There are many possible reasons why a cat may suddenly start drinking more water, including diabetes: Increased thirst is a very common symptom of diabetes in cats. Kitties who dine on kibbles are likely to drink noticeably more. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-pancreas/diabetes-mellitus, https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-diabetes, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11919024/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11919029/, Other costs to consider when you have a diabetic cat, And why diabetic cats need extra care when youre away. 2023 Petful / Super Copy Editors LLC. Feline Diabetes. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Find out how to stop a cat from spilling water bowl and how often should I feed my kitten. The sugar referred to in the title is more accurately called glucose; in this form of diabetes, the body fails to produce or to respond to insulin, which causes blood glucose levels to rise. Low electrolyte levels in the body can cause muscle spasms and cramping. Conditions that can cause excessive thirst might also cause changes in your cats appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, vocalization, or even breathing problems. In conclusion, how best can we address the question why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? Hyperthyroidism in cats may also cause other symptoms, including: Diagnosis is made based on bloodwork. 7 Take your cat to the vet. (The last time we checked, in December 2018, the price of Lantus was still just under $300.). This can be given as an oral medication or a topical gel that can be rubbed into their ears. When calcium is very high, it prevents ADH from interacting with the kidneys. It's also worth considering whether it's a hot day or whether theyre fed wet or dry food. Firstly, it could be normal for them. Unfortunately, these other, less expensive insulins dont seem to work as well in cats. Telltale signs often include: Being thirsty all the time. If we catch the illness early, a diabetic cat will stop drinking tons of water, have a normal amount of energy and lead a happy life. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. Early intervention with diabetes, as with so many other diseases, gives your cat the best chance of a better life, and possible remission. This means they may return to being a normal, non-diabetic cat. Some cats drink more water because of the type of food they eat. However, cats, especially kittens, play a lot, which can make them dehydrated too. You might also notice symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, vocalization, hyperactivity, or changes in their breathing. Liver (hepatic) disease. Newly diagnosed diabetic cats given Lantus as the first insulin have the best chance of remission. A typical hyperthyroid cat is bright sometimes rather hyperactive, even a bit tetchy eating very well and sometimes manically hungry, yet is losing weight. Kidney Disease in Cats: What Cat Owners Should Know - Pet Health Network Drinking from places that they normally don't (taps/the toilet/sinks/the bath) Drinking so much that they vomit. Increased water intake is known as 'polydipsia'. An increase in drinking is often the first thing you notice. Your vet will likely recommend bloodwork, urine testing, and blood pressure if there is concern for compromised kidneys. cramping, spasms, or weakness in your muscles. ALWAYS GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PERSONAL VETERINARIAN AND USE INFORMATION HERE AS GENERAL ADVICE. Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water Lately? Many people hear the news their cat is a diabetic, and they think its a death sentence. Its labeled for human use for only 30 days, but veterinary experts believe its effective for several months past the expiration. A few more ideas if youre looking to save money on Lantus: Immediately after diagnosis, ask your vet for 2 estimates for stabilization and for ongoing costs so you understand the financial implications. Diabetes is a fairly common disease and can be managed with insulin therapy and other medications. In some cats, this might mean your cat suddenly spends all their time at the water bowl. She will sleep more and more and may be weak when she is awake. That said, what about when it comes to why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? Diabetes. Another reason why your older cat is not eating but acting normal and drinking plenty of water could be that they have diabetes mellitus. Proper diabetes care for a cat allows many patients to lead normal lives. Cats with diabetes often need to change to a canned, high-protein diet. If you notice this, talk to your vet and start actively monitoring your cats water intake. Unfortunately, youre at the mercy of greedy Big Pharma when it comes to filling human scripts, such as insulin, for your pets. Diabetes in cats is a HUGE subject, and we feel weve only skimmed the surface here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may also cause a cat to drink more water. When you come to VEG, you can be rest assured that your cat will get the proper care they need. How to Know if Your Cat Is Dying: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow If your cat is sleeping every time the pet sitter visits and the sitter just refreshes the food and water and gives the required insulin, this cat could be on their way to a diabetic crisis. Cats with kidney disease often have other signs such as weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. This is normal to some degree, but it may also signal underlying kidney disease, also known as chronic renal disease (CRD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Remember, more and more diabetic cats are getting early treatment and going into remission. Sometimes, youll notice that they throw up their food right after eating or when they, Cats arent hard to please creatures. If you happen to have an older cat and he is behaving in this manner, he could be hyperthyroidism, which is a fairly common problem in older cats. 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%}. Why? Unlike the kidney cases with their picky appetite, these cats are generally bright and with a good or a hearty appetite, though they may be losing weight. Symptoms of a cat dying may includeif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'learnaboutpet_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Furthermore, if your cat has not eaten for 24 hours, you should take it to a vet as soon as possible. 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. