(7 Interesting Facts). We are dedicated to helping people and their pets when they need it most. To see if there could be a simple explanation, lets start with some facts: A cat body will meet its needs by drawing from the water drunk, from other liquid treats such as cat milk or gravy, and from water in food. Their water bowl emptying quicker than usual. Joanna is an experienced veterinarian working in the UK. In some cases, however, a dramatic increase in thirst can indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism. If your cat seems very thirsty, this is not normal. Cats dont have to eat every day, so your cat can go without eating for several days as long as it continues to drink water. From time to time, monitoring is necessary to check if the insulin dose is correct. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Drinking from places that they normally don't (taps/the toilet/sinks/the bath) Drinking so much that they vomit. They both stain your fingers, too theres something not right about that. As a pet parent, you might wonder whether this is normal behavior or whether there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. In conclusion, how best can we address the question why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? If you notice any changes in your cat's eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. Why Your Cat is Throwing Up and What To Do. If your cat is not eating much, but still drinking water, then it could be something as simple as a change of diet. Your vet may go to another insulin, PZI (protamine zinc insulin, or ProZinc), when Lantus has not worked. In the course of a few short years, the cost of Lantus more than tripled! Cat Throwing Up? Here's Why and What to Do | PetMD Most cats will visit a water source frequently to drink, often five or six times per day. What You Need to Know! This is an older cats disease. This is because water can make the vomit more fluid-like, which can make it harder for the cat to clear its throat. 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. In one day, most cats shouldnt drink more than 45 ml of water per pound of their body weight. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'learnaboutpet_com-box-4','ezslot_4',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-box-4-0'); Some cats drink more water because of the type of food they eat. Your cat will likely continue to drink more water long-term once on a dry food diet but will typically not be as severe as the initial time of diet change. If your cat is drinking an unusually large amount of water and gaining weight, he may have diabetes mellitus. A cat is often not diagnosed with kidney failure until 75 percent of its kidney function has been lost, so its important to look for early signs and treat them early. It could be that she is just a little bit thirsty and has spotted her water bowl. Be prepared for some trial and error. Cats that do not eat well and those with diabetes will drink more water than normal. Caring for a diabetic cat is both a challenge and something to be proud of. Take the time to find a solution that prioritizes your pets health so everyone can have a pleasant time while youre away. Most of all, note any change. Why Is My Cat All Of A Sudden Drinking A Lot Of Water? We agree. This then causes dehydration. By the way, 10 great vets will treat feline diabetes in 10 great, but different, ways. Your vet will likely recommend bloodwork, urine testing, and blood pressure if there is concern for compromised kidneys. With diabetes, the pancreas is not secreting enough insulin to control the blood sugar. If it does, there are several treatment options available, including medication and surgery. In reality, there is no simple answer to this question. If the kidneys are failing, they arent able to reabsorb water from the blood as efficiently as normal, causing the body to become dehydrated and the cat to feel thirsty. Many causes of increased thirst will also cause increased urination. The latter is a condition called acromegaly, which afflicts around 25% of cat diabetics and can make their care more difficult. 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. Note that not all cats show all of these signs, and a small number are rather quiet and withdrawn. Why is my cat drinking a lot of water? Cats who have diabetes will need to be given insulin injections and have their urine and blood sugar levels monitored closely. This is another hormonal problem in cats, this time concerning the hormone insulin which is produced by the beta cells located in the pancreas. It is also the sole domesticated species in the Felidae family. Also Read: Why Is My Cat Drinking a Lot of Water? Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating? You should take your cat to the vet to get the necessary treatment since failure to do so can be fatal to your cat. Are you home testing your cat? 7 Take your cat to the vet. 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%}. An avid Petfulreader wrote in to tell us she couldnt find Lantus for under $285 a bottle for her diabetic kitty. Monitor your cat's water intake and call a veterinarian if there's a dramatic shift. Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating? 