You are here:

Cats/Cat--acting crazy

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/13/2009


Question
My cat one of two..is 14-15 years old..He get in these spells where he runs around like he crazy..he wants to eat all the time acts like we don't feed him and he is not gaining weight. His name is squeak..little mean but not too bad. just like to know what these fits are that he has.

Answer
Jamie,

Given the fact that your kitty is elderly (roughly like a person in their mid 70's) the first thing that springs to mind is that he may have a thyroid issue. Thyroid dysfunction is quite common in older cats, it's easily diagnosed by a simple blood test and it can be easily treated with medication that as far as I know is relatively inexpensive. I really would recommend that you consider having your vet perform a complete blood work up including kidney values because kidney dysfunction is a common but easily treatable ailment of elderly cats in the 10+ age category. In most practices both the thyroid and kidney values along with checking the function of all the major organs would be covered with a complete pre-anesthetic profile which could run anywhere from a little over $200 to well over $400 depending on the pricing of the individual veterinary practice. Keep in mind that preventative health care is very important at your cat's age, he should be regularly monitored by a vet that you are comfortable with to ensure continued good health into his golden years.

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.