Has your feline friend suddenly lost interest in food but seems thirstier than ever? A cat refusing food but drinking water can be puzzling and concerning for pet parents. But don’t worry – with some detective work, you can likely get to the bottom of the issue.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Changes in eating and drinking habits in cats can indicate an underlying medical issue like kidney disease, diabetes, infections, dental disease, or cancer.
Take your cat to the vet promptly if they go off their food but are drinking more water.
Top Reasons A Cat May Stop Eating but Drink More Water
Illness or Disease
One of the most common reasons for a cat to stop eating but drink more water is illness or disease. Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer and dental disease can all cause a loss of appetite paired with an increase in thirst.
For example, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center, over 50% of cats aged 15+ have kidney disease, which often leads to nausea and dehydration – causing them to drink more but eat less. If illness is suspected, a veterinarian should evaluate the cat as soon as possible.
Stress or Anxiety
Cats are sensitive creatures and stress or anxiety can take away their appetite. Events such as changes in household routine, a new pet or baby, construction noise, etc. can induce stress. A WebMD guide on cat stress cites a study showing that over 50% of cats stop eating due to stressful situations.
To help relieve anxiety, cat owners can use calming pheromones, set up quiet hiding spaces around the home and stick to regular daily schedules.
Picky Eating
Some cats are just picky eaters! After ruling out medical causes with a vet, picky eating may come down to food preference. Tactics to tempt a picky eater include warming up food to bring out aroma, adding broths/mix-ins, trying different textures, and placing small portions in various locations around the home.
Additionally, the ASPCA recommends dividing the day’s food into more frequent, smaller meals – as cats prefer to eat small amounts many times per day.
Poor Dental Health
Cats with dental disease often lose their appetite because eating is painful. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, by age 3 most cats have some form of dental disease. Signs include bad breath, difficulty chewing, and loose or infected teeth.
Treatment requires a veterinary dental cleaning and sometimes tooth extractions. Supportive care like soft foods can provide comfort while awaiting dental work. Senior cats should receive regular dental checkups to catch problems early.
Dehydration
When a cat stops eating, they can become dehydrated quite quickly. Instinct then kicks in to drink more water to restore fluid balance. Underlying issues leading to dehydration must also be addressed, usually by a veterinarian.
Some key causes according to WebMD are vomiting, diarrhea, fever, heat stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain medications. Providing easy access to fresh, clean water is also recommended.
Effects of Medication
Certain medications come with side effects like loss of appetite or dry mouth that leads to increased thirst. Medications most notorious for these side effects per ACVS include chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids like prednisone, antibiotics, opioids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If medication is suspected, consult your veterinarian about alternatives, dosage adjustments, or helpful supplements like mirtazapine for appetite stimulation.
Changes in Diet
Sudden changes in diet can upset a cat’s sensitive stomach or leave a bad taste in their mouth. When transitioning food, allow at least 5-7 days of slowly mixing the old and new food. If recently switched, go back to the previous diet if possible or try a bland diet like boiled chicken or fish with rice until appetite returns.
This gives their GI tract time to readjust. Also ensure fresh, clean water is always available, especially with dietary changes.
Warm Weather or Exercise
Hot summer months and increased exercise will make any cat thirstier. According to a Purina study, over 25% of cats drink less than the daily recommendation so increased water intake is important to avoid dehydration.
Provide unlimited fresh water, a fountain bowl to encourage drinking, access to air conditioning, and shady rest spots. Their appetite may lag behind a bit since eating generates heat from digestion. It should rebound once fully hydrated and cooled down.
Aging
Senior cats tend to drink more water as their ability to concentrate urine diminishes with age. Kidney aging also reduces their thirst drive. These effects should be discussed with a vet to determine if disease is present versus normal age-related changes.
An elderly cat’s appetite can be stimulated via warming food to enhance smells, elevating dishes to reduce effort, adding broths or try various textures. Finding foods a senior cat enjoys can take some trial and error.
Key Signs Your Cat is Not Eating But Drinking Water
Increased Thirst and Urination
If your feline friend is persistently drinking more water but urinating excessively, it could signal an underlying health condition. Frequent urination accompanied by little urine passed, cries or signs of pain while urinating also warrant attention. Bring kitty to the vet for a checkup.
Weight Loss
Sudden or rapid weight loss in cats when there is no reduction in food intake is abnormal. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, an adult cat losing more than 1-2% of her body weight per week necessitates a full health workup.
