For information about the cost of insulin for cats, see Part 2 of this article below. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? This can occur even when youre feeding the best dry cat food, and doesnt reflect an underlying problem. And when we talk about an old cat refusing to eat but drinking water, what about when it comes to an old cat drinking a lot of water and losing weight? Most experts dont recommend using compounded glargine insulin. But times have certainly changed. Having a diabetic cat does mean sticking to a regular routine of mealtimes and injections. If your cat is not eating but drinking lots of water, this could be an indication of kidney disease or diabetes. Get the cat to the vet. Perhaps better known as finicky eaters, cats aren't prolific water drinkers. The cat is making more trips to the water bowl. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. What about when it comes to cat drinking but not eating? But take things a step at a time, and the problems shrink down to size. Monitoring your cats water intake at home can help your vet determine how serious the problem might be. Some common reasons why your cat is drinking a lot of water include, but arent limited to: Cats who eat wet food will take in most of the moisture they need through their diet. Changes in your cats thirst might not seem serious, especially if your feline friend is acting well and has no other symptoms. Many veterinary specialists worry about the quality of compounded insulin. Some of the most common are diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and urinary tract infections. Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating in the yard? However, some medical conditions can cause your cat to drink more, including hormonal conditions like diabetes and hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and liver disease. Its often better news than kidney failure or liver failure in many cases. This disease can even affect the heart. A few more ideas if youre looking to save money on Lantus: Immediately after diagnosis, ask your vet for 2 estimates for stabilization and for ongoing costs so you understand the financial implications. Monitor your cat's water intake and call a veterinarian if there's a dramatic shift. Your vet may go to another insulin, PZI (protamine zinc insulin, or ProZinc), when Lantus has not worked. The ''cat'' is often described as the ''domesticated cat'' so as to differentiate it from other wild cats of the family. They may also be treated with radioiodine therapy, which can be extremely effective. At the first sign of minor dehydration or a decrease in water consumption, a few small changes can make a big difference in your cat's healthand prevent an emergency trip to the vet. If your cat needs insulin injections, youll need to find a reliable pet sitter familiar with diabetics, a family member or a pleasant boarding situation. As blood sugar levels rise, the cat will become thirstier and will need to urinate more often. There are many reasons why your cat might be drinking a lot of water. A poor diet may have brought on your cats diabetes in the first place. In every one of these, being seen by your veterinarian sooner rather than later will give the best outlook for your pets health and comfort. By the way, 10 great vets will treat feline diabetes in 10 great, but different, ways. Find out how to stop a cat from spilling water bowl and how often should I feed my kitten. Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating? Is it going up or down over a period of a few weeks or months? You can find more information on the pros and cons of dry cat food and wet cat food in our vet's guide to dry vs wet cat food. Determining how much water your cat is actually drinking can be tricky, particularly if more than one water source is available or there are multiple pets in the household. There are many possible diseases that can cause cats to drink too much water, including diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. If you notice any change in your cats thirst, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. After all, every condition that makes your cat need to drink more will also make them need to pee more often. Moreover, if you touch his gums, they may feel dry instead of moist and tacky. Thats completely normal. Apart from diabetes, this behavior could also mean that your cat is suffering from kidney problems. Dry food kibbles are actually 5 to 10% water, while wet foods whether loaf or stew are nearer 80% water. ALWAYS GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR PERSONAL VETERINARIAN AND USE INFORMATION HERE AS GENERAL ADVICE. If your cat is not eating much, but still drinking water, then it could be something as simple as a change of diet. She has written about pets and pet health for many websites, blogs, and pet magazines and loves to help owners understand their pets through her writing. Cancer. Talking of why your cat would suddenly start drinking a lot of water, what about when it comes to cat not eating but drinking lots of water? A change in their patterns could be cause for concern. Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Turkey is a good food for a diabetic cat. And what symptoms might you notice that indicate a possible medical cause for your cats increased thirst? Hyperthyroidism: Older cats are prone to developing hyperthyroidism, which also causes increased thirst and urination. Trainer reveals the one command every dog owner needs to improve behavior - it's simpler than you think, Trainer reveals three things you can do to improve your demanding dogs behavior and help them feel more relaxed, Trainer reveals the secret to getting your dog to come when you call them, and it all comes down to timing. Why? This test can either be done at the vet clinic or at home. A typical hyperthyroid cat is bright sometimes rather hyperactive, even a bit tetchy eating very well and sometimes manically hungry, yet is losing weight. Why is my cat drinking a lot of water? Keep reading! If you notice any signs that your cat is ill, take him to the vet right away. