My 19 year old cat is really skinny help!?

Question

my 19 year old cat is really skinny. She had diariha. We stopped giving her milk (I now know milk isnt correct for cats -sorry) and she has stopped the diaariha. She has been sick every other day, once a day. three days ago I halfed her portions so she gets four smaller meals nstead of two big meals and she hasnt been sick yet.(fingers crossed that this lasts) She is terribly skinny. I have a apointment for the vetranrian tomorrow. Im really worry. Does this sound bad? Is she on her way 'out'? she is old. Or is this just old age.? She is CONSTANTLY hungery! how many times do you feed a cat and does it get more when there older or less or stay the same??? I give her two of those whiskers foil pouches aday (I live in England so dont know if your famillier with this product and its size. (it doesnt have a weight of food on the packet - which it should - so i carnt tell you presicly how much i give her)
I hope this makes sence, PLEASE HELP! it will crush my mum if she dies.

she eats her food. Hasnt been sick since I gave her small portions. Seems in high spirtys, no down, lots of energy. But always hungry. She has always been small and skinny but know she seems to have lost alot of weight.

doesnt seem to be in pain. Is not down, is happy. It would be wrong if she would have to be put down, she is enjoying life still, but is CONSTANTLY hungry, and really skinny. What do you guys think PLEASE?

I gave her worming tablets two weeks ago. She is an house cat that has never went out, and never does.

not drinking much. Just the same. thanks.

Answer 1

My cat got diabetes because we were giving her milk. I preach against giving milk to cats now to anyone who I know is doing it. It's extremely bad for them.I hate to tell you but that sounds exactly like what is wrong with your kitty. God bless!!

Answer 2

It is like you have about a 120 year old lady there--remember that. She is very frail at this point in her life. I had one that lived to 18--she got congestive heart failure and died within 4 months of the diagnosis. Up to that point she was healthy as can be--but in the end, we all have a time to go. I so admire your concern for your mother and how this will affect her. I was almost destroyed when mine died at 18--that was 10 years ago, and I have more cats and have lost other cats also, but none ever like this one. My oldest cat I have now is about 11. She is as fat as can be--her name is BigFoot!!! I love the fuzzies!!!! So sorry your's is in it's final stages--just give her lots of love. Mine especially loved the heating pad, I would put a towel over it and put it on low for her. That is where she died. A very bittersweet time in my life.

Answer 3

Older cats do get skinny. But if you're saying that she is skinny and hungry (is she also drinking a lot), I'd worry that she is having thyroid or organ issues. At 19, it is likely she is near the end of her life, but taking her to the vet and seeing what you can do to treat her current situation will improve her quality of life and your time left with her. Thyroid issues for cats is not unusual but should be treated, lest they compromise other organs like the kidneys. My DH had a hyperthyroid cat that got medication, was still always hungry, but she got it early and still lived a good long, happy cat life with her treatment. What finally got her were her gum problems and difficulty eating.

Answer 4

My cat had the same problem. she's a russian blue siamese, about 16 ot 17 and she's epileptic. turns out losing weight was an over active thyroid thing. she takes a pill twice a day with meals and she's been putting weight back on steadily.

she was 7 pounds and dropped to 5 so she's small but she's almost back to seven about six weeks in.

Answer 5

I just lost a cat that was 17 yrs old. We have to remember that for each of us the end will come. My other cat, that is still living, is kind of like your cat. She has gotten really skinny, her appetite has increased, and I realize that she has 1 or 2 years left. Just give the cat all the love you can as it makes its transition to the next level.

Answer 6

We had an older cat that sounded like this. He was a large-framed cat, and he looked like he was in good shape at 14 lbs. He became ravenous, and ate everything in sight, yet he lost weight - he was down to skin and bones.

It turned out that he had thyroid problems. The vet put him on a thyroid medication, and he gained weight, and lived for several more years. Ask your vet if he/she thinks that your cat has this problem. Apparently it's common in cats.

Answer 7

Most cats can live 15-20 years. Your cat is similiar to an elderly woman. I'm glad to hear you will be seeing a vet soon. I hope it's not, but it sounds like it may be her time. If she is suffering, the kindest thing you can do is to let her go.

Answer 8

Oh wow.

We had one that had almost the exact symptoms. I don't want to scare you or upset you but we had to have him put down. He had cancer. He wasn't that old though, he was 14 at the time.

You are doing the right thing taking it to the vet. 19 years is getting up there for a feline.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

More than likely her liver and/or kidneys are failing...this happened to my cat, she also is probably dehydrated as well...the vet will tell you and ask for blood work if possible I would try feeding her some meat flavored baby food or try canned chicken these both have more of the protein and nutrients that she needs also for dry food you could try purina one kitten food

Answer 10

If your cat is 19 years old, she is starting to get there.If she is eating this well, she can't be to bad i don't think. I'm sure you have her wormed regularly so this probably isn't it. Is your cat still pretty active?If she is an outside cat, this will keep her skinnier.Hopefully, your vet will be able to help her. Our cat lived to 23 years and we ended having to put her out of her misery. I pray for your cat.