Accepted Answer

Dear friend,

I am so sorry your boy is not feeling well.

There are a few possibilities for these symptoms. The most likely is hyperthyroid.

This type of weight loss is usually related to hyperthyroid. The cats eats great but the excess thyroid hormone burns up all the calories.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/hyperthyroidism.html

The problem is that this disorder can lead to your baby developing diabetes, high blood pressure and other ailments.

We do have excellent meds for this but is is necessary to do a T4 thyroid blood test.Any other thyroid test can be inaccurate.

It can also be related to renal issues especially if there is excess sheding because the hair becomes very dry.

Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to illness.Dental disease also depresses immunity and sends bacteria int the organs.

You are absolutely correct to be concerned, dehydration is very dangerous.Sometimes it is caused by renal issues that begin with UTI's

Not only can infections damage your baby's urinary tract but his immune system as well.

The type of food is VERY important. Hi protein and MEAT puts weight on without unnecessary fillers.But protein is contrainicated if the cat has renal disease.

http://www.nextag.com/renal-cat-food/search-html

http://webpages.charter.net/katkarma/canfood.htm

http://www.petcaretips.net/chronic_renal_failure_cats.html

In addition, UTI's must be treated with an effective broad spectrum antibiotic like Clavamox or clidimycin and for a long enough duration so all bacteria is eradicated. If not, they will refluorish, stronger and more resistant and reinfect him. In addition, the bacteria can become tolerant of the same antibiotic so the medication should be varied for best results.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/cystitis.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/32507/feline_cystitis_symptoms_and_its_treatments.html

ICats his age he can become dehydrated more easily. He should also be encouraged to drink as much as possible to keep the kidneys and bladder flushed. You can give him one daily drop of unsweetened (only) cranberry juice. That will reduce the PH of his urine and make his bladder inhospitable to UTI bacteria.

Although overweight can cause diabetes and other health problems, it is very dangerous for a cat to suddenly lose weight. That is because a cats liver becomes accustomed to a certain caloric intake. If that amount is cut (for any reason) the liver will think it is starving and grab protein and fat from the cats muscles and organs. This can cause liver and organ failure, muscle wasting and lead to a weakening of the immunity and a disorder called Hepatic lipidosis:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_hepatic_lipidosis.html

It is a good idea to do a basic blood profile on your baby.

Please let me know if you have more questions and how your baby is doing.. I will always be here for both of you.

I hope he will be fine!

Very sincerely,

Terri

Expert:	Terri Riba
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:
Answered:	3/7/2008

Feline Healthcare Expert

Expert in feline health and behavior. 20 years experience with cats.