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I have a 16 year old neutered male cat. He has been indoors all his life. He is a loving baby. He doesn't act like he is in any pain. He sleeps a little more which I thought was due to his age. He is loosing weight. I see him eat and drink but he is really starting to get too thin. What could be causing this and what can I do?

Submitted: 60 days and 4 hours ago.

Category: Cat Veterinary

Value: $15

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Type of Animal: cat
Gender: male
Age: 16 years old

Already Tried:
I tried changing food to see if something else would get him to eat more. Most people have told me that cats get thinner as they age. I am scared that it might be a medical problem but he still purrs and acts ok. He has gotten too thin though.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXXXX,

Welcome to Just answer. I tell my clients that when they have an older cat that is loosing weight, I'm suspicious of the following things.
1) Hyperthyroidism
http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=516

2) Diabetes
http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=631

3) Chronic renal disease
http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=&A=2633&SourceID=

4) Cancer

Of these, the first 3 can be screened for fairly easily with blood work that your vet can run. The cancer is one that is at times a diagnosis by exclusion when none of the others is found. I would recommend getting her examined by your vet to see what they can find out and what they can do to help her stay healthy. As far as how worried should you be? I would be worried enough to say she needs to be seen as soon as possible to give us the best chance to help her out.

I hope this helps,

Dr. Bruce

Accepts:
Expert:	Dr. Bruce
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	9/22/2009

Veterinarian

10 years of practical experience in ER and day practice work

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