Excessive Thirst in Cats

About two third of the total cats are older ones, that is above eight year old or older than that. Owner of these senior felines are the one's who need to be aware of all the things that surround the cat health. Cats and older cats for that matter need constant medical attention and regular check ups. It is actually very common for the older cats to drink more water, but sudden and excessive thirst can be a serious symptom to indicate two or three severe feline problems.

Causes of Excessive Thirst in Cats

Cats are subject to get affected with several similar diseases that are observed amongst the human beings, especially when the cats grow older. Common human diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, kidney diseases and cancer are some of them. These are 'senior feline diseases', meaning they probably catch the elder cats than the younger ones. Several of these diseases can cause excessive thirst in cats.

Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Just as we human beings, there are two types of feline diabetes - type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by lack of insulin and insufficient production of insulin, while type 2 is caused when the body cells are unable to utilize the present amount of insulin. It is true that diabetes can strike cats at any age but older cats are more prone to the feline diabetes mellitus. Symptoms of feline diabetes mellitus are vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of weight, poor skin and fur conditions, breathing problems, weakness, dehydration and excessive thirst. On observing some of the above symptoms, it is very necessary to see a vet and make sure that the treatment can get started.

Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic lipidosis, is a condition that is caused when there is sudden accumulation of fat cells inside the liver, that the body system of cats fail to utilize. The exact cause of this is not known and the disease can be diagnosed by performing liver biopsy. Symptoms of fatty liver disease are sudden of appetite and weight loss along with excessive thirst. Along with this several other symptoms include listlessness, vomiting, swelling of abdomen, etc. On noting some of the above symptoms, it is very necessary to see a vet and make sure that the treatment can get started.

Feline Chronic Renal Failure
There is very minute difference in acute renal failure and chronic renal failure. Chronic renal failure is the most common cause for most of deaths of the senior felines. It is an irreversible and gradual damage of the kidneys and the important functions of the kidney. Symptoms of excessive thirst are also accompanied with several other symptoms like weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty in urinating, vomiting and poor coat. There are several ways by which the chronic renal failure is treated that are providing cats with subcutaneous fluids, adequate and appropriate cat food, appetite stimulants and medication. On noting some of the above symptoms, it is very necessary to see a vet and make sure that the treatment can get started.

Several other diseases can also cause excessive thirst in cats. These diseases are hyperthyroidism, polyuria and polydipsia in cats and feline hypertension can cause excessive thirst. Any significant change in the cat behavior must not be overlooked as it can be the start of any of the cat illnesses. This thing is very important as far as the pet health is concerned. Treatment actually depends on the root cause of the excessive thirst in cats. Every individual cause must be treated individually. It will make sure that the cat recovers as soon as possible and has a healthy life ahead.

If your cat is also feeling a little more thirsty than normal, make sure you take her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. All the best!