Question:
For the past two days my 22 year-old cat has stopped eating. She was fine on Sunday. The only oddity I can think of is that we gave her the juice from a can of tuna. Normally, we use water-packed tuna, but this can was oil-packed - and she gobbled it up.

Since she only weighs 5-6 pounds on a good day, I'm concerned about her not eating. She's still drinking water, but has absolutely no interest in cat food or anything else we put in front of her.

Now, being realistic, I know she's 22, and has had a good run. But could this have been caused by the oil? If so, maybe her system's upset, and time will play this out, or there's something we can do for her. Or maybe it's something more serious, and the two events are not connected. Any thoughts/ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

Answer:
WOW!! 22 years old!! Good job on being her guardian for so long!

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Yes, I've had her since I was 4. It's odd to be 26, married - and think this little cat knew me so long ago.

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wow - a 22 yr old cat - that's amazing! and sooo wonderful to hear!

not eating for 2 days would concern me too, especially in an older cat. I'd really suggest a vet visit to be sure it's nothing serious.

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I've been having the same problem with my 18 year old cat, and took her to the vet. It turned out that one of her back teeth was completely rotten, and so it was painful for her to eat. She stopped just like that also, and first I thought maybe she didn't like her brand of food anymore, etc. and tried other food. After a few days of this (and my cat is thin too, with not alot of fat to get her through days of not eating), I took her to the vet. First they treated sores on her gums, and for a while she was better and then stopped eating again. When I brought her back, they anesthetized her (as my cat can be nasty and wouldn't let the vet examine her mouth), and that's when they found to broken and infected tooth. She is home now, doing better, but still not a great eater. I think it's a good idea for you to take her to the vet as soon as you can, and certainly have her gums and teeth checked out. You don't say anything about pee and poo, etc., but I think the mouth issue should be checked out.

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I have no advice to offer, but I just have to say... WOW 22 years old
Good job on taking such great care of her through out her life!

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Has she been to the vet recently? Two days without food is a long time especially since she's already so light. Cat's can develop something called hepatic lipidosis within 24hrs of not eating (among other things) so I would get her to the vet asap. Good luck.

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