Excessive Thirst in Cats
Extreme thirst in cats
It is observed that about two-third of the total number of cats are the older ones that is cats above 8 years. Owners of cats ought to have vested interest in the health of their cats by seeking for medical attention and regular checkups as well.
Causes of Increased Thirst in Cats
Just like human beings, cats are also prone to certain disease like diabetes, heart diseases, kidney diseases and cancer especially when they grow older. Many of these diseases can cause extreme thirst in cats.
Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Just like the types observed in human beings, there are two types of feline diabetes – type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by lack of insulin and not enough production of insulin, while type 2 is caused when the body cells are unable to utilize the present amount of insulin. Though it is certain that diabetes can attack cats at any age, older cats are more prone to the feline diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight
Poor fur conditions
Breathing problems
Weakness
Dehydration and excessive thirst
A veterinarian should be consulted, if the above symptoms are noticed so that the right medical treatment can be started.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease, which is also known as hepatic lipidosis, is a condition that is caused when there is a sudden accumulation of fat cells inside the liver, that the body system of the cats fail to utilize. Though the exact cause of this is not known, the disease can be diagnosed by performing a liver biopsy.
Symptoms
Sudden loss of appetite or weight loss
Excessive thirst
Listlessness
Vomiting
Swelling of abdomen
For proper diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a vet.
Feline Chronic Renal Failure
There is a very slight difference between acute renal failure and chronic renal failure. Chronic renal failure is the most common cause for deaths of senior felines. It causes an irreversible and gradual damage of the kidney along with affecting important functions of the kidney.
Symptoms
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Difficulty in urinating
Vomiting
Poor condition of coat
There are several ways by which the chronic renal failure is treated. Some of them include:
Providing cats with subcutaneous fluids
Adequate and appropriate cat food
Appetite stimulants and medication
Other Reasons
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid glands)
Polyuria (frequent urination)
Polydipsia (excessive drinking)
Feline hypertension (high blood pressure)
Noticeable change in the cat behavior must not be undermined as it can be the start of a cat’s illness. This is very important as far as the cat’s health is concerned. Proper treatment actually relies on the ‘root cause’ analysis to find out the reason why cats crave for water. Every particular symptom must be treated individually. This will ensure that the cat recovers, as soon as possible and has healthy life once again. For proper diagnosis and timely treatment, ensure you consult a veterinarian.