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Question
My lady & I have about 20 cats. Discarded cats & strays.
When they get old they usually get very skinny before they die. It's heart rending. Is there a general reason and what can be done?
Hi Lambert,
You sound like me with all your friends. There could be a few reasons for the cats getting skinny. Thyroid disease is one. It's common in older cats. Any of your old guys meow a lot? When they have thyroid disease they also do this. Have your vet check them out. Here's a link with some info about it.
http://www.2ndchance.info/hyperthyroid.htm
Another is that older cats are like older folks and need a different type of nutrition. They don't absorb what they need as well. I am attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. This stuff is great. It's good to feed newborns on, (raised one that was 4 hours old on it). Sick cats do good on it. And it's fantastic for older cats. Really puts weight on them.
Here's a link with a little info on taking care of elderly cats.
http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm
I don't know your feeding schedule but I would feed them a few times during the day. Not big meals but little ones. This keeps their energy level at a constant level.
I also don't know the age of the cats when this is happening but there comes a time when it is your cat's time. This is the one thing that really sucks about being a companion to your friends. Sometimes there is nothing that can be done. I hope I helped you a little here. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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