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Cats/17 year old feeding problem

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Expert: - 11/27/2011


Question
Hi there. I have a 17 year old, white oriental cross cat that I am having trouble with feeding. She has other problems like her sight and hearing are going (she doesn't hear us calling her unless we are right next to her and yell out and she has to sniff out to find where the food is in the dish...but her sense of touch is heightened because she always tweeks when you touch a single hair on her back)...I am sure she has arthritis too. The main problem is with the feeding. She used to eat anything including meat and fish, except tuna. When I fed her tuna she always threw it up...it's as if she has a sensitivity to it. She eats other can food but it is getting harder and harder to find something that she likes or doesn't throw up. No matter what we try she eats a little of it and after a couple of feeds she won't touch it. Sometimes she just has a couple of licks at it and just walks away. This has been going on for a year or so now, so it's not like it is a sudden illness, but it is taking it's toll on her body weight. Apart from can food, she eats dry food, but less than what she used to. I also buy her shredded beef which has added calcium, she eats a little then goes off it. We had tried her on different brands, different foods and no matter what we try next, she won't eat it. One thing she does like is some of the dogs can and dry food. Sometimes we give her a spoon full of the dog wet food and she will eat it, next time she won't. She gets about half a dozen dry dog kibble when I feed the dogs there dry food at night and she will eat that, but the next night stick her nose up at it. She likes freshly cooked chicken, which eventually gets snubbed. She is very thin now, about a third of her original weight. I just don't know what else to try and we have done everything we can to feed her. Could she have a sensitivity to something in the food? I haven't taken her to the vet because like I said it is not a sudden change, but if you say I need to as a matter of urgency I will do that. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks GG

Answer
Glenys,

Given the age of your kitty there could be any number of medical reasons for her weight loss, gradual decline and appetite issues. My recommendation is that she sees a veterinarian for a complete work up - this may include urine and blood tests to determine organ function and general health. There's a good possibility that whatever is happening with her is treatable, but given her age there is also a chance that she may have something more serious going on. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me again at any time - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali

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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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