Why is My Cat Craving Water & Throwing Up?

Chronic thirst and vomiting can be symptoms of a number of serious illnesses in cats. If your cat has displayed signs of vomiting and increased thirst, you should seek immediate medical attention for your pet.

  1. Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)

    • Kidney disease in cats is often referred to as Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) and occurs mainly in cats over the age of eight years. CRF results when the kidneys stop functioning efficiently and toxins build up in the blood. Symptoms include the production of excess urine, which leads to an increase in thirst.

    Diabetes Mellitus

    • Diabetes or Feline Diabetes Mellitus is found mainly in elderly, overweight cats. It can present itself as either Type 1, caused by insufficient production of insulin or Type 2, which relates to the body's inability to process insulin effectively. Symptoms include increased thirst and vomiting.

    Hyperthyroidism

    • Found mainly in senior cats, hyperthyroidism is caused by excessive thyroid hormone production. Symptoms include increased thirst and vomiting, frequent urination, increased or decreased appetite and hyperactivity.

    Pancreatitis

    • Pancreatitis is caused by a leakage of digestive enzymes into the pancreatic tissue. This causes the pancreas to inflame. Symptoms include chronic vomiting, decrease in appetite and weight loss.

    Toxic Poisoning

    • If a cat has a very sudden increase in thirst and acute vomiting, this may point to poisoning .The most common toxins to be ingested by cats are antifreeze and insecticide.