He is neutered and has all his vaccinations. He is 18 but gets around well and actually, brought home a small squirrel yesterday. He used to be obese (a whopping 22 lbs.) and is now probably around 8 lbs. I know he is old and could pass any day but I'm wondering if it is something other than old age causing this weight loss. Our past cat had diabetes, should we test this one? Also, the last time I de-wormed him, I'm not to sure he digested any of the medication because he was fighting so much being forced the de-wormer. Should I try de-worming him again? I know if he is killing small animals that he must have worms again, right? Could that cause massive weightloss? Also, what are things I could do for him to ensure he enjoys his elderly days! He has always been an outdoor kitty and loves to hunt so I don't want to deny him that. By the way, HIS name is Kitty (we thought it was a 'she' as a kitten!).
2007-02-27 01:13:50 · 9 answers · asked by SHELTIELUVER 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
wow you need to get him to a vet right away I wouldn't waste any time. that much weight loss is not good, you don't say in what amount of time he's lost this weight but I would take him to my vet immediately.
2007-02-27 01:20:26 · answer #1 · answered by KitKat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He did not lose all that weight from worms, or from old age. You should make an appointment with your vet for a check up and lab work. He may be hyperthyroid, which is treatable. To keep him comfortable in his older days, make sure it's easy for him to get to his food, water and litter box, and that he has warm spots in the house. If he has any trouble with stairs or jumping you might want to rearrange things a bit. But, if he's catching squirrels, I don't think he's having trouble getting around!
2007-02-27 02:05:00 · answer #2 · answered by Artemis 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get to the vet!!!
Although, unfortunately, it may be too late.
I just lost one of my buddies about 6 months ago.
He was 18, and lost weight like that, from 24 lbs down to 6 lbs in a matter of months.
When we took him to the vet (when he was 17 lbs) he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer, so all we could do was keep him comfortable.
I hope this isn't the case with your cat, but it's best to know the facts.
2007-02-27 02:03:19 · answer #3 · answered by mek18102 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
worms can cause him to to lose a lot of weight. but if he is an outdoor cat, I don't know that deworming him will do a lot of good, especially if he is killing small animals. Your best bet would be to take him to the vet to make sure there isn't something serious going on with him, the let him have a good time chasing down squirrels.
My cat used to bring home rabbits, I know your pain!!
2007-02-27 01:21:01 · answer #4 · answered by 'Lissa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chasing small animals has nothing to do with worms, they just like to do that. Any disease can cause weight loss to cats, the commonest is renal (kidney) failure at this age. You must go to the vet and have a blood test for sugar, urea, etc, and if he has some renal problem, there is specific food he must eat so that he lives longer and healthier, even with the kidney problem, at least his last years will be better. So check him immediately and don't improvise with any drugs right now, because I gave an innocent medication to a feral cat and it turned out seh had renal failure and the medication killed her because of that, so go to the vet for tests ASAP.
2007-02-27 01:21:37 · answer #5 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely test Kitty for Diabetes.
Deworming tablets might help a little, but such huge wight loss usually is not caused by worms.
As for his old age, well i have a cat as old as yours. Use elderly cat food. Give him some canned tuna fish from time to time. they seem to LOVE it.
Get her some vitamins from a pet store or vet, since old cats usually get vision problem. You should do your best to prevent or prolong that period.
And lots of Love and Cuddling.
2007-02-27 08:10:35 · answer #6 · answered by kitkat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kitty should see the VET. In my experience CAT food in general is not good for cats. It is so high in nutrients that it tends to blow out a cats kidneys in their old age. Is this cat drinking more water then usual? Outdoor/indoor cats tend to pick up things more then cats that are restricted to being solely indoor cats. Maybe the cats should go to the VET dear.
2007-02-27 01:21:24 · answer #7 · answered by Devdude 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go see a vet, it could be worms.....at 18 though, it could be anything....
2007-02-27 01:21:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you dewormed him from some over the counter medicine? you probably poisoned him. go to the vet now
2007-02-27 05:49:06 · answer #9 · answered by katie d 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
don t food shop when you re hungry
2016-04-10 07:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by Miles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