Why is my old cat drinking and peeing so much? Is it kidney failure?

Question

My 18-year-old cat has had borderline hyperthyroidism for several years but has been on meds for only the last 1-2 years: 30mg gabapentin 2x daily [arthritis]; 5mg prednisolone daily; and methimazole [1/2 of 5mg tablet in AM, 1/4 of 5mg tab in PM]. For the last 2-3 days, she has been peeing while lying down and/or sleeping. And the water she is drinking seems to be running through [peeing twice in one hour]. How likely could it be that she is going into renal failure? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 18 years and 2 months old | 11 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Chronic renal failure is a common problem in elderly cats, so this is certainly possible - blood work would be needed to know for sure. However, she could also have a completely different problem such as diabetes, a urinary tract infection, or she may simply need her thyroid medication adjusted. I would recommend taking her to the vet to have this checked when you are able to. He/she can do blood work and a urinalysis to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

Why is my old cat drinking and peeing so much? Is it kidney failure?

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