Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My senior cat drinks and pees a lot. Is it diabetes or kidney?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 16 years and 3 months old | 0 lbs

My DSH 16 year old cat has started drinking more water lately and also peeing more too. Can cats develop human aged onset diabetes? She is physically very well and jumps around like shes a kitten and also she eats well too. So its not affecting her lifestyle and she seems very well. She has had the same diet for the past 15 years - no change. Or could it be the very hot humid weather we are having lately?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

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.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 27th, 2017

    Drinking an excessive amount of water can be a sign of many diseases including diabetes, kidney disease, liver diease, cancer, infection, etc. She should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can do a urinalysis and blood-work to diagnose the problem and then recommend the best way to treat.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 11th, 2017

    There are many possible reasons an older cat could be drinking/urinating more and early diagnosis gives the best chance at successful management. I would be most concerned about diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease - a blood test and urine exam is recommended as soon as possible as any of these can be managed once diagnosed

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored