How can my 15 years old skinny cat gain weight?

Question

She's been losing weight continuously. We tried can food, dry food, mixture of both, mix with tuna, ... just nothing works. She's really skinny now.

Answer 1

ok i have a 15 yr old cat i couldnt get to eat anything and someone suggested that i make her some chicken ...so i broiled some chicken breast for her and i cut it up for her and 1 breast lasts me like almost 2 days i give her a couple ounces 3-4 times a day and she is starting to put some weight on

Answer 2

Unfortunately it comes with age. I had a cat that was 15 as well, and was extremely skinny compared to what he was when he was younger. Your cat is losing muscle mass, and therefore, weight.

The first thing I would do is take your kitty to the vet for a check-up, and do what they recommend, and secondly, there are special cat foods for cats that are seniors. Also unfortunately, 15 is fairly old for a cat. Cats normally do not live beyond 18, trust me, I have had many in the past.

Answer 3

Sweetheart, I hate to tell you this. I know what you're going through but I think you might need to get used to the thought of your cat not being around much longer. Since your cat is so old, I can tell that you have kept wonderful care of it it's whole life. It's nothing that you have done or haven't done. My cat was the same way before he died. When they get into their old age, their body starts to shut down no matter how much they eat. If you have doubts about what's happening, it's always a great thing to take him/her to the vet ASAP! Cat's are fragile and you have given your cat a happy, healthy life. This is just one thing that you will need to come to copes with. I'm sorry that this answer seems so harsh but you did want an honest one and that's exactly what I'm giving you. Enjoy the time that you have left with your cat. I hope I didnt upset you too much.

Answer 4

Cats often become skinny as they age. You should have her checked by a vet. Weight loss can be a sign of illness - often kidney failure in very old cats. Subcutaneous fluids can sometimes give these cats a boost and make their kidneys work better, at least for awhile and often they will eat better and gain a weight. Eventually though, it will be irreversible.

Answer 5

It is almost 100% sure that your cat is suffering from hyperthyroidism. No matter what she eats so will not gain weight or feel satisfied. The excess thyroid secretion has her metabolism in high gear, her blood pressure is also very high and she feels anxious and hungry ALL the time.

She needs to have a vet visit with blood work to determine the thryroid function and get medication to bring it back down to normal. A lot of very dire things can happen to her if this is not treated right away.

Answer 6

She may have a thyroid problem. Cats in their mid to later years often have it. But aside from that, she is a very, very old cat. She has lived a long life. Her organs may not be functioning well. Besides, older cats tend to eat a lot less, lose weight and muscle tone. And if she was thin to start with, I think it just the aging process. My best advice is to have her evaluated by a vet.

Answer 7

Have you taken her to the vet? because her weight loss could be serious.
You could try asking an employee at a pet store for their advice, or looking for cat food that is specifically used to help your cat gain weight and get healthy.

Answer 8

You should check with your vet to see if they can recommend anything.

15 years is pretty old for a cat, & usually thats when things start slowing down or deteriorating. There (unfortunately) may not be anything you can do for your cat. The most you may be able to do is just make sure she has plenty of food & water accessible at all times, & is comfortable & happy.

Answer 9

Take her to your vet. She's getting up there in years. My sister's cat lived to the ripe old age of 20, but near the end, she lost all her weight and just went downhill from there. They finally took her in to the vet and they found cancer. She was put down to avoid any more pain or discomfort.

Answer 10

Hi there...senior cats are more susceptible to age-related disorders such as feline chronic renal failure (CRF), hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc. Dramatic weight loss and has a lack of appetite are generally symptomatic of CRF. Hyperthyroidism a cat will have an excellent appetite, but still be losing a considerable amount of weight. Other symptoms of CRF is excessive thirst and urination, etc. CRF cats need IMMEDIATE treatment as this condition is LIFE-THREATENING.

Feline CRF: http://felinecrf.com/what0.htm
Feline Hyperthyroidism: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/thyroid__signs__symptoms_and_d.html
Feline Diabetes: http://felinediabetes.com/diabetes-info.htm