Excessive Water Consumption in Cats Explained by DVM Emily Swiniarski, with Insights from DVM Catherine Barnette. Update: 05/04/2023. Share on Facebook, Twitter, or Email. Print Version Available.
Cat owners may find their feline companions incessantly drinking water and seeking more, which can be a cause for concern. Cats typically require half the amount of water per pound of body weight compared to dogs, making excessive consumption a potential red flag.
To understand why a cat might be drinking significantly more water, it is essential to recognize the underlying health conditions that can lead to excessive water consumption, commonly referred to as polydipsia. Here are the three most common causes:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Affecting around 1-3% of all cats, CKD weakens kidney function, thereby making it harder for them to maintain an optimal balance of water and fluids. As a result, the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, leading to frequent urination and increased thirst.
- Hyperthyroidism: A condition affecting up to 11% of older cats, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone. This hormone impacts growth, metabolism, and brain function. Increased thyroid hormone levels lead to an increased metabolism, which in turn elevates an animal's thirst. Additionally, thyroid hormone inhibits antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from interacting with the kidneys, causing more water to be released into the urine.
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM): This condition occurs when a cat's pancreas isn't producing enough insulin, halting the entry of glucose into liver, muscle, and fat cells for energy production. This results in high blood sugar levels that the kidneys then push into the urine, pulling water along with it as a result of osmosis. Consequently, a cat with diabetes may feel chronically thirsty.
A diagnosis of diabetes may require insulin injections, but in some cases, a needle-free alternative called Bexacat-a flavored once-daily tablet-may be an option.
Other, less common causes of polydipsia in cats include:- Liver disease- Medications such as steroids, phenobarbital, or diuretics- Hypercalcemia- Cancer- Pyometra (in unspayed female cats)
While a cat's typical water intake ranges from 18 to 27 milliliters (mL) of water per pound of body weight per day (resulting in around 3/4 to 1 cup per 10-pound cat), the actual amount can vary depending on factors such as age, health, environment, and diet. The presence of a dry food diet or high sodium content, for example, may necessitate increased water intake.
If you notice that your cat is consistently drinking more than 45 mL of water per pound of body weight per day or demonstrating other signs like frequent visits to the water bowl, meowing to refill it, draining the water bowl in one sitting, larger-than-normal urine clumps in the litter box, or urine outside the litter box, it is best to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet may need to run tests to determine the underlying cause, such as bloodwork, urine tests, and possibly X-rays or other specialized tests if necessary.
In light of a cat drinking excessively, it is crucial to consider possible health issues such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Hyperthyroidism, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM), which are common causes of polydipsia in cats. These conditions can significantly impact a cat's health and wellness, including mental health, as excessive water consumption might indicate an underlying issue. Therefore, if your cat is consuming more than 45 milliliters (mL) of water per pound of body weight per day or displays signs like frequent visits to the water bowl, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination and potential diagnosis. This could involve tests such as bloodwork, urine tests, X-rays, and others, to ensure your feline's health and wellness are addressed using science and medical knowledge within the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health care.
