It can be hard for cat owners to recognize the signs and symptoms that their cat isn't feeling well. Unfortunately, one of these symptoms is if your cat is overly interested in drinking water. While some cats love drinking and playing with water from the time that they're kittens, an increase in drinking isn't a good thing. Read on to learn what this could indicate your cat is experiencing.

Hydration is Good, But…

It's very important for your cat to stay hydrated at all ages. However, if your cat is seeking more water than usual, this is generally one of the first warning signs of kidney disease. When cats develop kidney disease, their kidneys aren't as efficient at processing toxins out of their blood. This generally means that the cat feels thirsty, because the kidneys are using more water to flush toxins than they normally would. As a result, your cat may show more interest in water and spend more time in the litter box, too.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can be caused by trauma or injury to the kidneys, like prolonged dehydration or a physical injury, but sometimes it's simply genetic. On average, 1 in 3 cats will develop kidney disease, and at this time, there's no cure. However, there are ways to slow down the progression of the disease. This is why it's so important to recognize the early signs of kidney disease in cats so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.

What To Do

If you think your cat is drinking more than usual, it's worth visiting a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to determine if your cat is developing kidney disease by performing a physical exam and a blood test. The physical exam checks to see if the kidneys feel enlarged or swollen, which sometimes happens following an infection. The blood test will show for sure if your cat has kidney disease, as there will be higher amounts of toxins and kidney filtering byproducts in the blood.

If your vet determines that your cat has kidney disease, that doesn't mean that it's over for your kitty. Kitties can live a long and comfortable life with kidney disease so long as they receive regular care. While kidney disease may one day claim your cat's life, it could be many years from now. Talk to a veterinarian immediately, likeVeterinary Emergency Services Of Lincoln, to keep your cat healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.