Diabetes can sometimes cause weight loss, too. Fur. Or, if you're looking for our cat food roundup, we've put together a list of the best wet cat food: Mouth-watering dishes for your moggy. An increased appetite in association with increased thirst can also be a sign of diabetes. Remember too that so-called wet foods are so wet that an 8lb cat, eating these alone, might only drink a mere fluid ounce of water a day, while the same cat eating dry food would drink 5 times that amount. If your cat is not eating much, but still drinking water, then it could be something as simple as a change of diet. If you have recently noticed your cat drinking a lot of water, its only natural to become concerned. Most cats require very little insulin, so some of the insulin will go to waste, even if it lasts for 6months. Diabetes is a fairly common disease and can be managed with insulin therapy and other medications. This is normal, as long as the increased thirst is not associated with heatstroke. Weve already discussed the cost of insulin for cats. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Some cats just naturally dont drink very much, while others will drink more often. If sudden kidney failure results from such poisons, you may see excessive thirst as the first sign. Why? Your veterinarian will probably rate the severity of your cats kidney disease using International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines, and they will recommend a treatment plan based on stage of the disease. There are many possible reasons why a cat may suddenly start drinking more water, including diabetes: Increased thirst is a very common symptom of diabetes in cats. Tiredness or fatigue.. Its not just hyperthyroidism that causes increased thirst and weight loss. Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating? Some cats drink more water because of the type of food they eat. But for most of us with average home/work situations, being home morning and night for 2 kitty meals and 2 injections shouldnt be that difficult. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Hyperthyroidism is the most common cause of increased thirst in cats. Diabetes is a complex condition, so treatment can seem daunting. There are various reasons a cat could be drinking excess water, including underlying conditions, some of which include kidney problems and diabetes. This is bad in any case, but it could be life-threatening to a diabetic cat. Heres how it works. The excess glucose spills out through the kidneys into the urine, taking water with it. Proper diabetes care for a cat allows many patients to lead normal lives. Hypercalcemia. They include underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Excessive thirst can vary depending on your cat's previous behavior. After all, it doesnt take long for dehydration to set in if your cat has vomiting or diarrhea. In the course of a few short years, the cost of Lantus more than tripled! Petful does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Dehydration in cats is typically caused by the cat not drinking enough water or by excessive water loss. 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. 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. Some of the most common are diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and urinary tract infections. It just takes more work. If your cat is extra thirsty, theyll probably also use the litter box or pee outside more than normal. Our team knows that the potential causes for why your cat is drinking a lot of water can vary in severity, and we also know how important is to make sure you know the reason why theyre doing this. By the way, 10 great vets will treat feline diabetes in 10 great, but different, ways. If your cat is drinking a lot of water, it could be a sign of a serious health issue including diabetes, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. There are many possible reasons why a cat may suddenly start drinking more water, including diabetes: Increased thirst is a very common symptom of diabetes in cats. Treatment is variable depending on the underlying cause. 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. Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Turkey is a good food for a diabetic cat. If your dog is drinking lots of water all of a sudden and urinating more often, do not withhold water from your dog. For information about the cost of insulin for cats, see Part 2 of this article below. (The last time we checked, in December 2018, the price of Lantus was still just under $300.). Why is my cat drinking a lot of water? Cats dont have to eat every day, so your cat can go without eating for several days as long as it continues to drink water. Next, lets talk about the cost of insulin for cats. If a cat is nearing their end, they will likely have a decreased appetite. Injections are not that difficult to give, even when cat, Mr. Some cats may naturally drink more water when its hot outside, just like humans usually do. You find the water bowl empty more than usual. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'learnaboutpet_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-leader-4-0'); There are many reasons why your cat might be drinking a lot of water. Mug, is acting like Mr. Angrypants. 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. When the first version of this article was published, in 2012, we mentioned thata bottle of Lantus (glargine) insulin considered by many vets to be the first insulin choice for diabetic cats ran about $100. Now weve reached a huge, honking downside: the skyrocketing costs of insulin. If youre concerned about your cat drinking more water and it does not resolve on its own after a few days, a visit to your vet is recommended. So stay healthy. We took him to the veterinarian. Hyperthyroidism: Older cats are prone to developing hyperthyroidism, which also causes increased thirst and urination. Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? 