If your cat seems like it is thirsty all the time, you will need to familiarize yourself with some of the possible causes.
It is very possible that your cat has a serious medical problem that requires immediate attention.
The more you know about this, the easier it will be to help your cat.
1. They Have Kidney Problems
A cat with kidney failure will often develop an intense thirst that cannot seem to ever be satisfied. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for these animals to have major problems with their kidneys. These health problems can cost your cat its life if they are not treated properly and promptly.
Some of the other symptoms of kidney issues in cats include bad breath, weight loss, seizures and vomiting. You will also most likely notice your cat becoming lethargic and uninterested in its usual activities.
There are numerous medications that a doctor can prescribe for cats with kidney problems. While there is no cure for kidney failure, it is possible to manage it so you can minimize the symptoms and keep your kitty fairly comfortable.
2. Infection
If your cat has a bacterial infection, they might develop a fever. This can cause them to drink a lot more water than usual. Even a seemingly small or harmless infection can quickly become life threatening.
It is absolutely crucial that you take your cat to the vet as soon as you find out that it has a fever. The longer you wait to do this, the more danger your cat will be in. Cats that have an infection are often very irritable, lashing out when you try to pet them.
You should really have a rectal thermometer around the house so that you can take your cat’s temperature if it seems sick. This can help you know when it is time to get your cat to the vet, which his very useful indeed.
3. Hyperthyroidism
Some cats develop hypothyroidism, which is a condition that causes a feline’s gland to become overactive. The cat’s thyroid hormones are overly active, which can cause numerous problems with their overall health.
While older cats typically develop hyperthyroidism, it can occur at almost any age during a cat’s life. This condition is also closely associated with weight loss due to the increased speed of the animal’s metabolism.
If your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your veterinarian will likely recommend that you put them on a special high-carb diet. While most felines don’t need many carbs in their daily diet, those with this condition need to keep weight on as much as possible.
4. Diabetes
Cats can also develop diabetes over time if they become overweight enough. This occurs when a cat’s glucose levels become high enough to where their kidneys are incapable of reabsorbing it entirely.
The main reason that cats with diabetes drink so much water on a daily basis is because they lose so much of it when urinating. This leads your cat to develop a thirst that cannot be satisfied.
Diabetes can strike cats of any age, though it usually starts manifesting around middle age. The best treatment for this condition is daily insulin injections. This will ultimately help you keep your cat as healthy as possible.
While it’s true that there is no cure for feline diabetes (or the human kind for that matter), you can manage their condition effectively. It is crucial that you never miss a single insulin injection, as it could cost them their life.
If you have a cat with diabetes, you will likely need to keep it on a special diet that is different from what any other cats that may be in your home eat. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with recommendations as to which cat foods you should give your cat on a daily basis.
5. Dehydration
Dehydration is another common explanation for why your cat is gulping down water like crazy. There are numerous reasons that your cat could be dehydrated. It might be because they are overheating, which can be a serious problem.
Make sure that the temperature inside the house is comfortable for you and your cat at all times. If you let them out of the house in the warm months, make sure they have a shady spot they can take shelter in.
Another reason that a cat might become dehydrated is that they are being given large quantities of salty food. It is important that you are careful about the human food you give your cat. You don’t want to give them anything that has a high salt content.
If your cat is losing blood, whether from the inside or outside, they might become dehydrated and start drinking lots of water. The more blood your cat loses, the more fluids they have to consume to compensate for the drop in bloods pressure. Make sure that your cat is not bleeding on the outside at all. It can be difficult to tell if they have internal bleeding, though you may notice bruising under their fur.
Conclusion
- Kidney failure is a common explanation for increased thirst in cats.
- While there is no cure for serious kidney problems in felines, there are medications that can be used to manage it.
- If your cat has an infection and/or fever, they may start drinking more water than normal.
- You should take your cat’s temperature if they seem sick so you know whether or not they actually have a fever.
- You want to get your cat to the vet right away if you notice that their temperature is significantly higher than it should be.
- Diabetes is yet another condition that can cause cats to drink a lot of water throughout each day. This is because they are losing so much water each time they urinate.
- Dehydration causes cats to gulp down water as well, and it can be caused by anything from overheating to blood loss.
