He doesn't seem to be grooming as much as he once did. When I brush him I get piles of dull undercoat and mats. He seems healthy eating and drinking well, and is fairly active for his age.
I did change his dry cat food to Science Diet Hairball formula. Could it be possible that the hairball formula is preventing shedding, thus causing the dull excessive hair which then mats?
2007-07-03 16:32:02 · 11 answers · asked by cathi D 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
If the change corresponds to directly when the food change occurred, it is a possibility, although matting is typically a lack of grooming rather than any specific condition.
Considering that the cat seems healthy in all other respects, one possibility that occurs with many cats is arthritis. Cats often have difficulty reaching some of the areas of their body as their joints become stiff and painful. This can often lead to their sudden disinterest in self grooming and the cat becoming unkempt in appearance. If it seems that the matting is primarily in areas that require a good deal of flexibility to reach, then this is very likely. You may have to help your cat in this case by giving a good brushing once or twice a day to do the job that grooming should be doing.
Nevertheless, it is not a bad idea to possibly take your cat into the vet for a checkup and preventative care. Older cats are prone to many conditions, which if caught early can greatly extend their life. Just like older people, older cats need some extra attention by the doctor. This can also rule out any other possibilities including digestive problems or an underlying condition that is affecting the behavior.
2007-07-03 16:56:17 · answer #1 · answered by unefemme_2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe since he is gettin pretty old, his joints hurt for him to bend around to reach his back where he needs to clean, so he just leaves it dirty, thats the only thing i think it could be, i dont think a change in diet would make him not clean himself.
but, i dont know about hairball preventing food, i thought it just made it easier for the cat to pass a hairball, but maybe it is preventing the hair shed, change his food back to the way it was and see if it improves
2007-07-04 00:00:32 · answer #2 · answered by Shelby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1] groom him every day
2] check with vet about diet, oil supplements [ my vet said dairy is not good for cats, they are actually lactose intolerant! ]
3] check his teeth and mouth - if they have pain it hurts to groom
4] check how he walks, jumps, etc, - arthritis always makes it difficult to groom [ ask vet if cat needs a supplement for that too ]
Being active, eating and drinking well are all good signs - weigh him oncea month or so, to make sure he doesn't 'chub' out!
P.S. hairball formula simply has fiber added to push the hair out his hind end, it doesn't prevent hair loss
2007-07-03 23:43:06 · answer #3 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This can be a symptom of one of the metabolic diseases old cats develop, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Take the cat to the vet for a thorough checkup and some lab tests.
2007-07-03 23:41:18 · answer #4 · answered by Kayty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would ask your vet's opinion on this one but I'm guessing you should have him on senior food. Not everyone does that but my brother has all his cats on Science Diet Senior (even some youngins) and they are all fine. Take him in for a check up to see if anything is wrong with him.
Good luck!
2007-07-04 00:59:11 · answer #5 · answered by Malia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a slicker brush & use it more often - don't forget his tail.
he is probably unable to reach some areas anymore so needs the extra help
add about a third of a teaspoon of one of these - flaxseed oil, sun or safflower oil.
about a teaspoon of yogurt daily won't hurt him either.
SD is not particularly good food
2007-07-03 23:36:57 · answer #6 · answered by sadiejane 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you brush him at least once every day? It might help reduce the matting of his fur. If not, get some advice from your local veterinarian.
2007-07-03 23:36:53 · answer #7 · answered by Lilith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FOOD CAN HAVE A LOT TO DO WITH HER COAT. I HEAR CATS NEED SOME MEAT.........NOT ALL JUST DRY FOOD.
I'M SORRY I CAN'T RECCOMEND A CERTAIN PRODUCT, BUT WHAT YOU ARE USING ISN'T ALWAYS THE BEST FOR YOUR CAT.
MAYBE SOMEONE AT THE PET FOOD CENTER WOULD KNOW . VETS SEEM TO PUSH WHAT YOU HAVE, BUT THEY MAKE MONEY FROM SELLING IT. BEST WISHES TO YOUR CAT!
2007-07-03 23:38:27 · answer #8 · answered by 4263 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep brushing and more often---for food--try Nutro brand Complete Care for cats--Senior ! My cat loves it!
2007-07-04 11:06:26 · answer #9 · answered by Tammy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs to get fish oil in his food. Feed him canned salmon.
2007-07-03 23:39:20 · answer #10 · answered by amoss311 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