Symptoms for Feline Diabetes?

I have been noticing that The Sammycat has been drinking a lot of water lately. Even when I go into the bathroom he wants me to turn the faucet on in the sink for him(which I do of course ) He has lost weight but I have had him on a diet for a year now....That boy is looking good with a waist

I have noticed recently that when he is just lounging around that he sounds like he is congested, but there is no evidence of that from his nose are anything like that. I wll be taking him to the vet soon for his annual checkup but was concerned if I should take him in sooner to be checked for any other problems?

Do you think the congestion may be affecting his appetite? I know Oliver never wants to eat when he's stuffed-up. It can't hurt to take him in sooner and express your concerns to the vet. Well, it could hurt the old bank account, but that's the price we pay for kitty love, right?
Oliver has always drank a lot of water (more than Emma, at least) and loves faucet water as well--I think he gets more of it on his head than actually in his mouth, though!
Keep us posted...I'm sure Sammy will be ok with a little TLC.

Not to scare you but I'd recommend having his kidneys checked. One of the first renal failure symptoms my RB kitty Blackie had was increased thrist.

Hope The Sammycat is ok!

that is my first worry

Originally Posted by stormy

Not to scare you but I'd recommend having his kidneys checked. One of the first renal failure symptoms my RB kitty Blackie had was increased thrist.

Hope The Sammycat is ok!

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I will be taking The Sammycat to the vet first thing Tuesday morning. We do not have any emergency vet place here open 24/7. He is not acting sick or anything like that so I want be calling his vet at home. I will be keeping an eye on him the rest of today and tomorrow so I will be more informed when we do go Tuesday.

I'd take him in right away on Tuesday!!! When cats are diabitic they almost 100% of the time gain weight... It could be his kidneys or hyperthiord!

Typically cats do lose weight and have increased thirst when diabetic - I know Scully did. Boomer always wants the faucet dripping so he can drink at his leisure so I wouldn't worry too much - although (at least here) its been warm and they have all been drinking more and eating less which is normal for them at this time of year.

Good luck at the vets... it may also not be full blown diabetes if it is - for a year we controlled Scully's by diet alone (although lately he has needed insulin) and if he does need more regular testing - spend the money on a home testing kit (the same as for humans) its a lot cheaper than regular vet visits.

I would have a bloodwork done and kidneys checked also.

I agree about having kidney function also checked. Here are my favorite two sites - one for cats with diabetes, and one for cats with chronic renal failure. Both go over symptoms, treatments etc. and are chock full of *accurate* information.

Gorbzilla -site for cats with diabetes and Tanya's Site - for cats with Chronic Renal Failure

I wish you all the best, I hope it is neither of the above.