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. Drinking more is usually the first and principal sign of Diabetes Mellitus. A change in their patterns could be cause for concern. They may recommend ultrasound or other forms of diagnostic imaging. Canned food, however, has plenty of moisture, so cats tend to drink less. Also Read: Why Is My Cat Drinking a Lot of Water? Your Cat Seems Disoriented Some aging cats may seem lost or confused in a familiar environment. Cats dont sweat as we do, nor pant like dogs, though they may groom more in warm weather so that their dampened coat helps them cool off by evaporation. Kitties with hyperthyroidism are often treated with methimazole to control thyroid function. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Most experts recommend a diet with about 7% carb content: Some of these regular cat foods are probably better than the prescription diets. Increased water intake is known as 'polydipsia'. Why Is My Cat All Of A Sudden Drinking A Lot Of Water? What's Normal These are more common in middle-aged or senior cats. Below Are Signs Of Advanced Kidney Failure, Known As Uncompensated Kidney Failure: At this point, the kidneys can't compensate for their loss of function. 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. Cats that do not eat well and those with diabetes will drink more water than normal. Hyperthyroidism can be treated in various ways, including medication and surgery. Diabetes is also a very common cause of drinking and peeing more in adult and senior cats. An avid Petfulreader wrote in to tell us she couldnt find Lantus for under $285 a bottle for her diabetic kitty. As a pet lover, make sure to learn about pet more and give your pet cata good and comfortable life! If they have always drunk a substantial amount of water since they were a kitten, it's less concerning than if there is a sudden change in their thirst. If you can measure how much your cat drinks in a day, your veterinarian will be able to do a simple calculation to decide whether it's excessive. Drinking too many fluids can cause water toxicity by diluting your body's sodium and other electrolytes, which may cause your cells to swell, including the cells in your brain. The cat must be seen eating, walking around and exhibiting a bright and alert demeanor. Your pharmacist might talk you into Lantus Solostar pens. These are 3 ml pens that are sold in bundles of 5. Your vet can find out if your cat has this by doing a simple blood test. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/endocrine-system/the-pancreas/diabetes-mellitus, https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-diabetes, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11919024/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11919029/, Other costs to consider when you have a diabetic cat, And why diabetic cats need extra care when youre away. Many diabetic cats come in to the vet and their human and the cat dont think theyre that sick. However, if the problem persists past a few weeks, you should take your cat to the vet to rule out other causes. Diabetes Mellitus. MSD Manual Veterinary Manual. Feldhahn, J.R. et al. A typical hyperthyroid cat is bright sometimes rather hyperactive, even a bit tetchy eating very well and sometimes manically hungry, yet is losing weight. This is an older cat's disease. Biannual to yearly blood work (depending on the age of your cat) is recommended to help detect early kidney damage. You could also try to get Lantus through a Canadian pharmacy. Why Is My Cat Suddenly Drinking More Water? Cats with urinary tract infections or crystals can often be treated with antibiotics or diet changes. Certain manufactured foods (such as some semi-moist pouches) contain high levels of humectants, which cause spikes in blood sugar. 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. University of Florida (Clinical year); 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. from drinking out of the toilet, of course, is to simply close the lid. As a cat owner, you are probably very well-versed in your pets behavior and regular routine. They both stain your fingers, too theres something not right about that. Most cats diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus are overweight. These cut down on vet visits and are great for the cat who is anxious at the vets office. 1.) Monitor your cat's water intake and call a veterinarian if there's a dramatic shift. Of course, sometimes theyre being more vocal because they feel more hungry and want to be fed, but the vocalizing can also be at random. It is also the sole domesticated species in the Felidae family. Have you found yourself refilling the bowl, yet again? Make sure the caretaker knows your cats daily routine and personality. Many veterinary specialists worry about the quality of compounded insulin. Or is there a medical condition you need to worry about? 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. This could be a sign of pain or various other serious medical issues including kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. These cats will usually respond to treatment quickly, and youve caught the disease before lots of secondary problems set in (pancreatitis, neuropathy, cataracts, to name a few). Dry cat food has less water content than canned cat food, so. Liver (hepatic) disease. Learn more. Oh well. With diabetes, the pancreas is not secreting enough insulin to control the blood sugar. Veterinary specialists have tested the insulin, and it stays effective for 34months, often longer. This disease consists of an inability to regulate blood sugar. Compensatory increased water intake eg, losses after vomiting or diarrhoea. Conditions that can cause excessive thirst might also cause changes in your cats appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, vocalization, or even breathing problems. Internally, thyroid hormone increases their blood pressure and, over time, can lead to heart failure.
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