Cat Drinking More Water Than Usual? Here’s Why.

Have you ever looked over at your cat, who is lapping up water from their bowl like they’ve just finished a marathon, and thought, "Huh, that's... a lot of water"?

I’ve been there. With my cat Remy, my first thought is usually, "Wow, he's so good at staying hydrated!" My second thought is, "...wait, is that too good?"

It’s easy to dismiss because, hey, drinking water is healthy, right?

But here’s the thing: while we want our kitties to be well-hydrated, a sudden and significant increase in thirst can be one of the first, most obvious signs that something is medically wrong.

If you’re here, it’s because you're a flipping fantastic cat parent who pays attention to the little things. You've noticed a change, and you're right to be curious.

This isn’t a reason to panic! But it is a reason to put on your detective hat. Let's get into the science of what’s normal, what’s not, and why your cat drinking more water than usual is something you should never ignore.

Normal vs. Excessive: How Much Water is Too Much?

First, let's establish a baseline. What's a normal amount of water for a cat to drink? It can vary quite a bit. A good rule of thumb is that a healthy cat typically drinks about 4 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of body weight each day.

However, diet plays a huge role. A cat who eats mostly dry food (kibble) will naturally drink a lot more water than a cat who eats wet food, since wet food already contains a high percentage of moisture.

So, if your kibble-cruncher is always at the water bowl, it might be perfectly normal for them.

The official veterinary term for excessive thirst is polydipsia. This is generally defined as a cat drinking more than about 100 ml per kilogram of body weight per day.

I’m not asking you to get out a measuring cup and do a bunch of math (unless you want to!), but the key takeaway is this: you know your cat. A consistent, noticeable increase from their normal is what matters most.

Common Medical Reasons for a Cat Drinking More Water Than Usual

If you've confirmed that your cat is definitely drinking more water, it’s time to consider the medical culprits. This increased thirst is often a symptom of a few very common—and very treatable—health conditions in cats.

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): This is one of the most common reasons for increased thirst in older cats. As their kidneys lose function, they can't concentrate urine effectively. They end up peeing out too much water, become dehydrated, and then drink more to compensate. It's a vicious cycle, and increased thirst is often the very first sign.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Just like in humans, diabetes in cats affects their blood sugar levels. High blood sugar gets filtered out through the kidneys, taking a lot of water with it. This leads to increased urination and, you guessed it, a powerful thirst to make up for the fluid loss. You might also notice weight loss despite a ravenous appetite.

• Hyperthyroidism: This condition involves an overactive thyroid gland, which sends a cat's metabolism into overdrive. It makes them feel perpetually hungry, thirsty, and restless. They might be eating more than ever but still losing weight, all while guzzling water.

• Urinary Tract Issues: Problems like a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder stones can make a cat feel like they constantly need to urinate. This can sometimes lead to them drinking more water to keep things flowing.

• Liver Disease: When the liver isn't functioning properly, it can also trigger an increase in thirst, among other symptoms.

Could It Be Environmental or Behavioral?

While medical issues are the most common cause, there are a few other reasons your cat might be hitting the water bowl more often.

• Hot Weather: On a hot day, your cat will naturally drink more to stay cool and hydrated, just like you do. This is usually temporary and not a cause for concern.

• A Change in Diet: Did you recently switch from wet food to dry food? Your cat will absolutely need to drink more water to make up for the lost moisture from their meals.

• Increased Activity: If your cat has suddenly decided to take up a new hobby of chasing sunbeams for two hours a day, they'll be thirstier.

• Stress or Boredom: In rare cases, a cat might drink excessively out of boredom or as a behavioral tic, a condition called "psychogenic polydipsia." However, this is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning your vet will rule out all medical causes first.

When to Call the Vet (Spoiler: Pretty Much Now)

Here’s the simple, unvarnished truth: if you've noticed your cat drinking more water than usual, and it's a sustained change, you need to call your vet. This isn't a "wait and see" situation. It's a "get it checked out" situation.

Be prepared to report any other symptoms you’ve seen, no matter how small they seem. Be sure to tell your vet about:

• Changes in urination (more frequent, larger clumps in the litter box, accidents outside the box).

• Changes in appetite (eating more or less).

• Weight loss or gain.

• Vomiting or diarrhea.

• Lethargy or a decrease in energy.

  
  

To diagnose the problem, your vet will likely start with some basic blood tests and a urinalysis. These simple diagnostic tools can provide a wealth of information and can quickly identify issues like kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.

You're Their Best Health Advocate

Your cat can't tell you when they don't feel well, but they can show you. That extra trip to the water bowl is one of their most important signals. By paying attention, you're being an incredible health advocate for your furry best friend.

Don't let the scary list of potential causes send you down a Google spiral of doom. The vast majority of these conditions are highly manageable with modern veterinary care, especially when caught early.

Getting a diagnosis is the first step toward getting your cat the treatment they need to feel better and continue living a long, happy life with you.

So, take a deep breath, make that call, and give yourself a pat on the back for being such an observant and caring cat parent. You’ve got this! 🐾

Meta Information

Meta Title: Cat Drinking More Water Than Usual? Here’s Why.

Meta Description: Is your cat drinking more water than usual? Discover the common medical and behavioral reasons, and learn when you should call the vet for this key symptom.