7 Clear Facts (2023) It is one of the most common symptoms we see in older cats because two of the most common conditions cause it: a. Hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid hormone) which can cause very bad weight loss, and over several months, a cat can turn to looking boney. My cat has stopped eating food but still drinks water and a bit of milk Perhaps better known as finicky eaters, cats aren't prolific water drinkers. Diabetes is a fairly common disease and can be managed with insulin therapy and other medications. Hyperthyroidism is a serious disease that can affect cats more commonly than you might realize. This is bad in any case, but it could be life-threatening to a diabetic cat. Hyperthyroidism The most common type of worm seen in cat vomit is roundworms. The bundle of pens is more expensive than the 10 ml vial, but the insulin will definitely stay stable and not expire. Cats dont usually drink very much, so they tend to keep their hydration at an absolute minimum. 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. Cats can also lose moisture by sweating small amounts through their paws but. They may also be treated with radioiodine therapy, which can be extremely effective. If a cat is nearing their end, they will likely have a decreased appetite. Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water Lately? You wont know how this is going to go until you try. Hyperthyroidism is the most common cause of increased thirst in cats. Hyperthyroidism: Older cats are prone to developing hyperthyroidism, which also causes increased thirst and urination. Some cats may naturally drink more water when its hot outside, just like humans usually do. Sick pets (and older pets) require additional mental and physical care than your average pet. If sudden kidney failure results from such poisons, you may see excessive thirst as the first sign. If the gums are cherry red, your finger sticks to the gums, or the refill time is longer than 2 seconds, your cat may be significantly dehydrated. When an older cat is presented to the veterinarian with the common symptoms of drinking lots of water, urinating tons and losing weight, a diagnosis of feline diabetes can actually be good news. This condition can cause cats to be more vocal while becoming more frantic and sometimes on edge. So, an 8 pound cat shouldn't drink more than 363 ml of water in a day. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Oh well. Fur. Compensatory increased water intake eg, losses after vomiting or diarrhoea. It is often helpful to your veterinarian if you can bring a urine sample along to the appointment, which may save a step in the diagnosis. Loss of appetite is a big red flag in cats. Glargine insulin (a generic Lantus) can be compounded at a special pharmacy in smaller amounts. Heres what you should know, including symptoms, treatment and the cost of insulin for cats. New York, In this expert guide to caring for a diabetic cat, well discuss: Here are some of the many good things about having a diabetic cat these days: A diagnosis of diabetes means your cat can get treatment. This could be a sign of pain or various other serious medical issues including kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Uremia, which is the life-threatening buildup of toxins and waste in the blood, develops and causes severe clinical signs. If your pet is ever in an emergency situation, use the link below to find our nearest location so we can get your pet the help they need. So, you can understand why the veterinarian will need to examine your furry friend and may do some tests before they make a diagnosis. If this goes on past this point, then there is a likelihood of your kitty dying. Heres how it works. It just takes more work. Youre not alone if youve experienced this problem. Furthermore, the increased water intake and frequent urination associated with cats who are dying of kidney failure is known as uremia. (The last time we checked, in December 2018, the price of Lantus was still just under $300.). They will also need to have an insulin plan, along with regular blood sugar monitoring. If your cat is unwell, has been drinking more for more than a day or two, or has any other symptoms, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. Conditions that can cause excessive thirst might also cause changes in your cats appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, vocalization, or even breathing problems. 2. Home monitoring is certainly not for everyone, or every cat. Some cats become normal again. Furthermore, cats are not very sensitive about their food and may skip a meal if theyre not in the mood for it. It could indicate the onset of liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a UTI.Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? Moreover, if you touch his gums, they may feel dry instead of moist and tacky. Even when they do, the first signals of kidney disease in cats are easy to miss, including subtle weight loss, urinating/peeing more often and drinking more water. After graduating in 2011, Dr Godfrey went on to become a veterinary surgeon, conducting surgery consultations on a range of animals at a small independent practice in Cardiff, South Wales, UK. - Is My Cat Part, Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones? Or, if you're looking for our cat food roundup, we've put together a list of the best wet cat food: Mouth-watering dishes for your moggy. The cat must be seen eating, walking around and exhibiting a bright and alert demeanor.