Water With Their Paw? This is the human usage instruction. At a Glance: Signs That a Cat is Dying Abnormal breathing Decreased heart rate Drop in body temperature Loss of appetite Sleeping more and ultimately loss of consciousness Odours Urinary and/or fecal incontinence Extreme weakness Stages of a dying cat These are more common in middle-aged or senior cats. So, an 8 pound cat shouldn't drink more than 363 ml of water in a day. Cancer. Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Turkey is a good food for a diabetic cat. Cornell Feline Health Center. A way to try and prevent onset of diabetes is to keep your cat at an ideal weight. Tiredness or fatigue.. As a result, some of the water in the bloodstream isnt filtered properly, so more fluid is turned into urine. Cats may also drink more water when its hot outside. This is a progressive disease, and it is better to catch it early on. Determining how much water your cat is actually drinking can be tricky, particularly if more than one water source is available or there are multiple pets in the household. The bundle of pens is more expensive than the 10 ml vial, but the insulin will definitely stay stable and not expire. During an exam, your vet will ask a lot of questions about your cats behavior, changes in their health status or patterns, and anything else that might be affecting their water consumption. Some of the most common are diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and urinary tract infections. The biggest factor that affects thirst is a change in diet, particularly if you switch your cat from dry food to wet food or vice versa. Cats who are only fed dry food will often have excellent teeth, but theyll need to drink more than cats who are fed wet food.