Cat Drinking a Lot of Water? Here’s What You Need to Know

3 min read

As cat owners, we quickly pick up on our pet’s habits—especially when something changes. If you’ve noticed your cat spending more time at the water bowl, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s just a passing quirk or something that needs attention.

While occasional extra drinking could simply be due to warmer weather or a new diet, persistent or excessive thirst (known as polydipsia) can be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires veterinary care.

In this post, we’ll explain why your cat might be drinking more water, how to tell if it’s cause for concern, and the next steps you should take to keep your feline friend healthy.

Why Cats Drink More Water

A cat’s normal water intake varies based on diet, activity level, and environment. Cats on wet food generally drink less because they get much of their hydration from their meals, while cats on dry kibble need to drink more.

However, when water intake increases significantly and consistently, it can indicate:

• Kidney Disease – One of the most common causes of excessive thirst in older cats.

• Diabetes Mellitus – Often accompanied by increased appetite and urination.

• Hyperthyroidism – A hormonal condition common in senior cats.

• Urinary Tract Infections – May also cause frequent urination.

• Liver Disease – Can lead to changes in both thirst and appetite.

How to Tell If It’s Too Much Water

Most healthy cats drink about 3.5–4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.

If you’re refilling the water bowl more often than usual, it’s worth tracking their daily intake for a few days.

📏 Tip: Use a measuring cup when filling the water bowl so you can monitor how much is being consumed.

Signs that warrant a vet visit include:

• A sudden and sustained increase in water intake

• Increased urination or accidents outside the litter box

• Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite

• Lethargy or changes in behavior

What to Do if Your Cat Is Drinking a Lot of Water

1. Observe and Record ChangesWrite down when you first noticed the change, how much they’re drinking, and any other symptoms (e.g., appetite changes, vomiting, lethargy).

2. Schedule a Veterinary ExamBring your notes to your vet. They may run bloodwork, a urinalysis, or other diagnostic tests to identify the cause.

3. Follow the Recommended TreatmentTreatment will depend on the diagnosis—ranging from dietary changes to medications or ongoing monitoring.

💡 If medications are prescribed, ask your vet if a human pharmacy can fill them—sometimes you can save significantly using a prescription discount card.

Important Considerations

• Don’t Delay: Early detection of conditions like kidney disease or diabetes greatly improves the outcome.

• Diet Matters: Cats on high-sodium or dry-only diets may drink more; ask your vet about optimal feeding for your cat’s needs.

• Never Restrict Water: Limiting water can make certain conditions worse. Always keep fresh water available.

Why Paying Attention Matters

👩‍⚕ Health Monitoring – Thirst changes can be one of the first signs of illness.

💵 Cost Savings with Early Care – Addressing issues early can prevent expensive emergency treatments later.

🐾 Better Quality of Life – Timely care means a happier, healthier cat.