Dear Jim,
I am sorry your boy is not feeling well.
It sounds like he may have renal issues.
A cats appetite is the best barommeter of his health because sick cats stop eating.
He should not eat dry food.
http://www.catinfo.org/
http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/catformulas/allergy.html These brands below, are well-recommended and contain nothing artificial, plus, contain meat as the first, or within the first three ingredients: Wellness (http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/ Felidae (http://www.canidae.com/ Innova (http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=inn-home Newman's Own Organics (http://www.newmansownorganics.com/pet/home/ Natural Balance (http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/catformulas/NB_CatCanned.html
In a cat his age, my first suspicion in abscessed teeth in the gum giving him pain. The next is acid reflux. Then there is hyperthyroid, dehydration, renal and liver disorders.
There are a few possibilities for these symptoms. I will try to cover everything.
Weight and hair 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 shedding because the hair becomes very dry.
Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to illness.Dental disease also depresses immunity and sends bacteria into 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 her 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 her . 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
It is better if he does not eat dry food. Canned will ensure he gets adequate fluid. Cats his age can become dehydrated more easily. A dehydrated cat is not motivated to eat.
He should also be checked for:
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/uroliths.html http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/fusfaqs.html http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/urethral.html http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/hyperthyroidism.html http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/diabetes.html http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/renal.html
All of these are treatable so try to have him seen straight away.
I hope all will be well so please let me know how he is doing.
Best wishes for him
Terri
Feline Healthcare Expert
Expert in feline health and behavior. 20 years experience with cats.