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Cat weight loss and seemingly difficulty breathing

Sent to Cat Experts July 30 2006 at 10:05 AM
   

My older (approx. 14 yr) cat lost weight last year while ill with an intestinal furball. Since then he eats and drinks like he is starving but he never gains weight. His tummy is a little bigger, but he's boney everywhere else. His blood work up last year showed everything was normal. It sometimes seems he has to make an effort to breath.

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
July 30 2006 at 10:15 AM (9 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Hi,

The symptoms you describe could signal a variety of illnesses, but what comes to mind first is possible hyperthyroidism. Older cats are especially prone to this and other diseases. Eating a lot but losing weight is a main symptom. Have you noticed if he's also drinking more than usual? Are his toilet habits normal?

Because you also mention that his breathing is somewhat labored, he should be evaluated by your vet as soon as you can bring him in (tom'w?). The blood tests he had last year should be repeated; cats' health status can change very suddenly, and if his bloodwork was normal last year, you need fresh results now, to determine the cause of his new symptoms. Older cats' bloodwork normally include a thyroid test, liver and kidney function and glucose levels, in addition to the usual blood chemistry.

Please get him in to be seen and keep me updated?
Thanks!

Cher   : )

If my answer is helpful please click ACCEPT. Click reply for further clarification. My only goal is to provide 100% helpful answers. Thanks for the opportunity to help!
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Jessesmom -- Feline Specialist Health/Behavior -- 100% Positive Feedback on 6049 Cat Accepts
Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience
Reply
July 30 2006 at 10:35 AM (20 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
Reply to Jessesmom's Post: Thank you. My cat does have increased appetite and is drinking more water, and weight loss over the past several months. But he has no vomiting or diarrhea. And he isn't more vocal than usual. I attributed his more frequent urination to the increase in water consumption. If you still think this could be hyperthyroidism, then I will have another blood work up. It's just kind of expensive. Any other thoughts? He breaths faster and deeper (is that panting?)
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 30 2006 at 12:03 PM (1 hour and 27 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Hi,

In addition to hyperthyroidism, diabetes also carries symptoms of increased drinking and urination (of course, as you said, they do go hand in hand).

Per the breathing, it's considered panting if he's opening his mouth.

In any case, I believe at this time, bloodwork should be done to rule out hyperthyroidism and/or diabetes or any other illness to which older cats are usually prone. The changes in his eating, weight loss, increased drinking and deeper/faster breathing definitely bear a vet evaluation at this time. The blood tests shouldn't be too expensive; I've had them done for my cat who is diabetic and almost 13.

Please keep me posted on the blood results. Thanks!

Cher : )

If my answer is helpful please click ACCEPT. Click reply for further clarification. My only goal is to provide 100% helpful answers. Thanks for the opportunity to help!
Picture
Jessesmom -- Feline Specialist Health/Behavior -- 100% Positive Feedback on 6049 Cat Accepts
Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience
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