What is wrong with my cat?

Question

She is 3 years old and spayed. She takes spells losing weight (once she got so skinny I was afraid someone was going to call the Humane Society on us). But then she gains it back and gets fat again. I took her to the vet about it but he just said in the summer, cats will lose weight and look smaller also due to loss of their winter coat. But she started losing again and it's winter. She hates to go the vet and only goes for shots once a year(they don't even take her out of her carrier). the vet gives me wormer to use at home. So unless she could be really sick, I don't want to take her. What are some diseases she might have or is it just normal for her?

She eats well and seems healthy all but the weight thing.

Answer 1

My animals also pork up and slim down regularly during seasonal changes. If you have already addressed this with your vet who says it's normal and she seems healthy she probably doesn't need to see the vet again. I'm assuming in that statement that her coat is clean and shiny, that her eyes and sinuses are clear that she eats and drinks normally and is active and plays.
So, given the above, what kind of food is she eating? Cheaper cat foods tend to have less nutritional value. Try feeding a mid to higher cost pet food from a pet or feed store, most of the food at grocery stores is junk. I like Nutro, Science Diet and Eukanuba, Nutro is probably the least expensive of the three. If you have her only on kibble, give her a small can or half a med. can of canned food a day, more during the periods she seems to be loosing weight if she'll eat it. If she isn't eating as much as you'd like, try giving her some tinned salmon or tuna (cheapest at costco) mixed with her regular food. . Don't do this excessively because of the salt. You could also try cooked eggs, chicken or beef cut up or a few tablespoons of low salt chicken broth with her regular food. When I want my animals to eat more this always works for me.
If you decide to change foods, do it gradually over a period of days mixing the two, starting with just a little of the new food and gradually increasing it til you've totally switched out. This will help with any digestive upset over the change.
Best of luck!!

Answer 2

No, do not give your cat milk! Cats can't digest the milk enzyme. You can give your cat yogurt or a little butter, though. But not milk or cream.
Also, wet food is not necessarily better than dry. Look on the label - wet food can be as much as 90% water. Make sure you buy good quality dry food, that has a lot of protein and a decent fat content. Wet food is not necessary, but if you feed some, buy quality.
As someone else said, bring your cat to a better vet. Good vets are quite willing to take out a pissed-off cat, and properly examine it. Thoroughly discuss your cat's medical history with your new vet.
Also, bring in a fecal sample to detect the presence of worms.

Answer 3

She may need blood work. Fluctuations in weight especially losing weight could be a beginning sign of diabetes or a thyroid problem. Dont give her a wormer unless she actually has worms.

She'll get over a trip to the vet, would you get over not taking her and finding out it's something bad? Take her to the vet or at the very least call him with your concerns.

Answer 4

I agree with BVC about having a blood profile done. In addition, take along a stool sample for analysis. You could be dealing with worms.

I never heard of a vet who would just administer a shot through a carrier and call it an annual visit. The only place they do that is when our local SPCA runs its $10.00 rabies shot clinic twice a year. There are so many animals there and it's such a big room, that, whenever possible, they administer the immunization with the at in the carrier.

You need a new vet.

Answer 5

NO MILK!!!! And you should stay away from foods that have fish in them (it causes urinary tract infections in our feline friends!) Ask your vet about weight-gain formula's... there are many out there. If you happen to live on Long Island, I have the BEST vet. She only deals with cats... Just Cats Healthcare. But get that baby to a vet!! Too bad if she hates the ride. Better safe than sorry! Good luck!

Answer 6

Its her metabolism as the vet says. I would give her milk when she gets thinner to give her some more bulk and also buy her vitamins to put in her food. If she eats only dry food, start giving her wet food instead during these times or a combination of both.

Answer 7

u need to take her to the vet that does their job. vets should handle the animals, look at their eyes, skin, etc. not just stick a needle thru the crate. tell the new dr her history and wahts going on.

Answer 8

Have a viral test ran on your cat it will test for FIV and FELV. My mom's cat just died of FIV (we had to put him down) but he went through a period of losing and gaining weight. I do not want to frighten you or make you worry but if you get this test done then you can scratch these two things off of your list.

Answer 9

maybe it need friend buy another cat