Water consumption

jkbank

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Hi

I recently switched my cats over from a 100% dry food diet to all canned food. They are fine with the food, but it seems like one of the cats is consuming much more water than in the past. I would have expected the opposite. Is this a sign of a problem? She had been fully checked out by the vet with a clean bill of health (we are dealing with a litter box issue as well) but perhaps she needs to be checked again?? I'm surprised to see her drinking so much after all these years.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
 

sugarcatmom

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 Is this a sign of a problem? She had been fully checked out by the vet with a clean bill of health (we are dealing with a litter box issue as well) but perhaps she needs to be checked again??
What are the litter box issues? Was blood work and/or a urinalysis done and how long ago was it? What's the food that she eats now, and what did she eat before?
 
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jkbank

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What are the litter box issues? Was blood work and/or a urinalysis done and how long ago was it? What's the food that she eats now, and what did she eat before?
She is around 12yo, this past summer starting peeing outside the litter box. Long story, I've posted here before, but we took her to the vet, said she had diabetes, we started treating her, she stopped eating so we had to stop the insulin. Further testing showed her glucose levels normal, all other tests were negative (blood, urine etc). So, we're attacking the litter box as behavioral, but it's not going well. She's been on prozac for about a month with no positive effects being seen. In the midst of all this, I switched from an all-dry diet of Science Diet Feline Maintenance to Fancy Feast (I know it's not the best but I thought it was still better than dry).

I'm really at my wits end all around, I don't know how to help this poor cat :(
 

mrsgreenjeens

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If she was diagnosed with diabetes (even in error if I'm reading correctly), but is now drinking excessively again, I would think a Vet visit is in order again.  Plus then you could discuss with the Vet the continued litter box issue AND that the Prozac doesn't seem to be working!  If nothing else, a phone call to the Vet seems appropriate. I supposed the Prozac could be making her extra thirsty?
 

sugarcatmom

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 Long story, I've posted here before, but we took her to the vet, said she had diabetes, we started treating her, she stopped eating so we had to stop the insulin.
Oh right, I remember your other thread now! Well diabetes can go into remission and also come back again, so my recommendation is to get a recheck of her blood and urine glucose levels at the vet ASAP.
 
 So, we're attacking the litter box as behavioral, but it's not going well.
Have you tried Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract litter?
 I switched from an all-dry diet of Science Diet Feline Maintenance to Fancy Feast (I know it's not the best but I thought it was still better than dry).
Fancy Feast is better than SD, but many of the flavours can still be rather high carb. Try to stick with the Classic versions like the ones from this list: http://felinediabetes.com/printgluten.htm
 
 
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jkbank

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If she was diagnosed with diabetes (even in error if I'm reading correctly), but is now drinking excessively again, I would think a Vet visit is in order again.  Plus then you could discuss with the Vet the continued litter box issue AND that the Prozac doesn't seem to be working!  If nothing else, a phone call to the Vet seems appropriate. I supposed the Prozac could be making her extra thirsty?
Thanks, yes, I will call the vet. Have to bring her in anyway, as the vet said she needs some bloodwork after being on the prozac for a month
 
 
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jkbank

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Oh right, I remember your other thread now! Well diabetes can go into remission and also come back again, so my recommendation is to get a recheck of her blood and urine glucose levels at the vet ASAP.
Yes, I guess I will. Getting frustrated by all the repeat testing :(
Have you tried Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract litter?
Yes! The litter and the additive, no change
Fancy Feast is better than SD, but many of the flavours can still be rather high carb. Try to stick with the Classic versions like the ones from this list: http://felinediabetes.com/printgluten.htm
We just give the classic beef & chicken medley (I think that's what it's called, definitely a classic though) , that's the only one they like :)
 

just mike

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The excessive water intake could mean the diabetes has taken a turn or perhaps it a side effect of her medication.  I don't know what the side effects of prozac are in animals, or humans for that matter.  A vet visit is where I would start and you indicated she was going back soon for blood work.  Be sure to tell the vet everything and maybe write down things as you go along to remember what to tell/ask him or her.  I don't know how many times I've forgotten to ask my vet a question while I am there. 

The litter box problem may or may not be a result of the diabetes.  You and your vet can determine that.  If it is behavioral, maybe one of the pheromone diffusers will help.  I've had great success with them myself.  Sounds like you may have already tried them but didn't mention it in your post.  Keep us posted on progress if you have time.
 
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