Expert: Brandy - 2/25/2007

Question
I have two cats. One resident, one fairly newbie. My resident cat (who is about 8 years old), seems to be losing weight. He was a pretty heft feline, weighing in at 19 lbs. His diet has changed dramatically due to vet recommendations. He is now TOO boney. He eats like a horse still, and still has a tummy on him, but lokks and feels way too boney. =/ Could this be related to stress from the newbie cat? He doesn't show symptoms of major diseases (although...i'm no expert). He has his usual appetite, nothing unusual other than looking too skinny and feeling too skinny. Should i be concerned? Could this be just anxiety issues due to the new feline member of the family? Any advice and info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
-Tracie

Answer
It could be partly due to stress, perhaps the new cat crowds him when eating (one of mine, the fattest, BTW, loves to sit thisclose to any of my other cats when at the food bowl).

Since the diet he has been on has been prescribed by a vet, personally, I would take him for a follow-up checkup, just to rule out any 'new' medical issues, like thyroid problems or diabetes, just to be on the mind-at-ease side.

And as a last thought, perhaps you've become too used to seeing and feeling him in his 'full-size' glory, and it will be a while until you get used to his lighter weight.

But, personally, I would first do the vet checkup just to rule out anything that at this point might be minor.

Just my two cents' worth, but I hope that all is well with your svelte kitty.