Is my cat drinking too much water?
If you’ve found yourself wondering if your cat is lapping up more water than usual, you’re right to be concerned. Excessive water consumption, also called polydipsia, can be a sign of underlying health problems in cats.
So, how much water should a cat drink? A healthy cat typically drinks about 3 to 4.5 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of body weight each day.
If you notice your cat is consistently drinking more than that, it’s important to recognize the signs and seek veterinary care. Early detection and intervention are key to managing any potential health issues.
How much water should a cat drink?
In general, cats should drink about 3 ounces of water for every 5 pounds they weigh. Here’s a quick reference chart:
- 5 lbs: 3 ounces
- 10 lbs: 6 ounces
- 15 lbs: 9 ounces
- 20 lbs: 12 ounces
- 25 lbs: 15 ounces
Keep in mind that this total includes water from all sources, including their food. If you feed your cat wet food, remember to subtract the moisture content of their meals from the amount they drink at the water bowl.
Medical causes of increased thirst in cats
If your cat’s suddenly lapping up more water than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Here are a few of the more common medical reasons for increased thirst (polydipsia) in cats:
Kidney disease
When a cat’s kidneys are damaged, they don’t concentrate urine as well, which leads to increased water loss. In turn, this makes the cat feel thirsty. Kidney disease is a common cause of increased thirst, especially in older cats.
Diabetes mellitus
High blood sugar levels, caused by diabetes, can cause the kidneys to flush out extra glucose. When the glucose is flushed, it pulls water along with it, resulting in increased thirst. Other signs of diabetes in cats are increased urination (polyuria) and weight loss.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid speeds up a cat’s metabolism, which can lead to increased thirst and appetite. You may also notice that your cat is losing weight, despite eating more, and that they’re more hyperactive than usual.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation in a cat’s urinary tract. This can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination, as well as straining to urinate and blood in the urine.
Non-medical factors affecting water intake
Sometimes, there’s a simple explanation for why your cat’s lapping up more water than usual. Here are a few non-medical reasons that could cause your cat to drink more.
Dietary changes
If you’ve recently switched your cat from wet food to dry food, it’s normal for your cat to drink more. Dry food has considerably less moisture than canned food, so your cat will naturally try to make up the difference by drinking more water.
With a dry food diet, your cat is relying on you to make sure they drink enough to stay hydrated.
Environmental factors
Just like humans, cats get thirstier when it’s hot outside or after they’ve been running and playing. Cats can lose fluids through panting and evaporation, so make sure fresh water is always available, especially during the dog days of summer.
Stress and anxiety
In some cases, stress and anxiety can lead to increased water consumption. If your cat is experiencing emotional distress, it could show up as increased drinking.
If you suspect this is the case, think about whether there have been any recent changes in your cat’s environment and try to eliminate any stressors you can.
Monitoring your cat’s water intake
It’s a good idea to keep track of how much water your cat normally drinks. That way, you’ll be able to quickly identify any changes that might indicate a problem.
To measure how much water your cat drinks, use a measuring cup to fill their water bowl. After 24 hours, measure how much is left. The difference is how much your cat drank.
Be on the lookout for other symptoms besides increased thirst, such as:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Changes in appetite
- Increased urination
- Vomiting
If your cat’s increased thirst lasts more than 24 hours or they have any other concerning symptoms, it’s time to call the vet. It’s important to report any other symptoms you observe, since these can help your vet figure out what’s going on.
How your veterinarian can help
If you’re concerned, your veterinarian can perform a physical exam along with blood and urine tests to figure out why your cat is so thirsty. Getting a diagnosis early can improve your cat’s chances if their drinking is caused by an underlying medical problem.
Conclusion
Watching how much water your cat drinks is an important part of keeping tabs on their health. If you think your cat is drinking too much or too little, it’s always best to check with your vet.
Many things can affect how much water a cat drinks, including underlying health problems, the temperature in your house, and changes in their diet.
To help your cat stay healthy, make sure they always have fresh water available. Choosing a balanced diet and providing a safe, stimulating environment can also contribute to your cat’s overall well-being.