Yes, cats can sometimes drink too much water. While cats can usually regulate their water intake well, some causes of excessive water drinking are diseases. For example, cats have no standard water intake because it depends on their age, weight, activity level, and climate.
Why a Cat Drinks a Lot of Water
Cats are obligate carnivores and require water to maintain their body weight and digest food. For example, a cat drinks water to stay hydrated and healthy, and excessive drinking can indicate a problem.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects the kidneys and can cause excessive thirst. For example, cats with CKD may drink more water than usual to help rehydrate their body and relieve appetite, urine, or vomiting.
Cats with CKD are at an increased risk of developing diabetes or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). If you notice your cat drinking excessively, you must visit the veterinarian for a checkup.
They can run tests to determine if your cat has chronic kidney disease and recommend ways to manage your cat’s drinking behavior accordingly.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease and can be treated with medication or surgery. However, you can do some simple tests at home to check if your cat has hyperthyroidism. One of these tests involves measuring how much water the cat drinks over time.
If the amount of water they drink increases significantly compared to their usual drinking habits, this may indicate that they have hyperthyroidism and will require treatment.
In cases where hyperthyroidism is diagnosed early on, most cats respond well to treatment with medications like progesterone or thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THR). Surgery may also be necessary in severe cases; however, it should only be considered a last resort after all other failed treatments.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the blood sugar levels in your cat become too high. Diabetes mellitus can be caused by anything from being overweight or lacking exercise to eating too many high-calorie foods.
If you think one of your cats might have diabetes mellitus, there are some signs to look out for: increased thirst, frequent urination, and sudden changes in appetite or weight.
Treatment usually involves diet and medication to control blood sugar levels. If you’re worried about what this might mean for your cat’s health long-term, speak with an expert veterinarian who will be able to provide advice and guidance on how best to care for them during this time of need
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common vet-diagnosed problem in cats. When your cat drinks too much water, it can develop UTIs. Cats are obligate carnivores whose digestive system wasn’t designed to handle a high water intake.
Drinking more than usual can cause UTIs because cats’ urinary tracts don’t filter urine well enough when the kidneys aren’t working correctly due to excess thirstiness.
If your cat has an infection, giving them antibiotics may be necessary to clear up the problem quickly. However, prevention is always better than cure – make sure your cat drinks plenty of water throughout the day by providing them with appropriate food and drink options.
Normal Cat Drinking Behaviors
Wet Food May Cause Your Cat to Drink Less Water
Wet food is high in moisture which can lead to weight gain in cats, so make sure their diet includes fresh vegetables and fruit as part of the regular meal plan. Feeding them wet food instead of dry food will additionally reduce water intake.
It can be challenging to track how much water your cat drinks – but you must do so. If they start drinking less than usual, it may be time to seek veterinary help.
Dry Food Might Make Your Cat More Thirsty
Many cats eat a lot of dry food, resulting in increased thirst. If you notice that your cat is drinking more water or losing weight, it might be time to consult a vet. But in most cases, wet food will solve the problem rather than putting your cat through an expensive vet visit.
How Much Water a Cat Should Drink
A cat should drink about four ounces of water per five pounds daily. The best way to ensure they drink enough is to offer them small amounts throughout the day.
Cats are obligate carnivores and, as such, require water to stay hydrated. If your cat seems thirsty, give them a little water immediately. Contact a veterinarian directly if you see that they’re not drinking enough.
Water can be a problem for cats if they drink too much water over time. If your cat drinks more than the required amount, encourage them to drink from a different source, like a faucet or sink, instead of their water bowl.
Take your cat for a checkup if you notice any concerning signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea. A cat drinking too much water can signify urinary tract infections and kidney problems. Keep an eye on your cat’s water consumption and ensure they get the water they need to stay healthy.
How Often Your Cat Drinks Will Be Different for Every Cat
As cats are obligate carnivores, their drinking habits largely depend on the food they eat. So when your cat isn’t drinking as much as usual, it is time to give her more food or water to compensate for it.
Most cats drink around four ounces per five pounds of body weight – so increase the amount of wet food they eat rather than giving them additional water daily. Also, the drinking schedule will differ depending on your cat’s age, weight, and activity level.
Older cats who don’t move much or have a low caloric intake (due to illness or old age) may not satisfy their thirst even if they eat enough food and drink water.
In such cases, supplementing electrolytes such as magnesium can help them stay hydrated while avoiding over-hydration, which might cause health problems later, like kidney disease. If you notice signs of dehydration, such as excessive panting; vomiting; or diarrhea, then take your cat to the vet immediately!
