What is a common clinical sign of diabetes mellitus in cats related to drinking behavior?

Increased urination is a well-documented clinical sign of diabetes mellitus in cats. This condition leads to elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in excess glucose spilling into the urine. As the kidneys filter this excess glucose, they also draw water with it, leading to diuresis, which is the production of larger volumes of urine. Consequently, cats with diabetes often exhibit an increase in urination, sometimes referred to as polyuria.

Increased urination is usually accompanied by increased thirst, known as polydipsia, as the cat becomes dehydrated from the fluid loss. This cycle of urination and drinking behavior is significant in diagnosing diabetes, especially when observed alongside other clinical signs such as weight loss and increased appetite. Overall, recognizing increased urination is crucial in identifying diabetes mellitus in feline patients.