Cat Drinks A Lot: Common Causes and Possible Risks
Normally cats drink very little. This is especially true if their diet consists mainly of wet food, which allows them to cover most of their fluid requirements.
If a cat drinks a lot at once, the attentive owner will usually notice this directly. Usually, however, the increased thirst is not a cause for concern. However, since it can also be the symptom of a serious illness, it is advisable to keep an eye on the drinking behaviour of the four-legged friend.
In the following we will explain why your cat drinks a lot and when a visit to the vet is recommended.
Harmless reasons to why a cat drinks a lot
Usually there is a completely harmless reason for a cat to drink a lot. For example, the high temperatures in summer can lead to more thirst not only for yourself but also for your cat. This is perfectly normal and does not require any action on your part. Just make sure that your cat always has a bowl of fresh drinking water available in summer.
Another possible cause of increased thirst is the consumption of a larger amount of dry food. If your cat eats mainly wet food, it's quite possible that he or she will need virtually no extra water.
This is not the case with dry food, and it is normal for your cat to drink a lot. After all, unlike wet food, this has a much lower moisture content, which your pet has to compensate for.
A cat that drinks a lot can also be sick
As you can see, there is usually no need to worry if your cat drinks a lot. It usually only becomes critical if you notice other abnormalities besides thirst. If this is the case, your cat's heavy drinking can also be a sign of serious health problems.
The following health problems can lead to increased thirst in your cat:
- Kidney Failure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Poisoning
Cats with kidney problems drink a lot
The kidneys are an important filter organ, which frees the organism of your cat from metabolic decomposition products and pollutants. If their functionality is limited, this is called renal insufficiency. This leads to increased toxins being deposited in the animal's body.
The typical symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, loss of appetite and frequent urination, as well as the fact that your cat drinks a lot.
Untreated renal failure can be life-threatening. If you suspect that the kidneys of your four-legged friend are damaged, a visit to the vet as soon as possible is therefore mandatory. Because affected animals must be medically cared for throughout their lives and in particular receive special dietary food.
Our tip to prevent kidney problems
If your cat drinks excessively due to a developing kidney disease, we recommend a dietary supplement with I love my cat kidney power.
Kidney Power is a natural food supplement for cats. Its special composition stimulates the natural detoxification processes in the kidneys of your four-legged friend, thus helping to maintain optimal functioning of this vital organ.
Cats with diabetes drink a lot
Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which insulin production is disrupted, which means that the blood sugar level can no longer be regulated properly. This disease can also cause your cat to drink a lot.
Other symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, weight loss with increased food intake, and fatigue and weakness.
Cats with diabetes usually need daily injections of insulin. In addition, it is necessary to ensure a balanced diet and to adjust the nutrient intake and insulin dose to each other.
Cats with poisoning drink a lot
Unfortunately it can always happen that a cat suffers from poisoning. This can happen, for example, due to the consumption of unsuitable food, poisonous plants, cleaning agents or even poisonous bait that has been laid out outside.
Depending on the type of poison, affected animals may experience various symptoms, such as diarrhoea and vomiting, seizures or paralysis. In addition, the cat may drink a lot.
If poisoning is suspected, your cat must go to the vet immediately. Under no circumstances should you try to treat the animal yourself. If possible, bring a sample of the suspected poison so that the veterinarian can take appropriate treatment measures as soon as possible.
Cat drinks a lot - our conclusion
Although in most cases the increased thirst of your cat has a completely harmless reason, it may well be that the animal needs urgent medical attention. So be sure to check whether your cat is just drinking a lot, or whether there are other symptoms such as behavioural changes, digestive problems or noticeable laziness.
Especially in the case of poisoning, every minute counts, so a timely visit to the vet may even save your pet's life. But even if your cat drinks a lot because of a disease like diabetes or kidney failure, going to the vet is unavoidable.
After all, if in doubt, it's better to go to the vet's surgery in vain and find out that your cat is drinking a lot for harmless reasons than to endanger the life of your four-legged friend by not getting treatment.
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