Why Does My Cat Drink a Lot of Water?

Do you notice a modification in your cat’s water consumption? The most obvious and common change is an increased consumption of water called polydipsia. Animals, like individuals, usually drink for one factor — due to the fact that they’re thirsty. On average, cats and dogs alike drink in between 10-30 ml per pound each day. This amount can be impacted by the quantity of wetness in the food, and water loss related to workout and panting. Keep in mind that canned foods include as much as 80% wetness.

Why Does My Cat Drink a Lot of Water?

All animals are a little various therefore it is extremely important to know what is normal for your cat. However, in general, consuming more than 20 ml per pound per day is proof of polydipsia, according to DVM360 Magazine.

So why would your cat begin to drink exceedingly?

There are 3 basic factors for excess thirst:

  • Offsetting
  • Pathological
  • Behavioral

Environmental causes might include excess heat, which leads to panting as a natural cooling method, and results in water loss that needs replacement. Vomiting and diarrhea also lead to excess water loss that is usually made up for by typically functioning kidneys. A diet modification from canned to dry food, or to a dry provision with more salt, might result in increased thirst that really is proper.

Pathologic causes involve conditions that cause continuous excess water loss. The body senses the issue and the reaction of excess thirst is an effort to renew the loss. Unlike ecological causes, pathologic water losses have the tendency to be more ongoing. The most common causes of excessive water loss are:

  • Kidney disease — where the kidneys are unable to regulate fluid balance correctly. They fail to reabsorb water and so extreme water is urinated away
  • Diabetes mellitus — which is characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. As this glucose overruns into the urine it brings with it large volumes of water.
  • Hormonal or endocrine diseases — such as primary (central) dibetes insipidus or renal (nephrogenic) diabetes insipidus. Both impact the ability of the kidneys to reabsorb water. In these two conditions the kidneys are not promoted by or can not respond to antidiuretic hormonal agent (ADH) so fluids simply can not be reabsorbed from the kidneys.

Behavioral causes of excess thirst are normally suspected when other conditions have actually been omitted. These are thought about unusual in cats however have actually been connected to hyperthyroidism, which is quite typical in older cats and can cause increased thirst for a variety of reasons.

How is the cause of polydipsia determined?

Undoubtedly, your vet will run blood and urine tests to examine the function of the kidneys and to check for diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and liver disease. A complete blood count is also most likely to evaluate for anemia and infections. Specialized laboratory screening for other endocrine illness and radiographs or ultrasonography may likewise be recommended.

What should I do if I think my feline is drinking excessive water?

Because the mechanism of body fluid control is complicated, polydipsia is often associated with severe metabolic and systemic diseases. The earlier treatment and management of the underlying condition begins, the greater the probability of a favorable outcome. So if you suspect that your feline is consuming excessively don’t delay, it is essential to see your vet as quickly as possible.

Also read: Cat Peeing More Frequently: Is It an Urinary Problem

D. Roberts (Junior Expert)/ author of the article

He is a specialist in the field of veterinary medicine, and pet care. Believes that the person responsible for each pet, which was taken into the house, and therefore should study his behavior, means of determining health status and methods of first aid.

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