Is My Cat Drinking Too Much Water? What It Could Mean
If you've noticed your cat drinking more water than usual, it's easy to dismiss it as nothing. But increased thirst in cats — known as polydipsia — is one of the most reliable early warning signs that something is wrong internally. Here's what you need to know.
What Counts as "Too Much" Water? A healthy cat drinks roughly 40–60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. If your cat is suddenly glued to the water bowl, drinking from taps, or seeking out unusual water sources, that's a red flag worth investigating.
What Could Be Causing It?
The three most common causes of increased thirst in cats are all serious but very treatable when caught early:
- Diabetes mellitus — often accompanied by increased urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, and lethargy
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) — extremely common in older cats; other signs include weight loss, vomiting, and poor coat condition
- Hyperthyroidism — overactive thyroid, typically in cats over 10 years old; causes weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased appetite
Less common causes include liver disease, urinary tract infections, and certain medications.
Other Signs to Watch For
- Urinating much more frequently or in larger amounts
- Sudden weight loss
- Vomiting or loss of appetite
- Lethargy or hiding more than usual
- Poor or unkempt coat
When to See a Vet If increased thirst has been going on for more than 2–3 days, book a vet appointment. This isn't a "wait and see" symptom — early blood and urine tests can catch conditions like CKD or diabetes before they become serious, and early treatment makes a huge difference to your cat's quality of life.
What NOT to Do Don't restrict your cat's water intake — even if they're drinking a lot, they need access to water at all times. And don't assume it's just the weather or a dietary change without ruling out the medical causes above.
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