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My 17-year-old senior cat suddenly paws at water. What does it mean?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 17 years and 5 months old

Senior cat (17 years old) has suddenly started pawing at water repeatedly. She has never done this before.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on May 7th, 2016

This is an unusual behavior, especially in a cat as old as yours. I have seen cats who "drink from their paws" from a young age, and I think it can be normal then. I'd be concerned that in a senior cat this could be her way of telling you she's trying to get more water - that's called "polydipsia", and it can be due to a number of conditions. Usually you'd see them also urinating a larger volume, and/or going more frequently. If this is the case your vet can run tests to determine whether her increased water consumption is causing her to urinate more, or vice versa. Possible causes include kidney disease, some kinds of cancer, a hormonal disease called hyperthyroidism, and liver disease. I would certainly recommend that you get Gizmo in for a checkup with your vet and some tests to see what might be going on.

11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2018
Drinking and urinating excessively can be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, infections, etc. She should be examined by a vet for a work up to determine the cause. Your vet can run blood work and a urinalysis to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat depending on the cause.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on April 2nd, 2020
Hi there. Common causes of increased water intake and urination in middle-aged or older cats would include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and chronic kidney disease. I would recommend taking Willie to the vet for an exam when you are able to. Your veterinarian can do blood work and a urinalysis to help diagnose the problem and see what kind of treatment is needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 12th, 2017
Yes, if it is that noticeable that Rayne is drinking that much water I would be a bit worried. I think it is best if you get her to your vet for an exam and some blood testing. The most common causes of drinking more water in cats is diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease. All can be ruled in/out with simple blood testing. It is better to catch whatever is going on early rather than waiting until it is more advanced.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

If you have more questions feel free to post again!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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