Cats are usually not big drinkers. But if you suddenly notice that the bowl of water is disappearing faster than before, you should definitely be smart. Excessive thirst can be one of the first symptoms of health problems, which should not be underestimated.
Many cat owners pay attention mainly to how much their pet eats. However, less people monitor the amount of water they drink. At the same time, a change in the drinking regime can indicate that something is happening in the body. An occasional increase in fluid intake during hot days is completely normal, but long-term increased thirst may signal a problem that requires a veterinary examination.
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When a cat drinks more than usual
Increased water intake does not automatically mean illness. A cat may drink more during the summer, after a change of feed or during periods of increased activity. However, if the change persists for several weeks and there is no apparent reason for it, it is a good idea to monitor the situation.
One of the most common causes is . These appear especially in older cats and often develop very inconspicuously. The kidneys gradually lose the ability to properly manage fluids, and therefore the animal tries to compensate for the losses by drinking more often.
Excessive thirst is usually one of the first symptoms that the owner notices before more serious health complications appear. In addition to more frequent drinking, there may also be a greater amount of urine, weight loss or poorer coat quality.
Also watch out for diabetes
Another disease that can be manifested by an increased need for fluids is diabetes. Unfortunately, it does not avoid cats either, and its incidence has been increasing rapidly in recent years. The risk is understandably higher, especially among older individuals.
A cat with diabetes often drinks more, urinates more often, and may still lose weight even though it is eating normally. Some animals also seem more tired and less active than before. At the same time, early detection of the disease significantly increases the chance of successful treatment and a long quality life.
Don’t overlook minor changes
Cats are masters at disguising health problems, which is why it’s important to monitor even seemingly small things. If your cat has been drinking significantly more water for a long time than before, this is definitely not a change that you should ignore.
An early visit to the vet can detect kidney disease, diabetes or other problems at a stage when they can be well managed and slow their further development.
