My cat with leukemia pees a lot. Is frequent urination a worry?

This may be from stress, diet, or an infection she had a hard time clearing due to the leukemia. Since she is otherwise normal, you can try a sensitive stomach formula food or prescription GI formula and add a feline probiotic to the food to help her. If you notice blood or any change in her appetite, or it does not seem to clear in the next 24-48 hours, then she needs to be seen for an exam and medication to help

Wow! Moo is a beautiful cat! Feline Leukemia Virus predisposes to certain types of cancers but does not usually impact urinary health. You might be thinking of FIV (the HIV of cats). This DOES depress the immune system and could predispose Moo to more frequent infections. However, if Moo has always been an indoor-only, single cat, both of these are very unlikely. Luckily, there is a simple test that screens for FIV and Feline Leukemia that only requires a few drops of blood and about 10 minutes. Almost all vets carry this test so schedule an appointment to put your mind at ease. Best of luck to you and Moo!

I recommend to have a follow up test done to see if he was able to clear the virus. Without a follow up test, it's impossible to know what is happening in his body. Here is some good information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/feline-leukemia-virus-a-cause-of-immunodeficiency-in-cats/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/vaccinating-felv-fiv-infected-cats/ I suspect the big appetite is ok and is a good thing (as long as he is not getting heavy). This article has good information about diet and living conditions for Felv + cats: https://www.dvm360.com/view/living-with-felv-infected-cats-guide-veterinarians-and-their-clients I hope this helps and that sweet Scruffy continues to do well.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sounds like Norbert has a great home. One question I always have is, was only one test performed? There can be false positive tests and some cats can get exposed to the virus and fight it off, thus becoming negative over time. A repeat test is advised 30-60 days after the first positive test to assess the leukemia status again. If that one comes back positive, a confirmatory test is usually advised. I would just keep him as happy and as healthy as possible. Follow your vets advise on preventive health care although, I would not be a fan of yearly vaccinations for a cat with feline leukemia. I would get him on a 3 yr vaccine schedule as soon as you can. The initial vaccines are usually good for one year but then you have an option to go to a 3-year protocol. I would keep him dewormed regularly to make sure he doesn't develop problems with intestinal parasites. If appropriate, make sure that he has an effective flea product on also. You want to keep him as healthy as possible. One other thing, when you notice any problems with him, get him seen right away due to his leukemia status. Early intervention will help him battle things that may come up like respiratory infections, urinary problems, etc. Good luck with Norbert

What a handsome kitty Chai is! I'm sorry to hear that he is not acting like his usual self. If he is acting unusually tired, but still eating and drinking his normal amount, urinating and defecating normally, then I think it is OK for you to watch him for a couple of days to see if he gets over it. If the lethargy continues or you see other signs of illness develop such as poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drinking excessive amounts of water, then I would recommend taking him to see your veterinarian. I hope that Chai feels better very soon!

Poor Norbert. Since you know that he has feline leukemia, I would get him started on some l-lysine if you haven't already. There is a paste and chew formulas. This helps to boost their immune system. See links below for options. I would also be concerned that he has an abscess or infection or even a tumor where those swellings are. He could be avoiding you because he is uncomfortable. I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to determine what the swellings are and even do blood work if needed. They should be able to get him starts on some antibiotics, pain meds and even an appetite stimulant if needed. I would be sure to ask the vet for an estimate before they do any diagnostics. The vet should be able to come up with a treatment plan that will help Norbert but also fit your needs. I do not recommend to give any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to cats. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon! L-Lysine chews: https://www.petco.com/brand/vetriscience-120-count-2215443?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o2&scid=scplp2215443&sc_intid=2215443&cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_BND_PLA-GG_FY17_SCShopping-TM-_-Non+VIP-_-92700026086767577&kwid=p26086767577&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgMSVktCj2AIVw7XACh2AZgaGEAQYAiABEgLRp_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds L-lysine paste: https://www.chewy.com/vetoquinol-viralys-l-lysine-oral-gel/dp/102542?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Vetoquinol&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_ozrr9Cj2AIVgbrACh2ykg-REAQYASABEgLx2_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If the diarrhoea is persistently present you could try to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken or white fish and rice for the next 4 days. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist after that or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!