Cat won’t stop drinking-vet says nothing wrong!

[CharlotteLightandDark]

Hi cat mums and dads!

My 11 year old Maine Coon had a few health issues last year, an enlarged lymph node which has now settled and arthritis which we usually treat with solensia.

a few weeks ago she started drinking lots and lots of water, and consequently pissing like a cart horse constantly.

i wondered if it might be diabetes or kidney disease so I didn’t give her the solensia in case it was related.

took her to the vet where she had urine dip test and blood test. Vet is saying urine was diluted (no shit) but nothing else to see, bloods totally normal. They said it wouldn’t be the solensia so to continue with that.

they suggested putting multiple water bowls with only an inch or so of water in different places - this was relayed over voicemail but I think the idea is to establish if she is genuinely thirsty and seeking out water, or something else? But I’m not sure what the something else would be? A behavioural thing maybe?

apologies for the length of post but I wanted to see if anyone had experienced similar? We have a litter tray and are getting through sooo much litter which is expensive!

any thoughts welcome 🙏🏼

Being totally realistic and I’m so sorry if it comes across as harsh as I lost my 2 boys last year and I’m still so heartbroken.

I’ve had this with both my pedigree British shorthair cats. At around the same age. It probably was the beginning of kidney failure. The average age of a Maine coon is the same as a bsh. My thinking is as long as they don’t appear to be in any pain and the vets are otherwise unconcerned. Keep them topped up with plenty of water and keep loving them as you always have. Life carried on for a while. Yes we got through a lot of litter but the cost of that is considerably less than multiple trips to the vets and investigations.

Do you have a secure garden, by that age mine had reached a point of old age cat fitness whereby they were not going to be jumping any fences and that cut down on the cost of litter.

ah I’m sorry for your loss that’s so sad 😢
yes I think their lifespan is around 10-15 years so not as long as moggies.

i expect it probably is the beginning of kidney disease although the vets are saying kidney function is ok.

we do have a garden which she likes, she never ventured far anyway. Will continue to keep her comfortable I guess. Thank you x

Did the blood test cover hyperthyroidism?

My old boy (nearly 16) has started drinking lots too. He had bloods checked when he went for dental a couple of months ago and I asked about the drinking and they said everything was fine. I assumed it will be the start of something relating to kidneys although I'm surprised they're not trying to rinse me for tests

Yes- this happened to my old girl. It went on for a couple of years before any sign of kidney failure on a blood test, but early stage did show up eventually. She was tough as old boots.

im not sure if they tested her thyroid, that’s a good question. Will ask. Am a bit hesitant to do test after test as they never got to the bottom of her lymph node issue last year - £1500 later and no answers!

that’s encouraging that it was a couple of years until it was more problematic - she seems well enough in herself, just a bit of extra effort for us!