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Why is my senior cat drinking more, peeing a lot, and losing weight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 years and 6 months old | 15 lbs

10 yr old neutered Male Cat. Increase in Thirst, increase in urination which smells very acidic in litter box full of pee. Crystalization of urine which has been discovered on cement floor and on camping equipment he has peed on. He has lost weight the the past month or so. What could he possibly have? Thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 4th, 2017

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From your description of signs, I would strongly suspect that Flynn may have diabetes. This very commonly causes increased thirst and urination, sticky urine (from the sugar in the urine) and weight loss. Other common causes of weight loss and increased thirst and urination in cats are kidney disease and thyroid disease. I have seen many cats that have more than one of these diseases at the same time. I would strongly recommend taking Flynn to a veterinarian for blood work and urinalysis. This will be the first step in diagnosing his actual condition so that you know how to treat him. I hope this helps and that Flynn gets feeling better soon!

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