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! The biggest factor that affects thirst is a change in diet, particularly if you switch your cat from dry food to wet food or vice versa. Welcome to Learn About Pet. This is most commonly seen in overweight, young to middle-aged cats that primarily eat dry food. However, if the water bowl is too close to the food, the cat will instinctively feel that the water could be contaminated. Worms. If you see these signs, take your cat to a vet right away, especially if hes a male, as this may be a medical emergency. So a 10-pound cat will typically drink about 8 ounces of water every day. But this doesn't address the reason why your pet wants to drink from the toilet in the first place. Kitties who dine on kibbles are likely to drink noticeably more. Cats tolerate radiation very well, and a cat will only need to stay several days in the hospital after treatment. You may notice that your cat is lethargic and has a dry mouth and nose. If the kidneys are failing, they arent able to reabsorb water from the blood as efficiently as normal, causing the body to become dehydrated and the cat to feel thirsty. They have changed remarkably little in the thousands of years since and while its still vital always to provide them with fresh, clean water in good health, most cats drink sparingly. Diabetes Mellitus. Why Is My Cat Not Eating But Drinking Water? Recognizing complications at the beginning makes for smoother stabilization. Unfortunately, underlying medical conditions are the most common of these causes. If its hot or dry, try setting up a humidifier to help keep your cat cool and decrease the need for more water. Some cats drink more water because of the type of food they eat. Another common cause of dehydration is fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. Why is my cat suddenly throwing up? These cuddly cats have an unfortunately habit of storing fat inside insulin-producing cells, which smothers their ability to produce vital insulin. If you have recently changed the feline menu from wet to dry food, you can expect to see more forays to that bowl to compensate. You can set up a pet camera to help you keep track. A cat who is dying may instinctively hide in an out-of-the-way room, under furniture or somewhere outside. If you notice any changes in your cat's eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. That said, the main reason your cat may be behaving in this manner is due to adverse health conditions like diabetes and kidney complications. If your cat is drinking a lot and has diarrhea, it might just mean that they are replacing the fluid they have lost in their poop. This is because in the wild a cat would never drink water that is near freshly killed prey in case the water is contaminated. New York, The trick is to tempt them with something new and different, most probably fresh meat or a tasty treat. What is going on? All they want is a tasty treat now and then, interactive toys to challenge, Why Does My Cat Drink Water With Their Paw? Some of these causes are more serious than others, and only your vet can tell you for sure which problem may be causing your cats increased thirst. To help you recognize when it's time to say goodbye to your cat, let's discuss the possible signs of a cat beginning to let go. When an older cat is presented to the veterinarian with the common symptoms of drinking lots of water, urinating tons and losing weight, a diagnosis of feline diabetes can actually be good news. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The thing to watch for is any change in your cats water consumption. If you do, you may put your dog at risk for life-threatening dehydration. It is one of the most common symptoms we see in older cats because two of the most common conditions cause it: a. Hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid hormone) which can cause very bad weight loss, and over several months, a cat can turn to looking boney. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. What should you do with a loose dog tooth? Cats eating dry food drink more to make up for the lack of water in their food. My cat is 16 and a half and in the last few weeks, he lost a lot of weight. Most cats diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus are overweight. An increased appetite in association with increased thirst can also be a sign of diabetes. If youre used to leaving your cat for long weekends with a big bowl of food and a see you later, your life is going to have to change. Their water bowl emptying quicker than usual. Many of the causes of excessive thirst are ongoing problems, like diabetes and kidney disease, so more testing will be needed to monitor the treatment over time. 4 Possible Reasons, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Eat right. If your pet is ever in an emergency situation, use the link below to find our nearest location so we can get your pet the help they need. 2. Here are some simple facts about the cost of treating cat with diabetes today: A 10 ml vial is good for at least 34 months, maybe longer if handled properly. These are all signs of feline hyperthyroidism. However, if the problem persists past a few weeks, you should take your cat to the vet to rule out other causes. Your cat drinking too much water and meowing will usually mean that something is amiss. This is one cause of increased thirst that does not necessarily result in increased urination. Biannual to yearly blood work (depending on the age of your cat) is recommended to help detect early kidney damage. Firstly, it could be normal for