TL;DR: Excessive thirst and urination in cats often signal serious underlying conditions like kidney disease or diabetes and require a veterinary evaluation within 24 to 48 hours. Seek immediate emergency care if these symptoms are accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or a loss of appetite.
What does it mean if my cat is drinking and urinating more than usual?
When a cat begins drinking excessive amounts of water (polydipsia) and producing a high volume of urine (polyuria), it is often a sign that their internal systems are struggling to maintain balance. These symptoms are frequently associated with underlying conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or hyperthyroidism, all of which require professional diagnosis and management.
Is increased thirst and urination in my cat a medical emergency?
The urgency level for increased thirst and urination is currently Medium. While this is likely not a life-threatening crisis in this exact moment, it is a significant clinical sign that should not be ignored. Please take the following actions:
- Schedule a veterinary appointment within the next 24 to 48 hours.
- Seek emergency care immediately if your cat stops eating, begins vomiting, or becomes extremely lethargic, as these could be signs of an acute crisis like diabetic ketoacidosis.
How can taking a photo of the litter box help my veterinarian?
It can be difficult to describe exactly how much "too much" is during a consultation. Providing visual evidence helps your medical team prioritize your cat's case through the following:
- Take a photo of the litter box before you scoop it to show the size and number of urine clumps.
- Use these photos to provide a clear visual metric of the severity of the polyuria.
- Help the vet determine which diagnostic tests, such as blood work or urinalysis, are the most urgent based on the visual evidence.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Polydipsia and polyuria in cats can be indicative of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but must be differentiated from diseases causing primary polydipsia (e.g., psychogenic polydipsia, hyperthyroidism) or interfering with the urine-concentrating mechanism. Conditions leading to solute retention in tubular fluid (e.g., diuretic administration, diabetes mellitus), central diabetes insipidus, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (e.g., hyperadrenocorticism, hypercalcemia, pyometra, diseases causing septicemia) should also be considered. Diabetes insipidus must be distinguished from diabetes mellitus, which presents with glycosuria and high urine specific gravity. Adrenal insufficiency can also cause a urine-concentrating defect, potentially mimicking Stage 2 and 3 renal disease due to prerenal azotemia from vomiting, diarrhea, and polydipsia.
Chapter: Nephrology, Endocrinology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1514)