Help!? My cat has stopped drinking...What can I do?

What is too much water for a cat?

How to recognize dehydration

Tired cat or dehydrated?

Cats whodon’t drink enough water may show the following signs of dehydration:

• Sunken eyes
• Dry gums
• Constipation
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Increased or decreased visits to the litter box

Cat eating wet food

• They aren’t thirsty because they feel hydrated.Cats generally don’t drink as much water as dogs or other animals.  Your feline friend may not feel the need to drink any more than she does. If nothing else has changed in terms of urination, behavior or appetite, this could be a normal state for your cat.
• Did you switch to “wet” cat food?If your cat is used to dry food, he may feel he’s getting all the water he wants through his mealtimes. Even if that turns out to be the case, make sure you have plenty of water sources available.   Make certain that he’s never without access to water if he starts to feel thirsty.
  
• Is your kitty stressed?As any cat owner knows, stress can affect a cat’s behavior. If there have been changes in your home situation such as a move, new pets, ear or skin infections [see theBanixx solutionfor these conditions].  Or there may be other stressful occurrences that have caused your cat to stop drinking to help deal with the stress.
  
• Dirty water or bowl.Cats like cleanliness – and that holds true for their water and food bowls. And be sure to use glass, metal or ceramic bowls.  Plastic bowls are more likely to harbor bacteria.  They arenot always a very good idea for ourpets

Make sure its not a health issue

• An organ or internal problem?We know you hate to contemplate this but have a cat that normally drinks a lot of water to a cat that doesn’t drink water, it may be a symptom of health issues.Thee range from diabetes, kidney problems, dental issues, hyperthyroidism, or urinary tract infections. In this case, it’s imperative to take your kitty to vet for a proper diagnosis.
  

• Is your cat getting older?Senior cats often start having issues with kidney function or other diseases, leading them to feel less thirsty. Again, get out that dreaded cat carrier, wrestle her into it and take her to the vet!  It’s easier and much less expensive to treat a small problem rather than wait.

• Could your cat have dental problems?If your cat is experiencing pain in her teeth or mouth, it could be enough for her to stop drinking. In this situation, you would probably notice a loss of appetite, drooling, pawing at her face, and/or facial swelling.
• Is your cat on medications?Just like with people, medications for animals can have side effects, and these could cause Puss to feel less thirsty. Ask your vet if this could be the case, and he/she may be able to provide alternatives.
  

1. Make sure her water is clean and fresh.Change it at least once a day. And put several water stations around the house, allowing her to drink “in private” if she prefers.
   
2. Pay attention to your cat’s bowl.Wash that bowl frequently, so your cat doesn’t turn up her little nose and walk away in disgust. Also, you may find she hates having her whiskers touch the side of the bowl – so use a wider, shallower dish. Some people have found it helps to change the bowl to ceramic or stainless steel.
   
3. Some cats like moving water, rather than still water. You might want to purchase a cat fountain that circulates and filters the water.
   
4. Switch to wet cat food,which has a higher water content.
   
5. Add some interest to the water,like a small amount of tuna juice (yummm!) or chicken broth. Even a touch of catnip might make it more attractive to drink.

Cat drinking fresh water