Tracking your cat’s weight at home helps catch problems early.
Loss of Appetite
A healthy cat even when full will still show interest in treats or favorite wet foods. Complete disinterest in food over an extended time paired with increased drinking is cause for concern. Brain tumors, dental disease, pancreatitis, kidney or liver issues can be behind this.
Fatigue/Lethargy
Your once lively, energetic kitty now sleeps more, moves less and shows no interest in play or petting? Chronic lethargy and fatigue signify sickness in cats. When also not eating with increased thirst, systemic diseases like feline leukemia, diabetes or hyperthyroidism could be brewing.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Repeated vomiting, diarrhea, painful defecation or bloody stools point to GI disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal parasites – which cause poor nutrient absorption. This leads to weight loss and appetite suppression even as thirst mechanisms remain intact.
Excessive Shedding or Dull Coat
Cats meticulously groom themselves daily. A matted, tangled coat or volumes of loose fur falling off easily with gentle petting isn’t normal. This coupled with picky eating indicates deficiency syndromes or hormonal imbalances. Schedule an exam.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Bouts of vomiting and diarrhea lead to dehydration, electrolyte/mineral imbalances and starved intestines even as thirst signals rage. Ensure kitty gets prompt vet care for anti-nausea / gut soothing medication alongside fluids/supplements tailor-made to ease distresseddigestive systems and restore appetite.
Bad Breath
Foul smelly breath not explained by recent meals warrants inspection. Over 70% of cats over age 3 years suffer some degree of dental disease (AVMA). Infection, tooth resorption and oral tumors also manifest stinky breath – causing chewing pain that depresses eating.
Medical Issues That Cause Increased Thirst in Cats
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a common cause of increased thirst and urine production in cats. Over time, the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, leading to increased water intake to make up for the excess urination.
According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, kidney disease affects about 30-50% of older cats.
Diabetes
Similar to humans, cats can develop diabetes when their bodies cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. The excess sugar spills over into the urine, pulling water out of the body and causing dehydration and increased thirst.
The pet pharmaceutical company IDEXX estimates 1 in 200 cats may have diabetes.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism, is another relatively common condition in older cats that can lead to increased thirst and urine production. The elevated thyroid hormone levels drive the kidneys to work overtime to eliminate the excess hormones, resulting in dehydration.
According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, hyperthyroidism affects approximately 2-5% of middle-aged to older cats.
Cancer
Certain types of cancers, like lymphoma and leukemia, can indirectly increase thirst in cats. As the cancer progresses, it impairs the kidneys’ ability to conserve water. Some tumors may also secrete vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, leading to excessive thirst.
Cancer is generally more prevalent in older cats, with the Animal Cancer Foundation estimating about 32% of cats will develop cancer in their lifetime.
Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause inflammation in a cat’s urinary tract or kidneys, disrupting normal function, concentrating urine, and triggering thirst. For example, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) from bladder infections leads to frequent, painful urination and dehydration.
Upper respiratory infections from viruses like feline herpes can also increase water intake.
Medications
Certain medications like steroids, antihistamines, and diuretics prescribed for various conditions can potentially increase thirst and urine production as a side effect. Always monitor your cat’s water consumption if starting a new medication and consult your veterinarian if excessive thirst persists.
Some dosage adjustments may help reduce thirst in the long-run.
When to See the Vet for a Cat Not Eating But Drinking Water
Rapid weight loss
If your feline friend stops eating but continues to drink water, monitor its weight closely. According to the ASPCA[1], an immediate vet visit is warranted if the cat loses more than 10% of its body weight.
Rapid weight loss indicates malnutrition and dehydration that require prompt veterinary attention to restore electrolyte balance and energy. The vet will run tests to determine underlying illness and provide supportive care with IV fluids, appetite stimulants, or feeding tubes until the cat starts eating voluntarily again.
Lethargy or weakness
A cat refusing food but drinking water may become lethargic or weak from lack of nutrition. According to VCA Hospitals[2], this warrants an urgent trip to the vet clinic for evaluation. Underlying conditions like kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism can cause both appetite loss and body weakness.
Getting timely treatment greatly improves recovery prognosis. The vet will analyze bloodwork and conduct scans or imaging tests to reach an accurate diagnosis before beginning appropriate treatment and supportive care.
