A Cat Who Drinks a Lot of Water May Have One of Several Underlying Conditions
A cat who drinks a lot of water may have one of several underlying conditions. Some of the causes and symptoms of this condition are fairly simple. Polydipsia is a condition that is characterized by an excessive thirst. Symptoms and causes are discussed in this article. While polydipsia is a symptom of an underlying issue, simple causes of this condition can be treated. For more information, visit the links below.
Signs
Excessive thirst in cats is an important sign to watch out for. This behavior can be caused by a number of different health conditions, and it may indicate an underlying health issue. Regardless of its cause, excessive thirst in cats is a serious symptom. Your cat may suddenly spend a lot of time at the water bowl and even drink where it did not previously drink. In such cases, it’s important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The primary cause of excessive thirst in cats is chronic kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, and hyperthyroidism. High-salt diets may also cause your cat to drink a lot of water. Certain types of cancers can also cause increased water consumption in cats. However, excessive thirst in cats is a common symptom of many health issues. It’s important to seek a veterinarian if your cat begins drinking large amounts of water and begins to exhibit other symptoms.
Causes
Cats are notorious for being finicky eaters, but excessive water drinking can lead to serious health problems. Increased thirst is often a sign of kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. In this case, your pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if there is a medical problem causing excessive water consumption. Cats can consume up to six percent of their body weight in water during one sitting.
The first step to determine the cause of excessive water drinking in your cat is to have your veterinarian perform a physical examination. The veterinarian can check for signs of an enlarged thyroid gland, internal mass, or other symptoms. He may also recommend blood pressure measurements to rule out any medical conditions. Blood tests can also reveal what is going on internally in your cat. If these tests come back negative, treatment can begin.
Symptoms
Your cat may be thirsty all the time, but there’s more to a cat’s water intake than meets the eye. They may also urinate more often than usual, be extremely hot or cold, and refuse to eat. If your cat is consistently thirsty, you may want to take her to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Listed below are some common causes of an overly-hydrated cat.
Your cat may be showing signs of an underlying medical condition, including increased water intake. Although these changes are harmless, it’s important to seek a veterinarian’s attention if they persist for more than a day. A cat with excessive thirst may also exhibit other symptoms, such as vomiting, refusal to eat, lethargy, diarrhea, and fever. Your veterinarian can determine the cause of your cat’s thirst by evaluating blood and urine samples. A general blood profile will help determine the health of your cat’s kidneys and liver. Blood tests will also assess thyroid hormone levels.
Diagnosis
A cat’s thirst is an indication of a health problem. If he or she appears to be constantly drinking water, he or she may have diabetes, liver disease, or another problem. Water consumption may increase when the cat is sick, especially if the cat’s appetite decreases or increases. To diagnose this problem, your veterinarian will examine your cat’s symptoms, conduct tests, and order blood and urinalysis.
An excessive thirst in cats is a common symptom of illness, but it can also occur due to environmental conditions or diet. Your cat may also drink excessively if you change its routine or move to a new location. Excessive thirst in cats may be a sign of many different health issues, most of which involve the urinary tract and kidneys. If your cat is drinking excessively, it could be dehydrated, which will cause it to produce concentrated urine.
