Cats

Question

I have a home with multiple cats ranging from 1 1/2 years to 12 years old.  My 12 year old cat Sassy was at one point the cat that 'scrammed' when strangers came to the home.  After I got the two youngest cats last year she would hardly ever come out of her sleeping area.  I had to coax her with canned food.  She lost weight and I took her to the vet and was treated for urinary tract infection.  Ever since that time she is now the most aggressive of all the cats (as I come in the house, she is waiting there MEOWING at the top of her lungs).  She no long hides, she appears to be always hungry and her preference is canned food and IAMS hairball dry food, she is thin, but still very active, jumping, chasing things and will nip you if you don't pet her when she wants.  I called the vet and the tech told me that it's possible she is demanding food because she is afraid of the other cats trying to eat her food.  I feed her separate from the other cats, as I don't feed them canned food.   Is there something wrong with my cat?

Thanks, Roberta

zodiacqueen · Accepted Answer

Hi, I agree that it could be that the other cats are eating her food, but it may not.  Since your cat is 12 yrs old, there are health conditions that are common(TOO common, if you ask me) in older cats.  Some of the conditions are hyperthyroid disease and diabetes, and they go along with hunger and losing weight-especially, hyperthyroid disease.  With diabetes, you'll also see excessive drinking and urinating.

Please, before assuming that your cat is not getting enough to eat, take her to the vet first to rule out the other conditions.

Take care!

ZQ

zodiacqueen · Answer

Hi, thanks for the update!!  Hyperthyroid is easy to treat and Sassy will be back to herself in no time at all!!!

Best wishes to you.

Come back anytime!!

ZQ

berta757 · Answer

Just wanted to update you on 'Sassy'.  She was diagnosed as hyperthyroid and is currently taking medication daily, with a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks.

berta757 · Answer

Thanks, we have an appointment tomorrow at 2 p.m. and I will share the results with you.  I have swtiched her to Wellness canned cat food and she enjoys it too.

Berta

zodiacqueen · Answer

Hi berta....you are very welcome!!  We are a bunch of cat lovers on here and love to help everyone!

Please come on back to let us know how things went at the vet.  Fingers are crossed for you and your kitty.

Hugs
ZQ

berta757 · Answer

Thanks for your tips.  We are going to the vet for follow up.

Berta757

opus88 · Answer

good points ZQ!!

♥Opus

berta757 · Answer

Thank you both for the information.  It is very helpful.  I will be heading to PETCO today.

berta757

opus88 · Answer

I meant to add to the above comment................NEVER EVER give a cat with urinary problems dry food please, you will only compound that problem not to mention many others....♥

opus88 · Answer

alien makes some good points.....I'd also like to add it sounds to me like she is simply hungry. ...she is getting quantity NOT quality food and perhaps lacking in the nutrition she needs especially for a senior cat.
Iams is not a good food dear, can foods are a must...but find some with NO grains and NO meat by-products, you will notice a huge difference in the quantity kitty wants and how much more satisfied she will be...
the better cat foods do cost more however I find they don't eat nearly as much when they are satisfied.
try Wellness, Core, EVO, Merrick or Tiki(avail at petco)
these are a few of the best...good luck

♥Opus

alienshadow · Answer

One thing that could be wrong is the age difference between the cats.. A senior cat requires more rest less play.. I am sure when you brought the younger ones in she went into depressed mode... Now she is probably telling you she wants peace and quite... Just my guess lol...