them. Unlike the kidney cases with their picky appetite, these cats are generally bright and with a good or a hearty appetite, though they may be losing weight. And move on. When the electrolyte levels drop because of drinking too much water, your body balance goes down. You find the water bowl empty more than usual. Canned food, however, has plenty of moisture, so cats tend to drink less. Increased water intake is known as 'polydipsia'. The most obvious is that theyre thirsty and need more water. drowsiness and fatigue. So, let's find out what specific symptoms could mean: If your feline friend is drinking more and losing weight, it might mean that they have hyperthyroidism. Therefore, if you notice your cat is peeing on the floor, soaking the litter box, or if your cat is always thirsty, it's time to visit your veterinarian. In the course of a few short years, the cost of Lantus more than tripled! Another reason why your older cat is not eating but acting normal and drinking plenty of water could be that they have diabetes mellitus. There are several reasons why cats drink large amounts of water. They are wrong. Cats who have diabetes will need to be given insulin injections and have their urine and blood sugar levels monitored closely. This could be a sign of pain or various other serious medical issues including kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. No matter the cause of your cat's decline in health, there are a few standard signs of a cat dying to be aware of. You can also get a water bowl with measurements marked on the side, or a smart water fountain to measure how much water your pet drinks: Water bowl behavior can be important to note as well. Cats with liver disease often need more diagnostic tests before a treatment plan can be made. We dont completely understand this, but we are getting better treatment results with low-carb/high-protein diets and early insulin intervention. Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water Lately? In one day, most cats shouldnt drink more than 45 ml of water per pound of their body weight. If a blood and urine test arent enough, your vet may also want to do ultrasounds or X-rays. If the cat is still happy, eating, and his glucose hasnt gotten too high or the diabetes hasnt been going on for a long time, this cat is what we call a happy diabetic.. (7 Interesting Facts). Lack of interest in surroundings and family members, Wobbliness, difficulty walking, or paralysis, Needing to use the litter tray more often or less often than usual, Fainting or appearing to be in pain or confused. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. Unfortunately, these other, less expensive insulins dont seem to work as well in cats. Get the best advice, tips and top tech for your beloved Pets. We agree. This can be given as an oral medication or a topical gel that can be rubbed into their ears. With proper diet and the correct insulin therapy, a significant number of cats can go into remission or have their diabetes reversed. Your vet will likely recommend blood work and urine testing in most cases of increased thirst. So a 10-pound cat will typically drink about 8 ounces of water every day. However, increased thirst could indicate an underlying health problem, and early treatment could make a real difference. There are various reasons a cat could be drinking excess water, including underlying conditions, some of which include kidney problems and diabetes. No, diabetes is not a death sentence for your cat. It could indicate the onset of liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a UTI.Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? There are many possible causes of dehydration, one of which we already discussed: hot weather. Before you know if your cat is drinking an above-average amount of water, you need to know what the normal range is for a cats daily water intake. Cats who are only fed dry food will often have excellent teeth, but theyll need to drink more than cats who are fed wet food. b. Kidney disease or kidney failure. He has forgotten that his can of Purina . It's also worth considering whether it's a hot day or whether theyre fed wet or dry food. The cost has skyrocketed lately. Clean the bowl in the morning and put in a measured amount of water. 5 Clear Ways For Cat And Bunny, Can Cats Eat Coconuts? As a pet parent, you might wonder whether this is normal behavior or whether there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. So stay healthy. The next morning, measure how much water is left and subtract from the original to calculate how much water your cat drank. You could also try to get Lantus through a Canadian pharmacy. Many diabetic cats come in to the vet and their human and the cat dont think theyre that sick. If your cat is not a diabetic yet, get on the healthy bandwagon: Obesity in cats, just like in Americans, is a huge problem. 1.) Unfortunately, youre at the mercy of greedy Big Pharma when it comes to filling human scripts, such as insulin, for your pets. In particular, excessive thirst in cats can be a symptom of: Kidney disease Diabetes mellitus Hyperthyroidism Urinary tract disease What should I do if my cat is drinking a lot? How much water is in food depends on which format you give. Excessive thirst is a symptom of numerous medical conditions in cats, both physical and mental. Dr. Mahaney says to try these simple at-home tips to quench your finicky feline's thirst: Serve a moist diet. If your cat is addicted to dry foods, there are probably decent dry diets out there but we still wish you could convert your cat to a wet diet. Hyperthyroidism is a serious disease that can affect cats more commonly than you might realize. The pet parent decides to take the cat to the vet when theres urine floating on top of 20 pounds of soaked cat litter. The excess glucose spills out through the kidneys into the urine, taking water with it. If we catch the illness early, a diabetic cat will stop drinking tons of water, have a normal amount of energy and lead a happy life. They may ask about the type and amount of food youre feeding and your cats litter box habits. This is an older cats disease. Cats can be very picky eaters and if you have recently changed the type of food that you are feeding them, they may simply not like it.