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why has my cate stopped drinking water?


Sent to Pet Experts February 01, 2006 12:30 p.m.

my cat stopped drinking water 4 days ago. she has no symptoms. she is still very playful and affectionate and eating well. what should i do? i changed her litter 2 days ago and from what i can tell she has only urinated once. if it's a urinary track infection what can i do? i can't afford to take her to the vet and have them run a bunch of expensive tests so your answer will help tremendously. thanks, nia

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Age: 7; Female; Breed: mix

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
February 01, 2006 12:48 p.m. (18 minutes and 3 seconds later)
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If your cat is still playful and eating well, she is not feeling too bad, as the first thing they do when they feel sick is - stop eating! If she eats canned food, she may be getting enough water in there or just drinking very little so you do not notice.
Get some unflavored pedialyte and give your cat 3 droppers every 45 minutes for two hours to hydrate her. See if that makes her urinate more. Alo check around for inappropriate soiling as that is something they do to "communicate" that they are not feeling well.
Testing for a UTI is merely a urinalysis to ascertain whether crystals or infection are present and should not be expensive. www.carecredit.com will loan you money to care for your cat, if necessary.
At this point, just keep an eye on her for inappetite, straining at the litterbox or urinating in innappropriate areas and dehydration.
If nothing developes in 48 hours and she is still acting normal and eating well - she should be fine.

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Reply
Sent February 01, 2006 5:19 p.m. (4 hours and 31 minutes later)

She eats dry cat food and has, as far as I can tell, not drank any of her water in at least a full 3 days. I will try the pediatlyte, thanks.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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