Excessive thirst or urination
Increased thirst despite appetite loss points to potential diabetes or kidney issues. According to PetMD[3], these conditions disrupt the cat’s hydration regulation, so the kidneys go into overdrive trying to flush out toxins.
This leads to extreme thirst and frequent urination accidents around the house. Such red flags require immediate vet attention for blood glucose testing and urinalysis to verify the exact diagnosis. Catching chronic kidney disease or diabetes early improves long-term prognosis tremendously through proper treatment and dietary regulation.
Vomiting or diarrhea
A cat refusing to eat coupled with vomiting or diarrhea could indicate acute gastroenteritis, parasite infection, pancreatitis or other gastrointestinal conditions. Per AnimalWised[4], these warrant urgent vet evaluation to diagnose the root cause and provide supportive treatment to resolve symptoms.
Severe, persistent vomiting and diarrhea quickly lead to fluid/electrolyte imbalances and malnourishment without timely intervention. The vet will prescribe anti-nausea meds, gut protectants and specialized diets to encourage eating again while managing the underlying illness.
Poor coat condition
A cat refusing food may develop a dull, brittle coat over time due to nutritional deficiency. As explained by Pet Keen[5], poor skin and coat signal greater systemic issues that require attention. Essential fatty acids and proteins from food enable skin/hair growth and renewal.
When these drop below baseline due to appetite loss, skin health deteriorates. Have your vet run blood tests checking thyroid, kidney and liver function to pinpoint any underlying disease triggering poor intake and subsequent skin problems.
Timely treatment improves both systemic and external symptoms.
Bad breath
Foul breath in a cat refusing food could indicate periodontal disease, mouth sores, gastrointestinal issues or metabolic diseases like kidney failure or diabetes. The Merck Veterinary Manual[6] recommends scheduling a vet visit promptly if smelly breath accompanies appetite loss.
The vet will check the mouth, order diagnostic testing and provide appropriate treatment ranging from teeth cleaning to insulin or special kidney diet depending on the diagnosis. Don’t ignore bad breath with appetite issues, as it often signals serious underlying illness requiring prompt medical intervention.
Any major change in appetite or behavior
As creatures of habit, cats dislike major routine disruptions. The Cornell Feline Health Center[7] states any drastic appetite/behavior shifts like refusing favorite foods, hiding more often, aggression, lethargy or house soiling warrant medical evaluation.
Such changes indicate psychological or physiological upset. The vet will first rule out underlying illness with diagnostic testing, then explore behavioral triggers if health checks come back normal. Whether due to disease or stress, significant appetite/behavior red flags require prompt expert intervention to resolve.
Diagnosing The Underlying Cause in Cats Who Won’t Eat
Physical Exam and Medical History
The first step a veterinarian will take is performing a complete physical exam to check for signs of illness, injury, or pain that could be causing a decreased appetite. They will palpate the abdomen, take the cat’s temperature, examine the mouth, ears and skin, and listen to the heart and lungs.
Getting an accurate medical history is also vital, including any recent changes in behavior or environment, possible toxin exposures, medications or supplements given, and diet history.
Blood and Urine Tests
If the initial exam doesn’t reveal an obvious cause, the next diagnostic step is typically running blood work and a urinalysis. These tests evaluate organ function, look for infections, measure nutrient levels, and analyze urine concentration.
Abnormal results point to issues like kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. Complete blood counts also check for inflammation and anemia.
Imaging Tests
If blood tests are inconclusive, imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans can identify issues with abdominal organs, masses or foreign objects in the stomach and intestinal tract, hernias, bone injuries, or dental disease.
Contrast studies may also be used to visualize the shape and motility of the esophagus, stomach and intestines.
Biopsies
In difficult cases, biopsy samples of organs like the stomach, intestines, pancreas or liver may be collected during abdominal surgery or endoscopy procedures to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or other disorders causing maldigestion or malabsorption issues.
Microscopic examination of tissues can provide definitive diagnosis where imaging tests are uncertain.
Treating Your Cat When They Have No Appetite But Increased Thirst
Fluid Therapy
If your cat is dehydrated due to lack of eating, the vet may recommend fluid therapy or subcutaneous fluids. This involves injecting fluids under the skin to rehydrate your cat. It provides the fluids and electrolytes their body needs. Fluid therapy can be done at home under the vet’s guidance.
Always monitor your cat’s hydration levels and skin elasticity.
