Cat can't maintain weight and throws up alot. See details?

Question

13 yr old male indoor tabby who has thrown up 6 times in past two hours, 4 clear, 2 w/dry food, who has been losing weight over past few months, which local vet states wait & see, while he bugging us 24/7 to eat something. Stop can food because of lack of interest by him, went to REAL prepackaged frozen fish 8oz a day (cod, tuna, etc.), still no weight gain and slightly bony on backbone area by tail. Now this... what do we do?

Answer 1

Hi there...since your cat has been seen by a veterinarian, perhaps another opinion may be necessary. I just read your other question you posted about your cat's picky eating, yet rapid weight loss.

There are two possibilities as to why your cat may be losing weight. It's common for senior cats to develop either Chronic Renal Failure or hyperthyroidism. These require a blood panel to determine which your cat may have.

Symptoms of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) requires immediate medical attention as a cat is unable to eliminate the toxins that are building up in the kidneys which is why there would be a lack of appetite.

If you live in an area where you can contact another veterinarian this would be an alternative recommendation as your cat truly needs to be treated immediately.

Please avoid feeding any fish products as this increases the phosphorous levels which actually will make a cat feel more nauseated. Consider trying chicken baby foods which do NOT contain any garlic or onions as they causes Heinz body anemia until you can see another veterinarian.

Here's a website on feline CRF which outlays what the symtoms are and how it's treated: http://felinecrf.com/what0.htm

Cats who also have hyperthyroidism will suffer similar symptoms which also require medical attention and is very treatable.

Feline hyperthyroidism: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/hyperthyroidism.asp

Answer 2

Report back to the vet! When was the last time you updated them?

'Wait and see' is not such unreasonable advice for a bit of weight loss. But have you told them about the vomiting? Weight loss and vomiting can be anything really. Weight loss by itself, with excessive eating is usually hyperthyroidism in older cats - diagnosed with a blood test, and controlled with tablets. But the vomiting may be something else. Please ring your vet! If he's vomited this frequently, he needs to be seen asap.

If you're not happy with the vet you saw, then go to another. But go to A vet, soon.

Chalice

EDIT: Look at all the different answers on here - unqualified strangers on the internet don't know what's wrong with your vet or how to help. See a vet.

Answer 3

If I could do it over again with my cat, I would get to the nearest vet hospital. Cats can get Hepatic Lipidosis (fatty liver) in a couple of days. Is his belly soft and non tender? prob not hairball/constipation. Could be any number of things all bad. Cats aren't meant to go without food ever.

I went to two vets who said 'don't force feed he's still over weight' after 6 pound loss in a week and another who wanted $6000 up front and poor chances. You have to find a good vet who takes action.

Meanwhile do some reading at this site:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/

Good luck and keep us posted on the vet visit.

Answer 4

Did you take him to the vet? If you did, they would have done a blood test on his kidneys. Usually the vommiting, picky eating and weightloss is due to the onset of kidney failure.
He is up there in age. Some live less, some live longer. It may be close to his time :(
Take him to the vet and get him checked. Sounds like kidney failure to me, but you never know, if you act fast it may be somthing you can help!
My cat started out doing that and he went from 28 lbs to 4 1/2 lbs in 6 months. I had him put down. I didnt find out what what was wrong with him until a year ago this week, he died feb 13th of 2007. I couldnt have saved him though, he was old. he was 16 1/2 years old. It was time.

Answer 5

He could have an obstruction in his stomach or throat. Has the vet checked his for this? What about tumours? He could have a cat virus, like feline Leukemia. Surely your vet would have checked for this, but I'd take my cat to another vet for a second opinion. 'Wait and see' is not a good diagnosis.
I hope you discover what is wrong with your cat

Answer 6

Your cat may well be Hyperthyroid. This sounds exactly like how my 12 year old cat was acting and looking. I just went to the vet and ran a test and sent me home with some thyroid pills to give her, 1/2 a tablet each day. THey cost like $8.00 for the bottle and there were plenty. It ended up being not so scarry. But do take her to the vet ASAP before the symptoms worsen.

Answer 7

I had a cat that was rapidly loosing weight, I took him to the vet and he had diabetes. This weight loss and vomiting could be a sign of diabetes. Your cat needs to be examined by a vet asap. I have a 13 year old cat who is vomiting daily too, he may just be getting old...I am sorry about you kitty, just give him lots of love and have him checked out. Is he drinking water?

Answer 8

I'd see a different vet and insist on some blood work.
Diabetes, hyper thyroidism, and kidney disease all come to mind when I think of an older cat who is losing weight and vomiting despite a hefty appetite.
Please "don't wait and see" have some real diagnostics done.

Answer 9

My cat goes like this - he probably has a fur ball to bring up. Get some fur ball syrup from the pet shop to help. I have an old cat who has been ill recently and she lost loads of weight - the vet is now giving her vitamin B injections to stimulate her appetite and it is working a treat.

Answer 10

while on vacation also don t forget your diet and exercise plans