why do cats drink lots of water

Lily

I’ve noticed my cat drinking way more water than usual lately, and I’m a bit concerned. She used to barely touch her water bowl, but now she’s constantly lapping it up. Is this normal, or could it be a sign of something serious? I’ve heard that excessive thirst in cats can be linked to health issues like diabetes or kidney problems, but I’m not sure if I’m overreacting. Has anyone else experienced this with their cat? What should I look out for?

Jackson

It’s great that you’re paying attention to your cat’s habits! Increased water intake can definitely be a red flag, especially if it’s sudden. My vet told me that kidney disease and diabetes are common culprits in older cats. I’d recommend checking for other symptoms like weight loss, frequent urination, or lethargy. A vet visit might be a good idea just to rule anything out.

Leo

Don’t panic yet! My cat started drinking more water when we switched her to dry food exclusively. Turns out, dry kibble has less moisture than wet food, so she was just compensating. Maybe check if you’ve made any recent diet changes? If not, then yeah, it’s worth keeping an eye on.