Medications
Certain medications can help stimulate appetite in cats. Anti-nausea medications like maropitant help relieve nausea and vomiting that may be suppressing appetite. Steroids like prednisolone may increase hunger. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that’s sometimes prescribed as an appetite stimulant.
Only give medications under vet supervision.
Dietary Changes
Try tempting your cat with different food textures and flavors. Warming up wet food brings out the aroma. Adding tasty broths or tuna juice to their regular food makes it more enticing. Switching to a high-calorie prescription recovery diet maximizes nutrition.
Avoid drastic food changes as this may further upset their stomach.
Assist-Feeding
Hand feeding small portions frequently throughout the day encourages eating. Use a cat food syringe to give liquid food. Offer cat milk or bone broth to deliver hydration and calories. Place dishes in easily accessible areas. Maintain pleasant, stress-free feeding times.
Patience and persistence are key in nursing your cat’s appetite.
Dental Care
Untreated dental disease like gum infections, abscesses, and tooth decay causes pain affecting food intake. Schedule a vet dental exam if your cat hesitates to chew or cries when eating. Dental cleaning and extractions provide relief enabling proper chewing and eating again.
Surgery
Certain conditions like intestinal blockages require surgery so obstructions can be removed and normal food passage resumes. Tumor removal surgeries facilitate eating if the mass was obstructing food intake. Only opt for surgery if the vet determines it is absolutely necessary for restoring appetite.
Inappetence coupled with increased thirst indicates an underlying health problem. Consult your vet to accurately diagnose and treat the cause. With prompt care and sustained at-home support, your cat can overcome appetite loss.
Consistent monitoring and caregiving helps ensure your cat gets proper nutrition during recovery.
Caring For Your Cat When They Don’t Want to Eat
Tempt with strong-smelling foods
Cats have a strong sense of smell, so warming up wet food or opening a can of tuna can release an appetizing aroma that may entice your cat to eat. Try offering different protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish to see if any particular scent appeals to your finicky feline.
Just a couple bites of something tasty can stimulate their appetite. But be careful not to overwhelm your cat with too many options at once.
Warm up wet food to increase aroma
As mentioned above, warming wet food to body temperature helps release the aroma and makes it more enticing. You can do this by microwaving it for a few seconds or placing the unsealed can or pouch in some warm water. Just test the temperature before serving to your cat.
A warm, delicious meal is tough for most cats to turn down.
Hand-feed for bonding
If your cat is refusing their bowl, try hand-feeding them small bites of food. This can help strengthen the bond between you and your cat, making mealtimes more enjoyable. The added interaction may just do the trick to get your cat to eat.
Let them lick some food right off your finger or use a spoon for very smelly foods. But limit hand-feeding to just a portion of their meal.
Add broths or cat milk for extra moisture
Dehydration is a serious risk if your cat is not eating or drinking enough. Adding some broths or nutritional cat milk to their food can provide extra fluids and important nutrients. Choose unsalted broths and check that cat milk does not contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to cats.
The additional moisture might make dry food more palatable too.
Avoid overhandling
It’s natural to want to coax and soothe a sick cat, but too much coddling can sometimes cause more stress. Excessive petting or force-feeding food is counterproductive and may aggravate nausea. Handle and attempt to feed your cat in a calm, quiet manner to avoid overwhelming them.
Let them come to you when they are ready.
Track eating and drinking habits
Keep a log of when and what your cat is eating and drinking each day. Note any changes or patterns you observe. This essential information will help your vet determine what is wrong. For example, a cat not drinking at all suggests different issues than one still eating treats but not main meals.
Monitoring your cat and advocating for their health and safety is part of being a caring owner.
Conclusion
Increased drinking paired with decreased appetite is often the first signal of an underlying health problem in cats. While concerning, addressing the issue promptly by taking your cat to the vet can help get them back to normal eating and drinking habits.
With some patience and TLC at home, your feline companion will likely be feeling better in no time.
The key is keeping an eye on all changes in your cat’s habits and behavior, and working closely with your veterinarian to uncover the cause. With the right diagnosis and care plan, it’s possible to manage whatever issue is causing your cat’s changed appetite and thirst.
Stay vigilant and loving in caring for your pet, and see your vet at the first signs of increased drinking paired with disinterest in food. Early intervention can help get your precious feline feeling – and eating! – well again.