Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and losing weight

A: Excessive thirst, urination and weight loss in a 15- year-old cat is definitely cause for concern. Geriatric cats are at increased risk for metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes and chronic renal failure. Fortunately, these disorders are relatively easy to diagnose via simple blood and urine tests.

Why is my cat suddenly so skinny?

Causes of Weight Loss in a Skinny Cat There are two main causes for a skinny cat: Either they aren’t eating enough, or they’re expending more calories than they are taking in. They may not be eating enough due to stress, dental disease, nausea or a host of other reasons.

Why is my 14 year old cat drinking more water?

Changes in Appetite and Water Intake If you notice any changes in your cat’s eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. This can be a sign of pain and various other serious medical issues including, kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.

Why is my cat losing weight but still eating?

You may suspect that your cat is eating more than normally, but still continues to lose weight. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that can result from a tumor on the thyroid gland, or an overactive thyroid which elevates levels of thyroid hormone.

What are the signs of kidney disease in cats?

• Weakness.
• Weight loss.
• Lack of appetite.
• Depression.
• Bad breath.
• Diarrhea (may contain blood)
• Vomiting (may contain blood)
• Dehydration.

How do I know if my cat has hyperthyroidism?

The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1).

What are the symptoms of a cat dying of kidney failure?

Signs of uremia include: Increased thirst, apathy, depression, listlessness, reddened eyes, skin problems, excessive or no urine production (depending on the stage of the disease), dehydration, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, emaciation, bad breath, mouth ulcers, discolored tongue, muscle twitching, coma, …

What are the symptoms of worms in cats?

• Vomiting (sometimes with worms in the vomit)
• Diarrhea (with or without blood)
• Tarry feces.
• Weight loss.
• Distended abdomen.
• Skin lesions.
• Generally poor body condition and a dull coat.

Are cats with hyperthyroidism in pain?

Unfortunately, this means that many pet owners leave feline hyperthyroidism untreated. Doing so can cause pain and anguish for the cat. Feline hyperthyroidism is treatable and can be completely cured if spotted early. Leaving your cat’s hyperthyroidism untreated, however, can result in many difficulties.

What are the signs of diabetes in a cat?

• Increased urination. One of the most common cat diabetes symptoms is frequent urination. …
• Excessive thirst. A cat that urinates more often will be thirstier and spend more time at the water bowl. …
• Increased appetite. …
• Unexpected weight loss.

Article first time published on

Why is my senior cat drinking so much?

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 elderly cat so skinny?

What’s going on? Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems, to name a few.

What is Stage 3 kidney failure in cats?

Stage 3: The creatinine level is between 2.9 and 5.0, which means that 76% – 90% of kidney functions have been lost. At this stage, your vet might suggest subcutaneous fluid administration to combat dehydration and ease the burden on your cat’s kidneys. You can give the fluids at home using a very simple apparatus.

Why would a cat drink a lot of water?

Excessive thirst, or polydipsia, is common in cats when they are overexerted from exercise, excited from playing, or when there is a change in diet. The sodium in your cat’s food may be higher than the previous one, causing extra thirst. However, drinking a lot of water can also be a sign of a medical condition.

How do vets diagnose kidney disease in cats?

Diagnosis and Treatment Your vet will do blood and urine tests. X-rays, an ultrasound (an image of your cat’s insides), or biopsy (tissue sample) might also be needed to make a diagnosis. If kidney disease is found, treatments can range from surgery to remove blockages to IV fluids to a special diet and medications.

Is a cat with kidney disease in pain?

If your cat is suffering from acute kidney failure you may also notice an arched back or stiff-legged gait, symptoms that your cat’s kidneys are causing pain. Chronic kidney failure gradually progresses over years, and the signs may not be noticeable.

How do you tell if dying cat is suffering?

1. Extreme Weight Loss. Weight loss is very common in senior cats. …
2. Extra Hiding. Hiding is the telltale sign of illness in cats, but can be hard to define. …
3. Not Eating. …
4. Not Drinking. …
5. Decreased Mobility. …
6. Behavioral Changes. …
7. Poor Response to Treatments. …
8. Poor Temperature Regulation.

What happens if hyperthyroidism is left untreated in cats?

Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in older cats, caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormone. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can result in heart failure and other complications, and can even lead to death.

How much does it cost to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?

The cost of any treatment for feline hyperthyroidism is significant. The total fee for radioiodine therapy is generally $1520, but may be more if the hyperthyroidism is severe.

What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?

The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is approximately 12 years and about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age.

What is the best food to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism?

It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.

How do I know if my cat has worms or parasites?

1. Visible worm segments or whole worms in your cat’s feces or around his anus.
2. Bloody stool/diarrhea.
3. Vomiting.
4. Unexplained weight loss (especially if hunger level is unchanged)
5. Bloated or especially rounded belly.
6. Constipation.
7. Constant coughing.
8. Difficulty breathing.

How do I know if my cat has worms or fleas?

If your cat seems to be eating normally and still losing weight, she may have contracted hungry tapeworm. Tapeworm segments around your cat’s anus or tail are one of the most visible symptoms of infestation.

What are the symptoms of tapeworms in cats?

• Shaggy coat.
• Unpredictable appetite.
• Irritability.
• Failure to thrive.
• Mild diarrhea.
• Emaciation.
• Seizures.
• Intestinal blockages and complications.

Does diabetes cause weight loss in cats?

An alarming number of cats are developing diabetes mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels . Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting ,dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor function, coma, and even death.

Why is my diabetic cat drinking so much water?

Fueling the body is not efficient without the insulin/glucose team, so the cat loses weight despite eating more. Meanwhile, the accumulation of glucose in the blood stream is eliminated in the urine. The cat urinates more which makes him thirsty and he drinks more water.

Why is my 14 year old cat so skinny?

Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible.

How do I know if my cat is drinking too much water?

If you suddenly start noticing your cat drinking more than they usually do, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Telltale signs often include: Being thirsty all the time. Their water bowl emptying quicker than usual.

What age is a senior 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 are the 4 stages of kidney disease in cats?

TABLE 2. IRIS Guidelines: Staging Feline CKD by Serum Creatinine ConcentrationSTAGE & DESCRIPTIONSERUM CREATININE CONCENTRATIONStage 2 Mild Renal Azotemia1.6 to 2.8140 to 250Stage 3 Moderate Renal Azotemia2.9 to 5251 to 440Stage 4 Severe Renal Azotemia> 5> 440

What is the life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease?

The median life expectancy for cats diagnosed in stage III kidney disease at baseline was 1.86 years (679 days), with some surviving up to 5.75 years. Cats determined to be in stage IV kidney disease at baseline had the worst prog- nosis, with a median survival of only 1.16 months (35 days).