Researchers Identify Causes of Thirst in Cats 0 6

From 2010 to 2021, researchers collected health information on 2,191 cats aged up to 9 years. During the analysis of more than 14,400 records, it was found that over 50% of cats do not undergo veterinary examinations and do not receive timely treatment.

“This is because cats tend to hide their pain or discomfort, so their owners do not visit veterinary clinics until clear symptoms of serious illness appear,” the scientists explained.

The most common signs of hidden health problems in cats identified by researchers were changes in appetite, increased water consumption, vomiting, and diarrhea. “These symptoms may be temporary, but they can also indicate serious issues. For example, increased water consumption is one of the characteristic signs of hyperthyroidism in cats, which, if not treated in time, can threaten the animal's life,” the publication quoted the scientists. Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disease associated with thyroid dysfunction.

Additionally, researchers noted that only 6.7% of cats under 9 years old underwent oral examinations. This figure is extremely low, considering that 75% of the animals studied had dental problems and needed dental examinations.

A survey of pet owners showed that they do not regularly visit veterinary clinics due to the stress they experience (25% of respondents). However, 67% of owners noted that they would take their pets for check-ups more often if the process were more convenient and less stressful.

The Chief Veterinarian of Royal Canin in South Korea, Kwak Yong Hwan, urged owners not to forget that even minor changes in a cat's behavior can indicate the presence of a serious illness, making it extremely important to conduct regular veterinary check-ups. “This will allow dangerous diseases to be detected at an early stage,” the publication quoted him.