I have tried to brush. I have cut it off. It just keeps getting matted again. I think it's all because he is just old. He has lost a tooth. Doesn't eat hard food or should I say can't eat hard food so we feed him wet mixed with small hard. He is eating well but is also loosing wieght. He seems ok. Not sick but I've heard that matted fur is a sign your pet isn't well? Any suggestions? Don't say vet. I already know that. That's the last resort. They may just say he's sick and put him down 'cause he's old anyways. How can I get my cat unmatted and gaining wieght?
2006-11-23 08:10:44 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Just to let you know...I am a very good and loving cat owner...If all you do is judge me then don't bother. 2 points that important? His fur and wieght is my problem...that's why I asked.
2006-11-23 08:44:57 · update #1
Liver, kidney and thyroid conditions are common problems with older cats. An older cat, especially one who is not feeling well, may not be able to keep up with grooming the way a young, healthy one does. If your worried about the mats, the solution is to brush your cat often, maybe several times a day.
As far as the gaining weight part goes, no one can tell you how to correct it without knowing what's wrong with him. Since our pets can't speak to us, the only solution really is to get him to a doctor for diagnostic testing. Pets don't always act the way we would expect them to when they're hurting or sick. In fact, a lot of animals actually try to hide their symptoms. (in the wild, the sick animals are the ones that get eaten, after all) Please try to have compassion for this old guy and get him checked out if you can.
2006-11-23 08:39:06 · answer #1 · answered by bollywoodturtle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I came across you question and all the answers that were given to you. Yes, it could be an allergic reaction to food or many other reasons. I had a cat years ago that got into fiberglass. Funny thing is the cat did not itch or scratch, but we sure did. It took us some detective work to figure out what it was. I would not want to speculate what it could or could not be. My suggestion is to take her to a vet. The vets are trained in the maintenance and care of animals. They should be able to find out what the problem is. Also, they can rule out other causes that you may be wasting you time on. Your precious cat will appreciate a quick and precise solution too. There are many vets that charge less than others. You could call first to find out what the office visit is. You can go from there to decide what your choices are. Hope this helps. Good luck to you and your cat.
2016-03-12 21:43:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat might still have some good years in him,please have a vet check him out.He might prescribe a cat food for old cats and might suggest to comb him instead of brushing him,and tell you how to prevent snarls(they might get so bad,that they will pull his skin.He also might give you some cat vitamin's.12 years is not that old ...my last two cats lived to be 19 and 19 1/2 Good luck
2006-11-23 08:30:26 · answer #3 · answered by Es 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your cat can still have several years left. If he isn't grooming himself like he should have him clipped and then brush him as often as you can. Cats just like people tend to loose weight as they age. Take him to the Vet for a good checkup.My Cat Gracie had two teeth pulled at age 12, they won't put your cat to sleep unless it is the last resort.
2006-11-23 09:27:59 · answer #4 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
okay..the fur problem most likely is because he's not doing so well..try to brush him daily to avoid anymore matts...as for the weight loss..only your vet can tell w/a blood test most likely..my kitty has chronic liver failure and has gotten very skinny..can be caused from many reasons...make sure he's getting food down daily and when you can swing it, get him to the vet..maybe something easily remedied w/medications or different foods...we give my cat subq fuids every couple of days and it really helps her..good luck
2006-11-23 09:37:01 · answer #5 · answered by OliveRuth 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had this problem with my cat too. When cats get older, they can't clean themslevs that well, so we need to replace their grooming with a thorough brushing (snipping if needed) each and every day or every other day. Give them treats or other fattening cat foods in moderation and they should start gaining weight. If that doesn't work, its time to talk to the vet. They won't suggest to put your cat down. My cat was 14 and wasn't eating and they didn't suggest putting her down.Hope this helps!
Meows and Purrs!
2006-11-23 08:21:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The symptoms you describe could be related to an over-active thyroid. Cats over ten have a problem with the thyroid gland and there is medication to correct it. The imbalance in hormone secretion can cause the fur to get "scruffy" and matted and he may be feeling poorly and not have the energy to groom himself.
Obviously this is a case for the vet to diagnose and help him with.
2006-11-23 08:22:38 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Eating and losing weight is not a good sign and quite frankly if it is only your cats fur coat that concerns you at this point all I can say is "I'm glad I'm not your cat!
2006-11-23 08:30:34 · answer #8 · answered by shepherdivynzac 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you could imagine how it would feel if you had huge knots in your hair...ouch, that may make him lethargic. I have a cat who gets knots...sometimes it is more pain full to brush or try and clip them out. I would suggest you take the cat to a groomer or your vet and get a lion cut, he may feel better and his appetite may improve. 12 is not that old for a cat.
2006-11-23 08:20:48 · answer #9 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