Does my Tigger need a vet?
 

Hey all,

my cat Tigger, (who is now 14 yrs old) has started urinating like crazy. He uses the litter box, but the litter that used to last a month, I go through in a week. He has also tripled the amount of water he drinks. The amount he eats is the same. What should I do?


Tigger background: Used to be an outdoor cat, became indoor cat in august of last year, he is also a very big kitty... 18.5lbs

~Kristjanna

At 14yrs old,yes,I think he needs a vet to do a blood panel,could be he has Hyperthyroidism or is Diabetic,both which is treatable.
When a cat gets older,he will need regular bloodwork to see if everything is functioning normal.
Good Luck!

Re: Does Tigger need a vet?
 

Hi!

Yes, I would say that he does. I'm not a vet, but these are serious symptoms which need to be assessed. Make an appointment today and let us know how Tigger makes out.

Yep, he needs a vet. It could be a urinary infection or his kidneys aren't working as well as they should. Please don't delay, but don't worry either, it sounds fixable.

Yes.. as the others state.. these symptoms need diagnosing. The excessive water drinking is one symptom of hyperthyroidism - but of other conditions too. A vet and blood work is the only way to find and treat the cause.

Good luck with your kitty:fingerscr Let us now how he is coming along, wont you?

Thank you
 

Thanks you guys, I will let you know what happens with him

Aww,what a beauty your big boy is, Kristjanna:cloud9:

Best wishes to sweet Tigger..:fingerscr, will watch for your update on his condition.

He's a chunky little guy,lots to love:lovestruck:
I am certainly no vet,but drinking a lot can also be a sign of diabetes,if it is, don't be scared,it too is treatable.
I had a pleasantly plump cat once who was diabetic...he was fine with treatment.
But lets not jump the gun,we'll wait and see what the vet says:fingerscr

It's Diabetes
 

So the news is in.... Tigger does have diabetes. I'm very sad and confused about it. His level was 22.1.

My fiancee and I have talked in over, and we are going to go ahead and treat Tigger, it will be rough at first, but I love my Tigger's and do anything for him. I'll keep you all posted.

~Kristjanna:sad:

Kristjanna,the good news is,you got a quick answer to Tiggers problem and it is not a death-sentence:thumbs up
My diabetic kitty lived to be 17yrs old when he succumbed to cancer.
Someone I know had a diabetic female Himalayan who lived to 21yrs old.
I don't remember much about levels to compare,in the beginning my Peppi was on a special diet,but was eventually needing insulineshots.
I am sure your Tigger will be fine,when my Rocky was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism I was sad,but he's doing good on medication,I was just happy the vet found a reason for his behaviour and it was not the big C word.
Good Luck!

Diabetic cats can do very well and there are organizations and info online abouy it. I'll try to ifnd some later when I have time. In the meantime, it is better to know now whwat it is and have the ability to treat it. Good luck to both you and Tigger - he is an adorable looking kitty and you are both lucky to have each other!!!