Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Yosry
Updated on 08/21/2024
Reading time 5 min.
Overview
Severity: Medium
Life stage: All
A sick cat is hovering over a water bowl and desperately trying to drink. The poor kitty is very thirsty and has been trying his most challenging to nurse, but he can’t quite reach the water. You can help with this by holding him still until he’s done drinking and then letting him go so that he can find his way to the bathroom. Is your cat sick? He’s hovering over a water bowl, licking it. What could be wrong?
Reasons behind a sick cat hovering over water bowl
If you have a sick cat hovering over a water bowl, it can be due to one of the following reasons:
In thirst for water
Cats are desert animals. They have been bred for thousands of years to survive in the harsh climate where they live, so it’s no surprise that their bodies are not designed for drinking water.
Cats can die from drinking too much water! Their low thirst drive means they prefer not to drink at all than risk getting dehydrated quickly.
Many cats become sluggish and unresponsive when they haven’t had enough hydration in their bodies for several hours or days (or even weeks).
Ageing
If you’re looking for why your cat is drinking more water, there is one. As cats age, they tend to drink more than younger cats because of regular changes in their bodies and minds. They may develop kidney disease as they age and other health issues that make it difficult to drink enough water to stay hydrated.
In general, though, ageing isn’t a problem unless your pet has recurring problems with dehydration or other health conditions that affect his ability to control his thirst levels effectively when required.
Illness
A disease or illness that prevents her from drinking enough fluids regularly could cause her to become dehydrated, so much so that she would prefer something else entirely.
How much water is it normal for cats to drink?
Cats need a lot of water! Their bodies are between 10 and 15 percent water, compared to the human body’s 70 percent. That means if you have a cat, it will need more than one-third of its weight in ounces of water each day (for example, if your pet weighs 10 pounds). Suppose you have multiple cats in your house and get enough water from their food bowls. In that case, it’s easy enough to give them more when they aren’t eating as much food as usual because they’re sick or otherwise indisposed – but remember that this isn’t something you should do unless necessary because there could be consequences if you go overboard on how much hydration your friend gets through their diet alone (and maybe even some other things!).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sick cat hovering over its water bowl may signify dehydration. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need to drink water to stay healthy and live longer. Many people believe that cats don’t like the feeling of having water in their mouths, so they will hover over their bowls until they finish
Our Modern Vet JVC is located within 2 minute’s walk from Regina Tower. You can drive here from Al Sufouh via Abdullah Omran Taryam Street to Al Thowina Street and then to Hessa Street. Now, Crossing Lazuward N.E and Regina Tower, you will get to Modern Vet JVC.
You can also get a consult at other Modern Vet veterinary clinics.
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Writen by
Dr. Sarah Yosry
DVM
A product of a rich Australian/Egyptian heritage, Dr. Sarah Yosry stands as a testament to the union of diverse cultures and a shared love for animals…
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