Is increased thirst in cats a cause for concern?

If your cat was always thirsty, should you be worried?

It is common knowledge to cat owners and non cat owners that they feline creatures do not like the water as much. In fact, a lot of them drink water when they are thirsty.

What’s normal and what isn’t?

They can groom themselves so they do not really need a bath, nor they care for one, unless it is absolutely necessary. Hence, if they frequent their water bowl a little more frequent than usual or if he or she spends a lot of time with the faucet, this could be a cause for concern.

Our cats are susceptible to a lot of health problems that manifest symptoms like increased thirst. Kidney failure and diabetes mellitus are two of the most serious health issues that middle aged to senior cats face; both of these diseases have symptoms of increased thirst.

Usually, the increased water consumption comes with or results in weight loss and more frequent urination. Hence, if you notice any of these sudden changes in your cat’s habit, it is imperative that you take him or her to the vet for a routine of examinations: stool exam, urinalysis, and blood work.

The old saying that prevention is better than cure still holds water (no pun intended), even in our pet cats. Early detection of a kidney disease is crucial in ensuring the survival of our kitties. This disease has a high mortality rate, but it could be successfully managed in the early stages. Kidney issues, if left untreated could develop a fatal complication, which is diabetic ketoacidosis.

Increased thirst could also be an indication of other serious issues including hyperthyroidism, urinary tract infections, and even cancer.

A day of extreme thirst is not a cause for alarm, but multiple and excessive days of this issue definitely needs a trip to the veterinarian.