Why is my 12 year old cat drinking water?

The commonest diseases that often show up as a cat drinking excessively are chronic kidney failure, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism – but all these conditions may show in other ways, for example weight loss or changes in appetite and behaviour.

Why is my senior cat so thirsty?

This article focuses on three of the most common causes of PU/PD in older cats. Three of the more common causes of excessive urination and excessive drinking in cats are diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism.

Why is my old cat obsessed with water?

The answer probably lies in survival instincts. Cats tend to seek out fresh, clean water over stagnant water, probably because fresh water is less likely to contain harmful bacteria than stagnant water is. Plus, running water just tastes better.

Do cats drink more water when they get older?

Increased thirst is an early warning sign of many age related diseases. As a guide all cats should drink about 50mls fluid per kilo of bodyweight every day – 200mls or slightly less than ½ a pint for the average cat some cats drink much less.

Why is my cat suddenly so thirsty?

Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism are common causes of increased thirst and urination in cats. Increased thirst and urination are symptoms of a number of common diseases, especially in cats over 10 years of age.

10 Tips to Help Your Cat DRINK WATER ?

What are the signs of kidney failure in cats?

Should I be concerned if my cat drinks a lot of water?

Polydipsia is defined as a cat drinking more than 100ml per kg of their bodyweight per day, but any cat that is drinking more than usual should be seen by a vet, as this may indicate that something is amiss. Of course, let the vet know the amount your cat is drinking if you have measured it.

Why is my 13 year old cat drinking so much water?

In the vast majority of cats that are drinking excessively it is because they are genuinely thirsty as their kidneys are making more urine, their bodies are detecting the loss of fluid and stimulate the desire to drink.

What are the signs of diabetes in a cat?

How much water should a senior cat drink?

Most cats should drink about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight in a day, give or take an ounce in either direction.

What are the signs of an old cat dying?

What are symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats?

The most common sign of hyperthyroidism in cats is weight loss despite an increased appetite. Other common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, drinking and urinating more than normal, and an unkempt hair coat. Because the disease develops gradually, signs are often easy to miss at first.

Is 12 old for a cat?

In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.

What's the average lifespan of a house cat?

Indoor cats live on average 10-15 years, while outdoor cats live on average 2-5 years This handout is intended to help you sort out the pros and cons associated with each lifestyle so you can rest assured your cat will have both an enriched life and protection from environmental hazards.

Why is my elderly cat so thin?

Elderly cats can lose weight because their metabolism slows down, so it becomes difficult to process food, resulting in reduced consumption. Also, they're less physically active, so they start to lose muscle mass and appear to start wasting away.

What happens to an untreated diabetic cat?

Untreated, the condition leads to increasingly weak legs in cats, and eventually malnutrition, ketoacidosis and death. Early diagnosis and treatment by a qualified veterinarian can not only help prevent nerve damage, but in some cases even lead to remission so that the cat no longer needs injected insulin.

What are the final stages of diabetes in cats?

In the final stages, the cat starts wasting, with the body breaking down its own fat and muscle to survive. Lethargy/limpness and acetone-smelling breath are acute symptoms of ketoacidosis and/or dehydration and constitute a medical emergency. Untreated, diabetes leads to coma and then death.

What causes diabetes in older cats?

The most important risk factors identified for the development of diabetes in cats include obesity, increasing age, physical inactivity, male gender, and the use of glucocorticoids (steroids) to treat other illnesses such as feline asthma.

Do diabetic cats drink a lot of water?

The cat urinates more which makes him thirsty and he drinks more water. The common signs of diabetes include increases in appetite, water consumption, and urination, along with weight loss.

How do you know if a cat is suffering?

Decreased interest in positive things like playing, social interaction and exploring outside. Being withdrawn and hiding away. Appearing lame and experiencing increased sensitivity to touch in specific areas of their body. Reduction in movement and activity.

What are the first signs of kidney disease?

Generally, earlier stages are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.

When should you put your cat down?

What should I expect from my 12 year old cat?

Behavior Changes

She may become more vocal or develop more anxieties about change, strange people or new noises. She may show less interest in play, although she's still willing to participate occasionally, and she is more likely to indulge in longer catnaps.

How many hours a day does a 12 year old cat sleep?

Adolescent cats may have erratic sleep patterns combined with periods of intense playfulness. Adult cats tend to have more set sleeping schedules that average out at about 12 - 20 hours of sleep each day. Senior cats will tend to have less energy and reduced mobility which means they will sleep more than younger cats.

Do 12 year old cats sleep a lot?

A cat that's aged 11 years or older may spend up to 20 hours a day asleep. This is a perfectly normal way for elderly cats to recuperate. A lifetime of hunting, jumping, and chasing takes a huge toll on a cat's body. Sleep provides an opportunity for a senior cat to heal its aching bones, joints, and muscles.