03/10/2025
..DOES YOUR CAT HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM?
WHEN YOU USE HANDS-ON CAT CARE, YOU WILL SAVE ON VET BILLS AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SUPPORT YOUR CAT EFFECTIVELY AS A PROACTIVE CAT PARENT.
Polydipsia, or excessive drinking, can be a sign of an underlying health issue, so if you are noticing that your cat is drinking more than usual, it’s great that you’re paying attention to your kitty’s behaviour. Polidypsia can also involve litter box challenges, which usually need to be addressed with a deeper conversation and a bit of detective work, because peeing outside of the litter box is a very non-specific symptom that can stem from many causes.
1. Excessive Drinking and Urination
When a cat drinks and urinates more than usual, it’s often their body signaling that something isn’t quite right. Common causes include:
Kidney Disease: This is a frequent issue in middle-aged and senior cats. The kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, leading to increased thirst and urination.
Diabetes Mellitus: Excessive thirst and urination are hallmark signs of diabetes, as the body tries to flush out excess glucose.
Hyperthyroidism: Though less common in younger cats, it’s worth considering if your cat is also losing weight or acting hyperactive.
Urinary Tract Issues: While less likely to cause polydipsia, urinary tract infections or crystals can lead to frequent urination and accidents outside the litter box.
The first step is to schedule a vet visit for a thorough check-up. A urinalysis and bloodwork can help rule out or confirm these conditions. If your vet identifies an issue, early intervention can make a world of difference.
2. Peeing outside the litter box
This behavior can be linked to both medical and behavioural causes:
Medical: If your cat is experiencing discomfort while urinating (e.g., due to a urinary tract infection or crystals), they may associate the litter box with pain and avoid it. Peeing on soft surfaces like a bed can feel soothing to them.
Behavioural: Stress or changes in the household (even subtle ones) can trigger inappropriate urination. Cats are creatures of habit, and disruptions to their routine can manifest in this way.
To address this:
Rule Out Medical Issues: Again, a vet visit is crucial to ensure there’s no underlying health problem.
Clean Thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of urine from the stained location. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and lingering odors can encourage repeat behaviour.
Add Litter Boxes: The general rule is one box LOCATION per cat, plus one extra. Meaning that 2 litterboxes next to each other count as one. Place them in quiet, easily accessible areas.
Stress Reduction: If stress is a factor, consider using calming aids like Feliway diffusers or sprays. These mimic natural feline pheromones and can help create a sense of security.
3. Litter Box Avoidance
For your other cat who’s doing her business outside the box, here are some tips:
Litter Box Preferences: Cats can be surprisingly picky about their litter boxes. Try experimenting with different types of litter (unscented is usually best), box sizes, and locations. There is a lot that goes into proper litter box etiquette, and learning how to make litter boxes appealing to cats is the first step to litter box compliance.
Cleanliness: Scoop the boxes daily and do a full clean weekly. Cats are fastidious creatures, and a dirty box can be a dealbreaker.
Medical Check: Just like with the first cat, rule out any health issues that might make using the box uncomfortable, such as arthritis or gastrointestinal problems.
4. Hydration and Diet
If your cat is drinking a lot, it’s worth evaluating their diet. Cats are naturally designed to get most of their moisture from their food, so if they’re eating primarily dry kibble, they may be compensating by drinking more water. Switching to a high-quality canned or home-cooked diet can help reduce their thirst and support overall health. Adding water or low-sodium bone broth to their meals is another great way to boost hydration.
5. YOUR ACTION STEPS
Schedule a vet visit for your cat to rule out medical issues.
Address the litter box situation by adding more boxes, experimenting with litter types, and ensuring they’re kept clean. Book a quick-access support chat if you can't figure out what is wrong with your litter box etiquette and want to set your cat up for success in the bathroom department.
You can get it HERE: https://www.theholisticcatspecialist.com/offers/X2RaZa2L/checkout
Consider dietary changes to support hydration and overall health.
Here is a great mini-course to make food transition simpler for you and your kitty:
https://www.theholisticcatspecialist.com/offers/fkB4qKPm/checkout
Use calming aids if stress might be a factor.
Here is a great CALMING PROTOCOL you can apply in layers causing zero sedation:
https://www.theholisticcatspecialist.com/.../VFF.../checkout
With a bit of detective work, as a proactive cat parent I am confident that you can get to the bottom of these issues.
Let me know if you have any questions, and reach out if you need support, I’m here to help! 🐾