Question:
Hi, this is my first post, not sure if this is the right category, so moderators please feel to move it to somewhere more appropriate if required.

We have a 16-year-old cat who appears to be developing some health and behaviour problems (interlinked, I presume), and as I have not much knowledge about cats I was looking for some opinions and feedback.

The first problem we have is that her appetite is becoming diminished over time, a couple of years back she weight 7 kilos, and now it's down to almost half that. There is an excess of skin due to her previous overweight state, but there's now not much more than bones, no fat at all. This started after some dental work where most of her teeth were removed about four years ago, so the decline was very gradual. Whilst her weight is now reasonably stable, is this weight loss indicitive of a specific problem other than age?

The second, more recent, problem is behavioural. She often complains loudly (miaows) for no apparent reason - ie. not related to hunger or seeking attention. She goes into a different room from us and "complains", sometimes in the middle of the night. Is this a known behaviour? We moved to a new appartment a month ago, which exacerbated the problem, but she was doing the same well before.

She never goes out, her fur is in excellent condition and her eyes are clear, and she retains all the usual abilites (jumping, running, balance etc.) that you'd expect in a healthy cat - although at 16 she mostly just sleeps and eats now. However, I'm getting more and more concerned over time that old age is taking its toll.

Could anyone offer any opinions on the heath and behaviour as described? Thanks.

Answer:
Has she been to the vet for any of this? That would be my first stop.

What is she eating since her dental surgery? Maybe, if you haven't yet, switch her to wet food...

Answer:
Thanks for the rapid reply, we're preparing for a visit to the vets on these issues and for a general checkup. We had switched her over to wet food to combat the weight loss issue, it did help stabilize things as neither the (lack of) teeth nor the digestive system was coping with dry food.

Answer:
Having had a 22 year old cat (RIP) I can tell you that most of those symptoms , my cat had. My cat had a thyroid problem which contributed to weight loss. he was very loud towards his senior years because in his case, his hearing went. He too slept most of the day away until he was 22 years old.
Moving to a new place may also be some cause to his behavior. To be safe I would take him to the vets. i hope all goes well. He is still pretty young

Answer:
I would take her to the vet as soon as possible. A senior cat should be getting a check-up at least once a year. I hope she is okay.....please post with an update.

Answer:
Originally Posted by cpietra16
My cat had a thyroid problem

Yes, the results from the blood tests etc. at the vets showed that she has a thyroid problem too (hyperthyroidism), we've got some pills - Tapazole 5mg - to give twice a day.

Has anyone had any experience with this treatment for an older cat? Is it effective? For the condition itself, I'm not sure I understand the consequences or possible problems, anyone know about that or can direct me to some reliable sources? The vet said it was a common problem and that the pills should help suppress the symptoms, but didn't really explain too well what was going on.

Answer:
Zekele,my 10yr old cat also was diagnozed with Hyperthyroidism,he went from a healthy 16lb's to 13lb's in no time at all,even though his appetite was really frisky and still is.
He is only on 1/4 5mg pill twice daily and I have not seen much of an improvement,he is not gaining any weight.
He is going back to the vet wednesday,for another blood-test to adjust his meds.
The loud complaining,thirst and hunger are all symptoms of thyroid-problems.
God Luck with your kitty and yes,16 is senior,but certainly not ancient

Answer:
Looking over the last few years, the weight loss has been dramatic if very slow. From 7kg four years ago to 3.8kg this week. This is certainly partly attribuable to the increase in exercise (we were in a very small appartment before, now in a large one with space to move) as well as dietary changes and less food from the table.

We have to go back to the vet in a month to check the dosage, for a moment it is two 5mg pills a day.

We want to give her every chance to improve, but we don't want her to suffer if the treatment doesn't have an effect. We'll see in a month's time if we're going to continue.

I've been Googling for information, but it's a bit difficult to follow for someone like me who has no real medical knowledge. I guess we'll have to wait and see if this is the best course of action.

Answer:
Zekele,my Rocky has a mild case of HT,hence the low dosage of 1/4 mg twice a day.
Maybe your cats values are higher?
My vet wanted to start Rocky on a very low dosage and give him more,if needed.

Answer:
Chico I was reading your posts and it made me wonder about my male cat Bomber! He has been so vocal for the past year! Sometimes it will drive you crazy! he is relentless! I spoke to my vet and she did not indicate I needed to worry! He stops if you pet him! and he will follow you around everywhere meowing! Sometimes I wish they could talk! The vet did not run any tests though! I keep hoping he just wants attention..

Cindy

Answer:
Winston,if you are concerned,all it takes is a blood-test to find out
It's quiet common,although before Rockys problem,I'd never really heard of it.
I actually heard it first here on the Forum and realized he had all the symptoms,so I took him for a bloodtest,urine-test(to rule out him beeing diabetic).

Answer:
Thanks Chico! I think I will have him tested when we go in for their check ups! Have you had any cats with Cataracts? I also noticed the glazing on the eyes last year and the vet chalked that up to cataracts...but once again really did not think it was a problem??

Cindy

P.S Sorry for thread jacking!

Answer:
Winston,no I have not,but a friend of mine has a 20yr old Siamese with cataracts,nearly blind

Answer: