Returning Users Sign In
Forgot Your Password?

Televets

Click here for details »

Weight loss

Rating: 9
Fraidycat
Fraidycat

Tried to send question before but no record of question being sent so sending again, so sorry if this is a dup. Will be online for the next 20 to 30 mins but will be online again tomorrow.
Up until a few months ago my cat has been of good weight even though he throws up occasionally (prev vets said it was due to chronic hairballs). In Oct 2006 I had a baby and because I was breast feeding did not have much physical contact with Fraidycat except to pet him on the head. A couple months ago I finally took some time to just down and just love on him since I felt like I had not paid him proper attention in quite some time. Well, I noticed that he had lost way too much weight. We have tried switching foods but it has not helped. He eats same as always and get excited if he thinks someone has cheese, milk or peanut butter. He won't eat wet cat food only dry. I'm wondering if the weight loss is from depression due to lack of attention from myself and maybe the added stress of my son climbing on him and grabbing him kind of roughly (he's still learning how to treat the cat properly). Is there something else I could do to help get his weight back up?

Symptoms: Vomiting, Weight Loss

Three Response(s) to “Weight loss”:

  • Experienced Advisor Deepa Gopinath says:

    February 06th, 2008 at 05:13 AM

    It's unlikely that the weight loss is due to stress/depression, especially if he is still eating well.  The most likely possibilities for weight loss with a good appetitie in a at this age are an overactive thyroid gland and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  Hyperthyroidism is more likely but if he has a long history of vomitting, he may have IBD which may have worsonned lately.  His thyroid function can be assessed with 1 or 2 blood tests, and I think he should have a physical exam and general blood tests by your vet.  Hyperthyroidism can be treated quite successfully in several ways and these can be discussed with your vet if blood tests confirm it. Other common causes of weight loss in elderly cats is kidney disease and abdominal tumours, although these are usually accompanied by other signs such as a decrease in appetite, lethargy, etc. Hope this helps!

    Current Rating: Rating: 10
    Rate This Answer:
    Deepa Gopinath
  • Marie says:

    February 06th, 2008 at 02:08 PM

    If it is Hyperthyroidism have I waited too long to seek treatment, possibly causing permanent damage? This would break my heart if I have.

    Current Rating: Rating: 9
    Rate This Answer:
  • Experienced Advisor Deepa Gopinath says:

    February 07th, 2008 at 03:37 AM

    Hi there.....if the problem is hyperthyroidism (which is yet to be confirmed), there can be secondary effects on the kidneys and heart. However, many of these are reversible with treatment or at least manageable.  I would have him examined soon though (in the next 2 weeks or so) as if the heart is affected, then sudden heart failure is unfortunately a possibility. Don't feel too bad, sounds like you are a loving owner with a lot on your plate lately- it happens!!

    Current Rating: Rating: 8
    Rate This Answer:
    Deepa Gopinath

Do you know the answer this question? Are you a pet professional? Become an advisor today!

Not a pet professional? Register here to comment on this question and help fellow pet owners.

Do you have a pet question you need answering? Ask our caring pet advisors here: