I noticed he has been getting really thin lately. I can feel his spine and hips and he doesn't seem to have any muscle tone. His stomach hangs down and flops back and forth when he runs. He always had a stomach like that but it's worse now. (My vet said some cats do have stomachs that hang down like wild cats).
What's really surprising is he has a lot of energy eats well and plays like a kitten. The only other thing I notice is when he meows it sounds like his voice is going.
I am feeding him high quality senior cat food along with some meat for extra protein. He has a good appetite. I just started him on 1/4 tsp of supplement called "Missing Link" with Omega 3 & 6 twice a day.
I had the cat to the vet this summer for a check up and shots. His weight was pretty normal then. I heard cats can be just fine and them go really fast. Is this just normal aging of a cat or is he getting ready to go over the rainbow bridge?
2007-03-01 17:34:22 · 40 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Sounds like hyperthyroidism - quite common in older cats. Take her to the vet to have her thyroid glands checked. Usually, the vet wil take a blood test to determine if thyroid hormone levels are up. There are several treatments available from meds to surgical removal of part of the thyroid. Feel your cat's thyroid glands located in the throat area. Palpate just beneath where the chin meats the neck and down. Is it "bumpy"? Does it feel like there is a pea in there? That's over-active thyroid. At any rate, sudden weight loss in a cat IS a cause for concern. Take kitty to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
2007-03-01 19:02:04 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-04-15 03:25:40 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have some bloodwork done to check for diabetes. Older cats can develop diabetes and this can cause weight loss such as what you describe. Is he drinking a lot of water, too?
It's not too unusual for older cats to lose weight, but a sudden weight loss is something to see the vet about. There could be several things happening with your friend that could be treatable.
Indoor cats typically live from 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer. Outdoor cats live shorter lives on average due to exposure to disease, accidents, attacks by other animals, etc.
Your cat is elderly but it may have a treatable disorder. Its behavior sounds very promising!
2007-03-01 18:30:35 · answer #3 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a 13 year old male,at one time he weighed 22lbs. he now weighs 8.5 lbs I cut down on the fat content,that did the trick. He has always had a meat diet. If you talk to a vet who is an expert in animal nutrition they will tell you to stay away from these so called balanced diets. I wouldn't worry about your cat as long as he's healthy.PS he has always been a house cat.
2007-03-01 17:47:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have had many cats and right now have 5 indoor spoiled rotten babies but one in particular is 16 very healthy appetite but is very thin. She also seems to drink alot of water. She is very playful and active. I have had other seniors but they have all been fairly plump!!! I believe some cats are like some people as they age they become thin and eventually frail but if your cat is still eating and active it seems its just the aging process. Best wishes.
2007-03-01 18:00:08 · answer #5 · answered by avillecatwoman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's just getting old. I've got an ancient cat and she's gotten rather skinny. She's still playful and active. Likes her grub too. I've had umpteen cats in the past and those that managed to survive into old age have always gone skinny.
2007-03-01 17:55:38 · answer #6 · answered by Tabby 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a 13 year old cat and that happened to him. I took him to the vet and he has an overactive thyroid. She said it was very common in older cats.
Now I have a cream made up by a compounding pharmacist. I have to rub medicated cream in his ear flaps. He doesn't like it but I'm sure it would be worse if I had to give him pills.
2007-03-01 17:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by reslstancelsfutlle 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
keeping good posture will not only strengthen your core but will also add a small extra calorie burn because you re working slightly harder to maintain the position
2017-03-16 10:40:09 · answer #8 · answered by Luz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat is 14 and she lost a lot of weight too i gave her wet cat food and she got some weight prety fast try it and if it doesnt work thats okay to at least hell really like it my cat did : )
2007-03-01 17:53:56 · answer #9 · answered by soad1oclock 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
purchase an under desk pedaling machine like the stamina 15 0125 instride folding cycle 70 stamina products com
2016-02-23 23:13:41 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