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Signs a Cat Is Dying & How to Comfort Them | Daily Paws 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. Dehydration in cats is typically caused by the cat not drinking enough water or by excessive water loss. If they are solitary, independent animals, like many cats, then a change in their level of exercise, amount of human contact, and feeding schedule or amounts of food consumed can play havoc with their diabetes. She may also be older and not able to reach the water bowl or there may be something wrong with her kidneys. The next morning, measure how much water is left and subtract from the original to calculate how much water your cat drank. Other medical conditions can also lead to your cat becoming dehydrated. Our best buddies are sentient, feeling beings they thrive on routine and the security of familiar surroundings and family members. Apart from diabetes, Why Does My Cat Like Coffee? Talking of why your cat isnt eating but drinking water, what about when it comes to why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating, as compared to not eating but drinking water normally? 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. Stay alert to other possibilities and, if in doubt, schedule a check-up with your vet. The pet parent decides to take the cat to the vet when theres urine floating on top of 20 pounds of soaked cat litter. Some medications, such as steroids and diuretics, may also cause a cat to drink more. Diabetes is not a death sentence and, with a little planning and some experience under your belt, youll barely notice the commitment it takes to care for a diabetic cat. The most common causes of increased thirst and drinking are: Kidney (renal) dysfunction. Excessive thirst is a symptom of numerous medical conditions in cats, both physical and mental. Cat drinking a lot of water: should you be concerned? - PetsRadar These are all signs of feline hyperthyroidism. If your cat needs insulin injections, youll need to find a reliable pet sitter familiar with diabetics, a family member or a pleasant boarding situation. Talking of why your cat could suddenly stop drinking more water, what about when it comes to cat drinking a lot of water and meowing? When you go on a long journey, you check your vehicles tire pressure, the oil level and that theres sufficient gas in the tank. The cat, science name felis catus, is a domestic species classified under a class of small carnivorous mammals. Cats tolerate radiation very well, and a cat will only need to stay several days in the hospital after treatment. 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. Or is there a medical condition you need to worry about? When the electrolyte levels drop because of drinking too much water, your body balance goes down. What to look out for, Five signs of dog allergies you really need to know, Food vs environmental dog allergies: signs, symptoms and how to get a diagnosis, Healthy dog gums vs unhealthy: what to look for. Unfortunately, the most obvious reasons are not desirable ones. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or for pet food related questions. These diseases technically result in a thirsty cat because your cat will be urinating a lot and not because it doesn't already get enough water. Stick the furry face in some food and pop in the tiny amount of insulin, and its over. If a cat is nearing their end, they will likely have a decreased appetite. Oh well. Don't worry, though; there is a method to find out. Its rarely seen in cats under 8 and much more common in the oldies of 12 and over. If the thyroid gland goes into overdrive, producing an excess of thyroid hormones, multiple changes result. Check Now: Blue Buffalo Science Diet Purina Wellness 4health Canine Carry Outs Friskies Taste of the Wild See 200+ more brands. Home testing is preferable because the cat is usually less stressed. And we were on such a good roll there with all those upsides to having a diabetic cat! My Cat is Drinking A Lot of Water, Should I be Concerned? The cost has skyrocketed lately. Most cats that undergo this treatment are cured. You wont know how this is going to go until you try. There are many possible diseases that can cause cats to drink too much water, including diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. What about when it comes to cat drinking but not eating? If you can measure how much your cat drinks in a day, your veterinarian will be able to do a simple calculation to decide whether it's excessive. Are you home testing your cat? Talking of why your cat would suddenly start drinking a lot of water, what about when it comes to cat not eating but drinking lots of water? This can occur even when youre feeding the best dry cat food, and doesnt reflect an underlying problem. (11 Interesting Health Facts), Maine Coon Mix : (21 Interesting Facts!) This may be a tough topic for many of you who love your pet dearly but are also in desperate need of a vacation. Just feeding and giving insulin injections is not a sufficient level of monitoring for a diabetic animal: Too often, a client tells the vet that the pet sitter couldnt find the cat and left. If your cat seems extra thirsty and is always hungry, they might have hyperthyroidism. Cats are usually middle-aged before they suffer from this; its more common in males than females, more common in neutered cats, and most common in overweight and idle cats indoor couch potatoes in particular. Tons of information is available, and someone with a diabetic cat should become as knowledgeable as possible. 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. Your vet will take a history from you, which is where your observations of what has changed and when really helps. How Much Water Should Cats Drink Daily? 5 "Silent" Killers of Cats - Pet Health Network They will also need to have an insulin plan, along with regular blood sugar monitoring. Pilling a cat is probably much more difficult on a daily basis than giving an injection. Ifyour diabetic animalwill be in a pet sittersor kennels care, make sure the caretakers will call your vet if there is any change in behavior, such as: A pet sitter should spend at least 1 hour twice a day in your home. She has written about pets and pet health for many websites, blogs, and pet magazines and loves to help owners understand their pets through her writing. They may ask about the type and amount of food youre feeding and your cats litter box habits. Potential symptoms include: head pain. Anywhere from 3090% of cats will return to normal with early diagnosis and treatment. What is going on? Ultimately, every cat should have around 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of weight.1 For example, if your cat weighs 15 pounds, they should be drinking anywhere from 10.5 to 13.5 ounces of water every day. Lantus means easier control of diabetes, which translates to fewer trips to the vet, which translates to less money spent. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? First off, you might be wondering, "how do I know if my cat is drinking too much water?" You may notice that your cat is lethargic and has a dry mouth and nose. Dry gums: Try to press your index finger gently into your cat's gums and watch them turn from white back to a normal pink color.