Cat peeing everywhere- advice on prognosis with kidney issues?

Bluegreen143

Got a vet appointment for my 13yo cat tomorrow as she’s been peeing on the floor a lot. Trying to tweak litter etc, taking the lid off her tray hasn’t helped so don’t think it’s due to her not liking her tray. 

Now I think about it, she has been drinking more water too. Google suggests it could be kidney issues and that cats on a dry food only diet (which she is, as she’s fussy and won’t touch wet) can be more likely to get kidney issues.

Obviously the vet will investigate and diagnose. Just wondered if anyone has been through similar, how it usually turns out for the cat? A special diet, medication, or was it not treatable? What questions to ask the vet?

Or other avenues to explore if the vet doesn’t come back with a medical explanation as my husband in particular is REALLY struggling with the cat pee everywhere, so if anyone had this problem and something helped - do share.

pineapple

OK he's a dog not a cat but my boy was drinking a lot and weeing in the house. So they did a urine test and said it looked like his kidneys weren't working properly. However it could have been a temporary issue due to a health incident a few days earlier so tomorrow, a week on, I have the pleasure of taking in a second urine sample. I think they said they would do a blood test if there were any concerns. But the incontinence and drinking have now stopped. Meanwhile I had him in dog nappies. Apparently you can get them for cats!
Years ago I had a dog with failing kidneys and ended up home cooking a special diet for him.

sheramber

You should take a urine sample with you.

it depend son whether it is kidney failure, and how bad it is , as to what any remedy might be.

Bluegreen143

Thanks both! I managed to get a urine sample today 😆 was concerned I wouldn’t manage, but I got her to pee in the empty litter tray as the vet suggested.

Cat nappies! I haven’t heard of those. I don’t think she would be very happy in those, bless her, though it would certainly make things easier for us.

donnac2558

My Delilah developed kidney disease at 14, she did not pee everywhere but if in a deep sleep who pee on me when sleeping on my knee.    She was put on medication and special food, but refused to eat the kidney food, so I bought high quality cat food and the vet said it was a balance.   She had to go for blood tests every 8 weeks to start and then as things had levelled out every 3-4 months.   She lived for another 3 years, and it was cancer that got her in the end.   

Puppy pads are a good idea, you can get cheap ones and place them where she pees.

Also, it could be thyroid and not kidney the vet will do blood tests for that as well.

Murphybear

Hi

i was going to post something about kidney problems.  About 2 years ago our 17/18 year old cat suddenly started drinking a lot more.  I suspected kidney problems and we whisked her off to the vet.  She said the 2 most likely cause of the sudden increase in drinking were either kidney problems (very common in older cats) or diabetes.    Kidney problems were confirmed and we were recommended a special renal diet either Hills or Royal Canin.  The vet didn’t say wet food would be better than dry so I bought her a selection and she loves the wet food in pouches and loves the Royal Canin dry food.  It smells meaty.  We were advised she could have some treats but nothing processed, so no ham or cheese which she loves.  We give her bits of beef or chicken.

I leave big bowls of water around the house and monitor what she drinks carefully.  My husband (bless him) monitors the litter tray carefully.  She doesn’t pee or poo anywhere else so things are ok there.  

After 2 years she is nearly 20 and is doing well.  I’ve never had a cat this age before but I know what end of life symptoms to look for so fingers crossed we’ll have her for a few more years.

The renal food is expensive and there doesn’t appear to be a huge difference in price between the different web sites, I’ve spent hours looking. 

I’m thinking about getting a drinking fountain, just wondering if it’s worth the cost?

That’s her in my avatar if you want to see her

Bluegreen143

Thanks all.

Unfortunately the vet picked up on the fact she had breathing problems too and found masses on her abdomen and advised she was actually much worse condition than I’d picked up on as was really struggling to get enough oxygen (think I was in denial as the last few days she’s been acting unusually by cuddling up to me lots - she’s not ever been a cuddly cat). We therefore made the decision to have her put to sleep today. Something I’ve not done with a pet before so feel rubbish and it was such a shock. I was going to take her home tonight so the kids could say goodbye but the vet felt it would be kinder done today as they thought she might end up going downhill overnight. She wasn’t ever a very active cat or a very social one (always loved her wee hidey holes tucked into wardrobes etc or just lying sunbathing by the window) so I didn’t notice any changes in behaviour (not moving as much) like I might have with a more active cat so it’s been a shock. Thanks for the advice all ❤️

donnac2558

I am so sorry for your loss.    You did the right thing, and it is a very difficult decision to make.  Don't feel guilty, you help her out of her pain and suffering.

MovingForwards

I'm sorry for your loss.

I had to have mine PTS as there was something I couldn't put my finger on, turned out he wouldn't pee and the vet couldn't do anything. I still think of him and the happy memories many years later.

Silvertabby

I'm so sorry.  Please take comfort in the fact that you made the right decision at the right time.  

sheramber

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the Last Battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
Through happiness, laughter, sadness and tears.
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, just let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.