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QUESTION: I have a cat about 10 yrs old. She lost 4lbs in one month. The vet has suggested a blood test to determine the problem. Its very expensive and I'm not sure if I should do it. Your thoughts.
ANSWER: Michelle,
Given the fact that this kitty is considered a senior pet from around age six or so- she's about 56 in human terms I would think that a pre-anesthetic blood panel would be a good place to start. A pre-anesthetic profile allows your vet to find out where the problem is....It's generally a view into how all of this kitty's major organ functions are doing. To put things into perspective if you lost 40 pounds in the space of a month I'm sure that you would allow your family practitioner to do blood work and find out what the problems are and why you would be losing such a large amount of weight in such a short space of time. Cats are generally 10x smaller than we are so that's how I got the figure of 40 pounds in case you are wondering..Your cat's weight loss could be linked to renal failure, especially if she is vomiting and seems dehydrated. Other possibilities include thyroid issues, diabetes, and other major organ failure...allergies, illness and a middle aged cat can't be taken too lightly, things can get out of control medically quite quickly with devastating results so I would recommend prompt action in this case.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The vet also suggested a urine sample. She doesn't appear to be vomiting.
Michelle,
Blood work isn't just indicated when a cat has been vomiting...This kitty is obviously in need of further investigation. A urine test can't hurt, in fact between a pre-anesthetic profile for the blood and a urinanalysis your vet may well be able to provide you with a diagnosis....I would be interested in what would cause such impressive weight loss in such a short time span...I would hedge bets that thyroid, kidneys, or liver are to blame or your cat has become diabetic.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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