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I have two questions in regards to my 18 year old house cat.

1. Prior to learning he has hypothyroidism, he lost some weight. How can I fatten him back up?

2. He no longer covers up urine in the litter box. What can be done? Do I invest in an automatic litter box?

•   Derek McCoy says:

  January 06th, 2009 at 09:51 PM

  He should regain weight once he is being properly treated for the hyperthyroidism.  The medications we use to treat this condition slow the production of metabolic hormones which when in excess increase a pets metabolism so high that they waste away.  Once those levels decrease then a cat should regain weight naturally and you shouldnt do anything to try and speed that process up.  Feeding high calorie foods will only increase fat production, not lean muscle.   As far as the litterbox, he should in theory return to normal behaviors once he begins to feel better with his medications.  If not then an automatic litterbox may be a worthwhile investment.

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