Why Does My Cat Drink So Much Water | Laika Pets

Do you notice an increase in the water intake of your cat? The clearest and most frequent alteration is an increased water consumption known as polydipsia. 

Animals, like humans, usually drink because they are thirsty for one reason. Cats and dogs, on average, consume 10-30 ml a pound a day from their pet water fountain. This quantity may be affected by the moisture content of the meal and by activity and panting water loss. Note that canned goods contain up to 80% humidity.

Every cat is somewhat different. Therefore, knowing the typical water intake for your cat is essential. 

How Much Water Should a Cat Drink a Day?

Cats typically require around 3.5–4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of its weight per day. If you have a cat that weighs 10 pounds, it should drink between 7–9 ounces of water from its pet water fountain (average size of a bottle of water). 

To give you a perspective, a can of wet food can supply 70% to 80% water needs of the 5-pounds cat. Your cat may obtain between 3,85–4,4 ounces of water from a single can.

What Causes a Cat's Excessive Thirst? 

Increased thirst may indicate a range of problems for health. If your cat wants to drink extra water, it may be due to the following conditions:

• Dehydration

This happens when your cat does not have the correct quantity of fluids to operate correctly. Dehydration may be caused by disease, sweating, excessive urination, vomiting, or diarrhea. Severe dehydration, particularly for a kitten, is life-threatening.

• Diabetes mellitus

High blood sugar may induce excessive thirst (hyperglycemia). It is typically one of the first visible signs of diabetes of this kind.

• Diabetes insipidus

This type of diabetes happens when your body cannot adequately control fluids. It causes your cat's body to experience imbalance and water loss, which leads to increased urine and thirst.

• Dipsogenic diabetes insipidus

It results in increased thirst and fluid absorption caused by a malfunction in the thirst system.

• Sepsis 

It is a deadly disease caused by a serious inflammatory response from bacterial or other germ infections.

• Kidney failure

Some diseases may induce kidney failure. If the kidneys fail, the body's water balance becomes unbalanced.

• Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is essential for metabolism in the body of the cat. An overactive thyroid gland may cause increased thirst.

• Cushing

The hypophysis releases a hormone called adrenocorticotropic. Cushing's disease happens when this hormone is abundantly produced. Fortunately, a vet's medication can help this problem.

• Addison disease

Addison's disease is due to the lack of normal functioning of the cat's adrenal glands. The adrenal glands do not generate enough cortisol and aldosterone.

• Liver disease

The liver performs several tasks, including blood protein, bile, toxin purification, and transforming food into power. An increase in thirst is one sign of liver disease.

• Medication's side effect

Some cats may take medicines that may cause excessive thirst. Please inform your veterinarian during the checkup if your cat is on any medication.

• Deficiencies in electrolyte or calcium

When a cat lacks electrolytes or calcium synthesis, one of the adverse effects of thirst may be exacerbated. A blood test may assess the electrolyte and calcium status of a cat.

How to Prevent Excessive Thirst Due to Disease?

Regular veterinarian visits allow your doctor to check for proper blood function, urine, and kidneys of your cat. This may result in a better assumption. If there is an issue, the veterinarian can catch it early, and cat treatment may be easier.

It is essential to monitor your cat's water consumption on its pet water fountain. Suppose you discover that for several days you fill the water bowl significantly more than usual. 

In that case, it is necessary for an appointment to verify that everything is alright. It is essential to keep your cat in a healthy environment, especially during warm months of the year. 

Make sure your cat receives the right amount of food. A heated cat may consume much more food and water than usual. Poor nutrition will make your cat want more drinking water.

What Should I Do If My Cat Is Drinking Too Much Water?

Contact your veterinarian if your cat shows symptoms of excessive thirst. Your veterinarian will give your pet a thorough physical checkup. He may also conduct other tests, including blood testing, urinalysis, and biochemistry. These tests alone will enable the veterinarian to identify whether your cat has any renal, liver, electrolyte, calcium abnormality, and other glandular hormone deficits.

Once the preliminary tests return, the findings help the veterinarian in determining whether additional tests are required. Your veterinarian can then choose to do an x-ray or ultrasound to check at the organs more closely.

Once your veterinarian finds out why your cat drinks more water than usual, they will clarify the possible diagnostic and treatment choices. He will let you know your cat's prognosis in terms of severe diseases, such as renal disease or liver disease.

Seek for Professional Advices

If you only have one cat at home, you might check their water consumption easily. Fill its pet water fountain and see how much is left until 24 hours later.

If you believe your cat drinks more than usual, take it to a veterinarian. Let the veterinarian know how much your cat is drinking, and consider bringing a urine sample with you. Ask your veterinarian the best way to deal with the situation.

Your veterinarian may then advise you on further testing and treatment suggestions appropriate for your cat.

Note: This article is written after years of experience in veterinary guidance, all content can only serve as a guide. For more detailed consultation, please contact your local veterinarian.