We are the proud pet humans of a wonderful cat named Atticus
. He is a large, Maine Coon and has been with us for almost 9 years. Recently, he was diagnosed with Diabetes. He is somewhat overweight (about 18 lbs.). However, as I understand it, these cats are supposed to get pretty large. He is not disproportionately obese either; he is stodgy and very muscular.
He is taking medication for the Diabetes and we are monitoring his caloric intake. However, lately, he winces when we pick him up; he has never really liked being held, but now he winces as if he is in pain.
Also, he is consuming more water; we expect this with the Diabetes, however, when he urinates, it's almost as if he continues to "leak" after he is done. Is this incontinence a result of the Diabetes or could he have a secondary UTI (urinary tract infection) that is causing this. His stench is fairly strong, but it does not smell like anything other than urine.
When we take him to our Vet, which tests should we have him do? We trust our Vet to a point, but he is in business and has no incentive to help educate us. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to do our homework. We think he has been diagnosed in time; we don't think it is renal failure since he has not lost his appetite nor has he lost weight. We are not observing blood in his stools or urine.
Any help you all can provide is most appreciated. We thank you in advance of your replies.
God Bless
He is taking medication for the Diabetes and we are monitoring his caloric intake. However, lately, he winces when we pick him up; he has never really liked being held, but now he winces as if he is in pain.
Also, he is consuming more water; we expect this with the Diabetes, however, when he urinates, it's almost as if he continues to "leak" after he is done. Is this incontinence a result of the Diabetes or could he have a secondary UTI (urinary tract infection) that is causing this. His stench is fairly strong, but it does not smell like anything other than urine.
When we take him to our Vet, which tests should we have him do? We trust our Vet to a point, but he is in business and has no incentive to help educate us. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to do our homework. We think he has been diagnosed in time; we don't think it is renal failure since he has not lost his appetite nor has he lost weight. We are not observing blood in his stools or urine.
Any help you all can provide is most appreciated. We thank you in advance of your replies.
God Bless