Water is an essential life resource for both humans and our beloved pets. However, when a cat increases its water consumption significantly, it may be a sign that something is not working properly in its body. This article goes into depth about what it means when a cat drinks too much water, how to detect it, possible causes, and what to do about it.
How can I tell if my cat is drinking more water than usual?
A healthy cat generally consumes between 40 and 50 ml of water per kilo of body weight. So, if your cat weighs around 4 kilos, its daily consumption should range between 160 and 200 ml. In cats that are fed dry food, the amount can increase up to 70-100 ml per kilo, since this type of food contains little moisture.
In addition to measuring the amount of water your cat consumes, pay attention to other signs that may indicate excessive consumption:
- Most used litter box: If you urinate more than usual, it is a direct sign that you are drinking more fluids.
- Drinkers empty too quickly: If you need to refill your bowl more than usual.
- Unusual behavior: Your cat may become restless or seek out additional water sources, such as faucets, toilets, or puddles.
- Increased need for drinks: Insistent meowing near the water bowl.
If you notice any of these signs, it would be helpful to measure the exact amount of water your cat consumes each day. This can be done by filling the water bowl with a measured amount at the beginning of the day and checking how much is left at the end.
Factors that influence water consumption
There are several non-worrying reasons that can increase the best before date water in cats:
- High temperature: During the summer or in hot climates, cats need more water to stay hydrated.
- Diets based on dry feed: This type of diet lacks moisture, which increases the need for fluids.
- Physical activity: More active cats tend to consume more water.
- Medication: Some, such as corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories, can cause intense thirst.
- Breastfeeding: In the case of cats, milk production increases the need for hydration.
What diseases can be caused by excessive water consumption?
If the increase in water intake cannot be explained by natural factors, it could be a symptom of medical problems. Some of the most common conditions that present with polydipsia include:
Chronic renal failure
It is one of the most common conditions in older cats. The kidneys begin to fail in their function of filtering toxins, leading the cat to drink more to try to compensate for the deficit. Additional symptoms may include: vomiting, pérdida peso y lethargy.
Diabetes mellitus
In this disease, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, causing insulin levels to drop. glucose in the blood. Cats with diabetes tend to drink more water and urinate more frequently. Other symptoms may include excessive appetite y pérdida peso.
Hyperthyroidism
This hormonal disorder speeds up the cat's metabolism, which can result in increased thirst, pérdida peso y nervousnessIt is more common in older cats and may require medical treatment.
Cystitis or urinary tract infections
These conditions cause discomfort when urinating and may cause the cat to consume more fluids to try to relieve the symptoms.
Steps to follow if you notice that your cat is drinking too much water
If you notice this behavior in your pet, the first thing you should do is record its water consumption for several days. This will help the veterinarian to have a clear perspective of what is happening.
- Consult the vet: Provide all the information you have gathered about your cat's drinking and urination habits.
- Testing: Your vet will likely run blood and urine tests to rule out underlying conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure.
- Never restrict access to water: Even if you notice an increase in consumption, limiting access to it can put your health at risk.
How to prevent hydration problems in cats
Preventative care is essential to keep your cat in top condition. Some recommendations include:
- Provide fresh water daily: Change the water regularly to encourage drinking.
- Opt for water sources: Some cats prefer moving water, so a fountain may be ideal.
- Introducing wet food: Incorporating canned or homemade foods can increase hydration.
- Control your diet: Check out which foods are recommended in this article on what should your cat eat.
Close observation of your cat's behaviour and proper veterinary care are the keys to maintaining its long-term well-being. If you suspect that your cat has a problem associated with excessive water consumption, do not hesitate: go to the vet immediately. Acting in time can make a big difference in its quality of life.