Why does a cat urinate in large quantities?

Apricot is 15 years old and has been urinating a lot for a few months. The vet said it was a thyroid problem but medication did not help.

Why does a cat urinate in large quantities?
A 15 year odl cat could have a number of condition that would cause polyuria (urinating a lot).



These include:

1) Kidney disease which is easily detected by bloodwork

2) Diabetes mellitus also detected by blood work

3) Thyroid disease also detected by blood work. In your case, you are treating for this and have had no success. Did they do a follow-up test?

4) hyperadrenocorticism. Most associated with Diabetes but can occur alone. More elaborate set of tests to diagnose.

5) Toxin exposure. Also detectable inblood work

6) Liver failure. Blood work again.



Some of these are more treatable than others. Please consult with your vet and let them know the thyroid medication is having little effect.



Good luck.
Reply:*Hunting a bit* There are a number of causes of increased drinking and urinating but the most common ones are diabetes mellitus, acromegaly (usually cats with this also have diabetes mellitus, so unlikely), hyperadrenocorticism (can occur without diabetes mellitus but is commonly linked with it), hyperthyroidism (already said the meds are not working on this), kidney failure (doesn't show in lab work but might still be worth considering or watching carefully for), liver disease (not likely unless something shows in the lab work), behavioral or pyschogenic increase in water drinking and diabetes insipidus (uncommon to rare in cats but does occur).

http://www.vetinfo.com/cdrinkandurin.htm...