A few questions
By kristypants
@kristypants (305)
Canada
September 6, 2007 1:40pm CST
I just got a new kitty a couple of weeks ago. She's a 2 year old Siamese that I got from a friend. I've been feeding her dry food because that's what she's used to, but now that I've been watching her more I'm worried about the amount of water that she drinks.
I've had quite a few cats in my life and I've never seen a cat drink so much. I refill her water bowl at least 2 times a day. I researched it on google, and I found a lot saying that it could be a kidney problem.
Before I spend the money on taking her to the vet (because otherwise she seems healthy) I was just wondering if drinking that much water is normal when the cat is eating dry food. All the cats I've ever had have only ate wet food.
Second question, I'd really like to switch her to wet canned food, but she won't eat it. We've tried 3 different brands, and a few different flavours (chicken, turkey, beef) and she won't even touch it. I tried putting a little bit of her dry food on top to entice her, but she completely avoided it. I know that wet food is better for cats, and that's why I'd like to switch her over, but she's not having any of it.
Any help anyone can give me with either of these questions is really appreciated!
1 person likes this
5 responses
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
8 Sep 07
Actually it's ok that she only likes dry cat food. It's good for her teeth because it cleans them really well. If she decides to never eat can cat food then it's ok. It won't harm her in the least bit. However about her drinking so much, she could be diabetic so you'll need to take her in to be tested to be sure. My sil had a cat with diabetes and she had to give her shots. That's not to say your cat has diabetes but do what her very closely. She may be just a cat who loves fresh water in which is good to. Clean her kitty box often for if she drinks a lot, she must go a lot. lol
@xfallenxlostx (2074)
• United States
7 Sep 07
Actually, my dear, you have it backwards. Dry food is MUCH better for cats. It is more nutritious, not as filled with salts and sulfites, and is much better for their teeth. Different cats drink different amounts, just like people. However, what you have seen online IS correct. If she is drinking in excess, she could have kidney problems. Kitties need regular check ups anyway, so i highly recommend you take her in for a check up and mention her thirst to her veterinarian.
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
7 Sep 07
AWWW, your new kitty is BEAUTIFUL!!! I LOVE Siamese!
Since she's eating dry food, I wouldn't worry too much about her drinking, so long as she is also using the cat box.
Not to be too gross, but if her urine gets a sweet smell, that's a problem - diabeties as someone else has mentioned.
If you really want her to try wet food, you might start with baby food - meats of course and see if you can get her to eat any of that. If she does then you can start adding some cat food into the baby food until she's eating just cat food.
I have never had any luck with the "cutlet" style foods, they lick the gravy & leave the meat, the "hash" has been the only kind I can get my cats to eat. Some of them are much more interested in wet food than others tho.
