My cat Gable is 12 years old. He goes to the vet on a regular basis and is caught up on all of his shots and whatnot. Other than an ear infection that he is presently being treated for, he is relatively healthy for his age. (HIs last visit to the vet was a week ago.)
However, he is skin and bones. The vet has suggested a high protein diet and switching from his regular food (Kit n Kaboodle) to a brand name kitten formula as well as supplementing with canned food. I've done all of that, but Gable just doesn't have much of an appetite....even before the ear infection he was losing weight.
I know he is OLD. But I was wondering if anyone here had any ideas on what Gable might like that could help put a little weight on him but not be hard on his system. I've tried yogurt and he liked it, but he only ate about a teaspoon.
Thanks for any advice. I've had him since he was a kitten and he's FAMILY. I'd like to keep him around as long as possible.
2007-06-02 05:09:14 · 9 answers · asked by guatemama 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
do exactly what your vet told you. it doesnt matter how much he is eating - if you increase the calorie content of his food and he eats close to the same amount, he will put on weight.
dont expect it to happen overnight of course - particularly if he only eats a small amount, it will take a few months to see any improvement.
he also isnt that old... well looked after cats generally live to 17-18 years old and regularly live up to 20 years.
.
2007-06-02 05:22:55 · answer #1 · answered by raspberryswirrrl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gable has a problem. If he is thin as you say, and not eating well, he needs diagnostics to determine what's going on. Has he had a CBC/Chem/T4 (blood panel)and urinalysis? That would be the minimum database needed. If those are normal, further diagnostics may be indicated. I would highly recommend a feline vet. Go to the feline practitioners site to find one near you:
http://www.aafponline.org/index.htm
There is a medication that can help with poor appetite. The feline vet would know. Try also all-meat baby food- chicken, turkey, ham. Does he like fish? 9Lives brand tuna is very fishy. Or try regular tuna, like we eat.
One more thing- is he on systemic antibiotics for the ear? They can reduce appetite also. Good luck with your fella.
2007-06-02 12:47:21 · answer #2 · answered by Artemis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you ask the vet about canned food or using fish oil in his food? There are some commercial preparations that are supposed to trigger appetite by making the food smell/taste better (fish oil is a key ingredient in most of them). If he is truly failing and the vet hasn't diagnosed an illness, you may be unable to do anything. Often, cats his age will just be skinny no matter what they do. Part of aging. Anyway, ask about the canned food.
2007-06-02 12:14:32 · answer #3 · answered by madamewitch1106 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, 12 is pretty old. I had my cat until he qas 17 and he too was skin and bones. Hopefully the vet checked for worms, just in case, My cat used to love Jack mackeral from a can. and of course tuna. Check out the internet for homemade recipes you can fix. Folg the vets advice is probably best but I wouldn't hesitate to search out that topic either.
2007-06-02 12:27:16 · answer #4 · answered by ivbnabadgrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 years is not that old, but as a cat gets older they can develop health problems. The only thing that I would be concerned about is diabetes. If the vet didn't do a blood check, then ask for one. only thorough blood work to check for everything can tell you if your cat has any health problems, is he drinking more water and urinating more often? Maybe his ability to burn more then he takes in has changed, like some people the body changes as you get older.
2007-06-02 12:40:50 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals don't lose weight because of age, there is always a reason for it. You need to have bloodwork done to rule out hyperthyroidism, diabetes and kidney failure. Also, have the Dr. check the teeth for any infection, sometimes they wont eat as well because of a bad tooth.
2007-06-02 12:28:03 · answer #6 · answered by BB 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I saw on this website below...Feline Uretic⢠seems like a fine food to feed your cat. This one cat now weighs about 12 pounds. You should really check this site out for more info on this product. I personally, do not have a cat, but from a couple (10 minutes) of research, this product seems very well for cats. Try to buy it and test it out! =)
2007-06-02 12:19:55 · answer #7 · answered by Erica:D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
has he been tested for diabetes???
You may also want to consider taking to aanother vet for a second oppinion.
It may just be his age as well
Good Luck
2007-06-02 12:15:49 · answer #8 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Put a pillow on her
2007-06-02 12:11:37 · answer #9 · answered by nitty b 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