Cat Chat Feline Forum

Hi All,
As my username suggests I’m a massive anxiety sufferer and my little old kitty’s diagnosis and has sent me into full yikes mode.
Even to the point where I’m having trouble sleeping.

End of Oct she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and mild kidney disease.
She’s been taking thyronorm and her blood tests three weeks ago says that’s under control.
Re: the kidney disease - she’s now having only a renal diet and she doesn’t always eat loads of it but that’s just her. Generally she likes it ok.

Now. The thing that’s triggered my anxiety massively is that she drinking less and she’s gone from peeing every few hours to twice a day.
Now, what I want to know is - has anyone else had this experience with their CKD cats? The excess peeing could’ve been thyroid related but I’ve noted the biggest change since the diet switch.
I called my vet today (I think she’s going to take a restraining order out on me) and she said it sounds fine that she’s going twice a day?
Is it normal?

Any help, please? Before I completely lose my mind.

Thank you!

My cats normally pee twice a day

Sorry it's been so long since you posted, hope you have managed through the holidays.

Hyperthyroidism raises blood pressure which covers up mild kidney issues, so with the thyroid under control that's when the reduced kidney function shows up more. As you quite rightly say both conditions can cause thirst and increased urine so it's hard to figure out which it is until the thyroid is under control. It could be that her kidneys are in reasonably good shape and now her thyroid is under control her thirst is reduced and it's a sign she is much better.

I'm on my third CKD cat now which is the one who became CKD after her hyperthyroidism was cured. I think she pees less now than she did before her treatment though it's hard to be sure as I had another cat as well. But what I am sure of is that after switching to a renal diet both my others showed an improvement in their kidney function very quickly. The first had another 8 healthy years on diet only. The second had other issues that had to take priority and he only had another 3 years because of those, but his kidneys went from just over the line to just under with the diet and stayed there.

So in short, it could very well be normal. That's not to say it will stay that way because that's the nature of CKD that over time it will get worse, but also there is no reason your cat can't have a good happy life.