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My cat has been loosing weight now for a few months. I thought it was just old age until a few days ago I noticed he is real wet in his breathing. He sounds like he has a cold or a respiratory infection or something. Today when I got home from school I got concerned because he really is so skinny that his ribs are sticking out. He has an appetite and eats and drinks water, but I am wondering if there is something I should or can do at home before having to take him to the vet. I am a full time college student and don't have much money, but I am starting to feel bad for him if hes sick. His eyes are real teary too. The other cat does not show signs of an infection so I would imagine if the "sick" one had a bug that the other one would get it as well. Both are indoor cats. What can I do?

Submitted: 46 days and 6 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $9
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 12

Already Tried:
I have given him more wet cat food thinking it has more fat it in it to try to get him to gain weight.

Posted by CandyR 46 days and 6 hours ago.

Answer

Hi thanks for the question

 

It sound as if your fur baby is suffering from a thryoid problem. The leading cause of weight loss in cats over 10. This is very very common

 

I recommand taking him to the vet and have his thryoid levels tested this not very expensive and the medication is cheap and is on most discounted drug lists at walmart and most pharmacys.

I would also have him checked for an upper respitory just to be sure as this is highly contagious

 

Please keep me updated and let me know the results if you go to the vet. This is very simple to treat and with thryoid meds you will see a difference almost immediatly

46 days and 6 hours ago.

Reply

So if he ends up having a thyroid problem why the respiratory difficulty? He never had hairballs before and every couple of minutes or so he coughs like he is coughing a hairball, but nothing comes out.

Answer

The weight loss is unrelated to the respitory problem, you stated weight loss for a few months and respitory issues is recent that is way I recommand having both problems addresses by your vet. The coughing is most likely due to the respitory infection

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Expert: CandyR
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/7/2009

Technician

Practicing Veterinary Technician for 23 years. Veterinary Practice Owner, Technician Trainer

41 days and 5 hours ago.

Reply

Your answer was not what I needed. It was very broad and when I responded asking for more detail you gave me the same answer.

It did not help me.

Posted by CandyR 41 days and 5 hours ago.

Info Request

I am sorry I did not give you the answer you were looking for.

 

You asked if the thyroid was the problem then why respiratory problems. I explained that they may be none related and you should have your pet seen for both problems.

 

I will opt out of your question and hopefully another expert can assist you

 

Posted by Lynn 41 days and 5 hours ago.

Info Request

Do you still need help with your kitty?

 

If so, does he eat well?

 

Is there discharge from the nose?

 

Is he more lethargic than he used to be?

 

Lynn

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