Why Is My Cat Drinking So Much Water? There are several common reasons why your cat might be thirstier than usual: Kidney Problems The most common reason older cats begin drinking and urinating excessively is because their kidneys are starting to decline. The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and producing urine. As cats age, their kidney function decreases. As a result, some of the water in the bloodstream isn’t filtered properly, so more fluid is turned into urine. This then causes dehydration. This is normal to some degree, but it may also signal underlying kidney disease, also known as chronic renal disease (CRD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is a progressive disease, and it is better to catch it early on. If you notice your older cat drinking and urinating more, especially if they are losing weight, not eating as well, or showing changes in their personality, it’s time to schedule an appointment for an exam and possibly a kidney screening. Hyperthyroidism and Liver Disease Other diseases or conditions that may cause increased drinking include hyperthyroidism and liver disease. These are more common in middle-aged or senior cats. Cats with hyperthyroidism usually seem hungry all the time and lose weight, while cats with liver disease usually have less of an appetite. Diabetes Diabetes is also a very common cause of drinking and peeing more in adult and senior cats. With diabetes, the pancreas is not secreting enough insulin to control the blood sugar. As blood sugar levels rise, the cat will become thirstier and will need to urinate more often. This is most commonly seen in overweight, young to middle-aged cats that primarily eat dry food. You want to get a cat with diabetes diagnosed as early as possible so it can be treated aggressively. Delaying therapy can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening consequences. Urinary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may also cause a cat to drink more water. UTIs are most common in younger to middle-aged cats. Affected cats often urinate small amounts frequently as opposed to the large, heavy urine clumps seen with the other conditions. Cats with UTIs may be restless and uncomfortable. If you see these signs, take your cat to a vet right away, especially if he’s a male, as this may be a medical emergency. Medication Side Effect Some medications, such as steroids and diuretics, may also cause a cat to drink more. If your cat is prescribed a new medication, ask your veterinarian if increased thirst is a known side effect. Changes in water intake caused by a medication should go away as soon as your pet is off the medication as ude kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease.instructed by your veterinarian.,Why Is My Cat Peeing So Much? Cats that drink a lot of water will go on to urinate more often. This is partially due to how the body processes water. If a cat is drinking a large amount of water, then a higher volume will then be processed through the kidneys, leading to a larger output of urine. ,It used to be that you could fill your cat’s water bowl once a day. But now you’re filling it two or three times a day, and your cat comes running to have a drink every time you turn on a faucet. What is going on? Is drinking more water normal for older cats? Or is there a medical condition you need to worry about? Here’s why your cat might be drinking more water than normal and when you should consult with your vet.
