Cat: Is this normal?

Question

My cat is now 11 years old. He seems to be very thin but acts very normal and is very alert. Is this "thinness" normal???

Answer 1

Some cat breeds are just skinny. Just as people can be tall, short, fat, or thin, so can cats. If your cat is acting normal and eating and drinking OK, then you you shouldn't worry. Of course, if you have serious concerns, a trip to the vet is always warranted.

Answer 2

Somewhat thin is normal. Very thin is not.

Cats tend to get a little thinner as they get older, but eleven isn't very old and you shouldn't see much slimming down at that age.

One very common and very serious cause of weight loss is hyperthyroid. When the thyroid gets overactive it speeds up the metabolism and the cat loses weight.

What makes hyperT serious is that the overactive thyroid produces excess hormones in an amount that is cardiotoxic - they damage the heart. The result is hypertropic cardiomyopathy, and the HCM will advance until it kills the cat.

HyperT is very treatable, and once the thyroid is controlled the HCM will resolve. HyperT can be treated with radioactive iodine, surgery or medication.

Weight loss can also be the result of dental problems. If a cat has some bad teeth, eating might be painful, causing the cat to eat less. Dental problems can also lead to systemic infections with lethal consequences.

Another possible cause of weight loss is cancer. As in humans, many cancers are treatable, and early detection and treatment make success more likely.

I think your cat needs a thorough checkup. Most of the causes of weight loss are serious, and most are treatable. Get kitty to a vet!

Answer 3

Thinness in an older cat can be a sign of hyperthyroidism which is treatable with medication.

Cats with this condition eat a lot, lose weight, drink more water.
Their metabolism is racing, their hearts are beating faster. their blood pressure goes up. They are very uncomfortable and if they don't get treatment they will die. And a miserable way to go!

So your cat needs to go in for a blood panel to determine if the thyroid is overactive. This is very common now in older cats.

If this does not happen to be the case your vet may have other suggestions for your cat's care. This blood panel will give you a baseline in case of future problems and should be done yearly on any older cat to detect early signs of disease.

My 14 year old male just had his annual exam and blood work. He is on the thin side at 11 pounds. From the blood work he did show signs of early renal insufficiency. Otherwise he is fine, eats really well, has a lovely soft and shiny coat and is behaving normally. And now I know to add a little tablespoon of filtered water to his wet food to help his kidneys do their work better.

Answer 4

LOL! You do not know so much approximately "natural-bread" cats first it's spelled breed or bred. Long furred monster?? traditional egyptian cat? There are a few breeds which might be a normal breed and feature lengthy, medium and brief fur. I have not met an extended furred monster cat coming from any breeder. Unless this can be a dangerous breeder. The Maine Coon is a normal breed from the United States. Originated the state of Maine. Read up at the breed. And with a "Pure-Bread" cat you do understand what to anticipate in wellness and temperament and of path cosmetic is within the eye of the beholder. With a "traditional cat" you do not know its historical past what's within the household traces, what genetic defaults, wellness problems are. Now declaring that kittens from the equal clutter can develop up in a different way simply as any brother and sister they'll no longer all be the equal. Genetics performs a colossal side in that. I cannot comprehend why folks name others names simply considering they have got distinctive evaluations. No 2 folks suppose, appear or act alike and all will have to be revered for his or her likes and evaluations even though they aren't what you consider in. R P Cat Maine Coons YEP One of the ones "Pure-Breads" LOL

Answer 5

has your cat been vaccinated for FIV or Feline Leukemia? If it has not, and has had contact with other un-vaccinated cats it is likely he has been infected. He needs to be tested. He is a pretty old cat, really. maybe he has bad teeth and is having difficulty chewing the food, try moist food as well as dry, side by side. Also there is a kitty vitamin supplement for sale at the pet stores, it adds calories and essential vitamins that an older cat may lack. If he is still alert and acting himself it is probably just that. if he continues to lose weight, or loses his hair (excessive) shedding, you need to take him to the vet. If not, try the supplements. Also Stage 1, meat, (human) baby food is really yummy to them, and can add a few extra calories. Hope I helped!!!

Answer 6

"Kitty". Brought him to the vet too late and learned that he was in the advanced stages of renal failure. He was poisoned by a nasty neighbor whose intention was to kill raccoons in the area. He had put out some antifreeze.

"Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is a slowly progressing disease that usually affects older cats over 10 years of age. The first signs are usually difficult to notice since excessive thirst and urination is not as common in cats as in dogs. As the disease progresses, you will notice excess drinking and urinating, weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, poor coat condition, ammonialike odor to the breath, ulcerations in the mouth, pale gums due to anemia, sudden blindness caused by eye bleeding that results from high blood pressure, seizures and stiff gait."

Check out the web ste for more info. All the best!

Answer 7

Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in treating hypothyroidism. Learn here https://tr.im/Yv6Wr

Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of energy like sugar and caffeine. I’ve dubbed these rascals the terrible twosome, as they can burn out your thyroid (and destabilize blood sugar).

1. Just say no to the dietary bungee cord. Greatly reduce or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour, which the body treats like sugar. Make grain-based carbohydrates lesser of a focus, eating non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content.

2. Up the protein. Protein transports thyroid hormone to all your tissues and enjoying it at each meal can help normalize thyroid function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.

Answer 8

If he has always been that way then yes it is normal for him. If he has only recently gotten thin than there may be a problem and you should definitely take him to a veterinarian.

Answer 9

He may have a thyroid problem. Or, some other disease. They act normal right up until they are severely ill, so if you are worried, take the poor bugger to the vet. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 10

If he has lost a lot of weight (and 1 pound is a lot for a cat) recently, he may have a health issue.