Why Has My Cat Started Drinking Lots Of Water?
Do elderly cats drink more water?
Table of Contents
Drinking more is a common medical problem in cats, particularly older cats. This factsheet discusses how to tell if your cat is really drinking excessively, the causes – common and rare – and how the issue may be managed.
Why does my cat keep looking for water?
Cats lay next to water bowls because it can be a natural habit, or she could do it because she is always thirsty, she is unwell, or, even worse, if she does it for hours on end and on a daily basis, it could be an indication of diabetes or renal disease. Senior cats are more likely to engage in this activity.
Why does my elderly cat drink so much water?
Why might my cat be drinking more? When cats are drinking more it is nearly always caused by a disease (either based in the kidneys or elsewhere in the body but affecting the kidneys secondarily) that is causing the kidneys to make dilute urine and the cat then has to drink to stop being thirsty.
Is it good that my cat drinks alot of water?
If your cat is drinking lots of water and showing other signs of illness, they should be checked and diagnosed by a vet. In particular, excessive thirst in cats can be a symptom of: Kidney disease. Diabetes mellitus.
How much water should a senior cat drink?
Your cat needs a daily amount of about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of their body weight. For instance, if you have a 10-pound cat, they should be drinking between 7 to 9 ounces of water daily. If the cat eats wet food often, you may notice that it doesn’t drink as much water.
How do I get my elderly cat to drink water?
To get your cat to drink more water, move its water farther away from its food. You can also get a water fountain, use bowls of different materials (avoiding plastic), and place water bowls in several different places around the house.
How do you rehydrate an older cat?
If you suspect that your cat is dehydrated, contact your veterinarian for help right away. In the mean time you can try some home remedies to rehydrate your cat: Add a small amount of chicken broth or tuna juice to their water. Instead of dry food, try giving them wet food.
How can you tell if your cat is dehydrated?
– Low Energy. Your cat is lying around, listless. … – Low Appetite. Cats that are dehydrated may feel nauseous and not want to eat. … – Sunken Eyes. Cats that are hydrated have bright and shiny eyes. … – Dry, Pale, Sticky Gums. … – Dry Skin. … – Thick Saliva. … – Litterbox Clues. … – Panting.
How do you keep an old cat hydrated?
Clean out and provide fresh water in water bowls every day. Provide multiple clean water sources around your house for the cat to drink from. Try giving your cat an electrolyte supplement or meat-flavored water from a trusted pet food store. Use a cat water fountain with fresh water to encourage them to drink.