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'learnaboutpet_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Talking of why your cat is drinking and not eating, what about when it comes to cat drinking a lot of water and gaining weight? Diabetes mellitus can occur in cats, dogs and humans and is caused by a deficiency of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. But slim down the cat, clean out the pancreatic cells and ta-dah! This means they may return to being a normal, non-diabetic cat. Its not just hyperthyroidism that causes increased thirst and weight loss. Some cats may naturally drink more water when its hot outside, just like humans usually do. If your cat is male and seems to be having any trouble urinating, or he is urinating only small amounts frequently, he should be examined immediately, as this may be an emergency. Changes in water intake caused by a medication should go away as soon as your pet is off the medication as instructed by your veterinarian. Still, first, your veterinarian will need to do some tests to confirm the diagnosis. Don't worry, though; there is a method to find out. Bloodwork and urine testing will likely be recommended. When you go on a long journey, you check your vehicles tire pressure, the oil level and that theres sufficient gas in the tank. DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG OR WEBSITE, "Learn About Pet", DOES NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. And we were on such a good roll there with all those upsides to having a diabetic cat! There are different forms of treatment available including permanent options. Lantus is expensive, no matter how you cut it. Its most often seen in older cats, though in Persians and occasionally in Himalayans and British Shorthairs a hereditary condition called polycystic kidney disease can cause mid-life problems. Some pharmacies, we are told, will sell only 1 pen at a time. Thats why cats who are eating wet foods may rarely be seen at their water bowl, as most of their needs are being met from their dinner. If theyre well, its also worth keeping an eye on their thirst for a few days to see if it settles and monitoring them for other symptoms. Getting your cat on the right track early can save you a lot of money and add years to their life. NY 10036. In fact, the first sign of a problem might be if the litter box is getting full more quickly and the clumps are getting heavier and harder to scoop. He will also not be interested in food or treats, but he may drink more water than usual. There are many reasons a cat may be drinking more water than normal, including underlying medical conditions. A well cat generally needs less than one fluid ounce for each pound body weight every 24 hours, so around 6 to 7 ounces for an 8-pound cat and 12 to 14 ounces for a 16-pound cat. Generally, if a cat on insulin is still drinking a lot of water, and they are on an all low carb canned food diet, (low carb canned foods are what diabetic cats should be eating), then it is very likely that the cat is still having high blood glucose numbers for whatever reason. This is another hormonal problem in cats, this time concerning the hormone insulin which is produced by the beta cells located in the pancreas. Overall, you should be concerned that your cat is drinking a lot of water if the reason is because of an underlying health condition. Proper diabetes care for a cat allows many patients to lead normal lives. When you come to VEG, you can be rest assured that your cat will get the proper care they need. The easiest thing to do to stop your cat (or dog!) Compensatory increased water intake eg, losses after vomiting or diarrhoea. She may also be older and not able to reach the water bowl or there may be something wrong with her kidneys. Lantus is, according to most specialists, the best choice for diabetic cats. She will sleep more and more and may be weak when she is awake. Dry cat food has less water content than canned cat food, so. Bruyette, David, DVM, DACVIM. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. According to the above information, exactly why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? Conditions that can cause excessive thirst might also cause changes in your cats appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, vocalization, or even breathing problems. That said, if you have any concerns about this, then you should book an appointment with your local vet for a check-up. More information. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. Your pharmacist might talk you into Lantus Solostar pens. These are 3 ml pens that are sold in bundles of 5. Diabetes in cats is a HUGE subject, and we feel weve only skimmed the surface here. However, many cats drink more or less than that, depending on their activity level or many other factors. The most common causes of increased thirst and drinking are: Kidney (renal) dysfunction. After all, you cant be sure that your cat is drinking too much if you dont know how much they should drink. With diabetes, the pancreas is not secreting enough insulin to control the blood sugar. Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? . My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. The most common type of worm seen in cat vomit is roundworms. Diabetes is a fairly common disease and can be managed with insulin therapy and other medications. If your cat seems very thirsty, this is not normal.