Why My Cat Won’t Eat But Will Drink Water? (Answered!)

If your cat is refusing to eat but continues to drink water regularly, there may be an underlying health issue. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require animal protein to survive.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the potential causes of a cat’s refusal to eat and how you can help get them back on track!

Why My Cat Won’t Eat But Will Drink Water?

Cats usually eat twice a day and drink water about five times a day. If your cat has stopped eating, but still drinks water, there could be a few possible reasons for that. Here are five reasons why your cat won’t eat but will drink water:

1. Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a common condition in cats that results in the inflammation of the gums and loss of the supporting structures around the teeth. The periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that accumulate on the teeth and gums, which leads to irritation and inflammation. If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress to more serious conditions, such as tooth loss and infection.

A cat that has a periodontal disease will lose interest in food simply because it is too painful to eat but will continue to drink water. Cold water will act as a pain relief whereas the food will only make the pain intensify.

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush your cat’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste. You should also schedule regular dental checkups with your veterinarian to ensure that any early signs of periodontal disease are caught and treated promptly. If your cat does develop periodontal disease, there are treatments available that can help improve their oral health.

2. Kidney disease

Kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the body, and as kidney function declines, the level of toxins in the blood increases. This can make your cat feel nauseous and decrease their appetite. Additionally, as kidney disease progresses, it can cause anemia, which can also make your cat feel tired and less interested in food. However, your cat might still drink water from time to time.

Many cats simply do not feel well when they have kidney disease, and this can lead to a decreased appetite. If your cat has stopped eating or is eating less than usual, it is important to talk to your veterinarian to find out if kidney disease could be the cause.

There are a few different types of kidney disease that can affect cats. The most common type is renal failure, which occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to filter toxins from the blood properly. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, which can make your cat feel very ill.

Kidney disease can also cause anemia, as the kidneys are responsible for producing a hormone that helps red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. If your cat has kidney disease, they may need medication to help control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

3. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes necessary for digestion. Pancreatitis can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, trauma, certain medications, and certain diseases.

Cats with pancreatitis often lose their appetite because the inflammation causes the pancreas to produce fewer digestive enzymes. This can lead to nausea and vomiting, which can further decrease appetite.

In some cases, cats may need to be hospitalized and receive IV fluids and nutritional support until they are able to eat again on their own.

4. Gastrointestinal issues

One common reason why cats may lose their appetite but still drink water is if they are experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Gastrointestinal issues can be caused by a number of things, such as stress, food intolerance, or infection. If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea, this can lead to them losing their appetite. Additionally, if your cat is constipated, this can also make them not want to eat.

There are a few things you can do to help ease your cat’s symptoms. First, make sure they are drinking plenty of water. You can also give them small meals more often instead of large ones. Finally, avoid giving them anything that could aggravate their stomachs, such as dairy products or fatty foods.

5. Stress

Stress increases the level of a hormone called cortisol in your cat’s body. Cortisol is also released when your cat experiences physical pain, such as from an injury. High levels of cortisol can decrease appetite and lead to weight loss.

Cats with high levels of cortisol in their system tend to drink more water than cats with lower levels of the hormone. This is because cortisol helps the body regulate fluid balance.

There are many things that can cause stress in cats including changes in their environment (such as moving to a new home), changes in their routine (such as a new pet or baby in the home), not having enough places to hide or climb, and even changes in the weather. When cats are stressed, they may lose their appetite or eat less than usual.

There are many things you can do to help reduce your cat’s stress including providing hiding places, offering new toys and climbing opportunities, feeding a high-quality diet, and using pheromone products designed to help calm cats.

How Long Can a Cat Live With Water But No Food?

The average cat can survive for about two weeks without food, but only a few days without water. However, there have been cases of cats surviving for up to six weeks without food. Water is essential for a cat’s survival as it helps to keep them hydrated and prevents their organs from shutting down.

Cats are typically able to live much longer with no food than they can with no water. In fact, the longest recorded case of a cat surviving without food was 28 days. However, this cat was also receiving daily water injections and was under veterinary care. Without proper care, most cats would not be able to survive more than two weeks without food.

Cats have very high metabolisms and require more water than other animals, proportionately speaking. They have very little body fat to help them retain water, so they tend to dehydrate quickly. Their kidneys are very efficient at extracting water from their food and reusing it. But, this also means that they need a constant supply of fresh water to keep those kidneys working properly.

Cats sweat only through their paws, so they don’t have an easy way to cool themselves off when they get too warm. For all these reasons, it’s important to make sure your cat always has access to clean water.

Cats are able to live for weeks without food because they have a very high metabolism. This means that their bodies are able to break down food and use it for energy much faster than other animals. Cats also have a higher percentage of body fat than most animals. This means they can go longer without eating before they start to feel the effects of hunger.

Finally, cats typically eat small meals multiple times per day, which helps them to spread out their food intake and avoid feeling too hungry. All of these factors combine to give cats a unique ability to survive on very little food for extended periods of time.