Why Your Cat Drinks a Lot of Water
If you have a wet-food-only diet, your cat is likely to get most of its water requirements from its meals. Excessive drinking can also be seasonal, as warm temperatures encourage cats to drink more. You can encourage your cat to drink more by turning up the heat in your home or keeping your windows open during the warmer months. Cats need to drink water in order to keep their bodies healthy and to fight off diseases such as Kidney disease and diabetes, which affect their bloodstream and urine.
Male cats drink more water than older cats
It is important for you to know exactly how much water your cat drinks. In general, male cats drink more water than older cats, but if their consumption decreases dramatically, it may indicate an underlying problem. Dehydration in cats can cause urinary tract infections, diabetes, and even hyperthyroidism. In the following paragraphs, we’ll look at a few causes of decreased water consumption and some tips for increasing it.
Wet food helps encourage drinking
The recommended amount of water a cat should drink daily is 50 milliliters (mL) per kilogram of body weight (about 200-250 mL for a healthy average-sized cat). While a cat’s daily requirement for water can be met by wet food, dry food may not provide the same amount. To improve water consumption in cats, veterinarians recommend various strategies, including changing the water’s location and taste and offering flowing water.
Kidney disease affects a third of cats
A cat’s kidneys contain a large number of nephrons, a unit of tissue that filter toxins from the blood. These nephrons produce a hormone known as erythropoietin, which controls the production of red blood cells. CKD results when a cat loses approximately two-thirds of its functioning nephrons. The signs of CKD may begin in an earlier stage and may be subtle at first. Once a cat begins to show these symptoms, it is time to see a vet.
Diabetes affects the bloodstream and urine of cats
The symptoms of diabetes in cats include increased thirst, frequent urination, and an increased appetite. If not treated, cats with diabetes can also experience sudden weight loss, excessive urination, and increased hunger. Without insulin, the body will also begin to break down muscle tissue and lose weight, and may even enter a coma. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. Diabetic cats may also suffer from muscle weakness and a decreased appetite.
Thyroid disease affects the bloodstream and urine of older cats
Thyroid disease in older cats can have many symptoms. Some signs of hyperthyroidism may not be apparent to the owner, but cats are known to hide and mask symptoms, and the disease can lead to heart failure if untreated. Although the exact cause of hyperthyroidism is unknown, dietary iodine is one possible cause. Thyroid levels should be monitored regularly through blood and urine tests.
