Cat Health Symptoms - Advice on cat health?

Advice on cat health?

I have an adult male cat (13 yrs old as of April 2008). He has always been a 'typical' male cat- good appetite, normal shedding, normal bowel movements and urination (no out of the ordinary litter box issues), and normal attitude/temperment. About the last few months or so however, he appears to be losing weight. I have had several differing opinions on what may be the cause, such as diabeties and tapeworm, and what to do. I believe that it is probably just old age, as he is now 13 yrs old, because his appetite and attitude and EVERYTHING else is still the same. ONLY difference/change is the weight loss. Has anyone else had an experince with an older cat? A similar situation? What was the cause? Outcome? Should I take him (and possibly a stool sample) in for a 'checkup'/testing? Or would I be wasting money, just to be told I am correct, that it's old age (since there are no other 'symptoms')? Thank u for all answers so far. Just wanted to add a bit more info. I do know his teeth are fine, as he is having NO trouble eating (even hard food) or change in appetite 9not eating any more or less). Also, I do not have him on 'seniors' food, but he eats special food that is for urinary tract health (PH balance). He did have a bladder infection yrs ago, and a blocked bladder quite a few yrs ago (different times). The vet at the time of the blocked bladder said that in a lot of cat foods (esp. cheaper brands) there are 'crystals' that can build up over time and eventually block their bladder/urethra. He recommended the special diet of hard food that is specially made for urinary trac health, and he has been on it ever since- yrs now. Both of these are no longer issues. just wanted to clear up that i know it's not his teeth causing an eating problem or him not being on food for seniors. And to "Gracy" , Maybe we should just put you to sleep! U heartless B*tch!!

Public Comments

You should just take him to the vet. This could be alot of different things.
cats lose wieght over summer months,do you live in a hot climate?
You should definitely take him to the vet for a checkup. There's a good chance he's developing hyperthyroid, which is very common in cats as they get older. My cat has it. Hyperthyroid is controllable with daily medication. Please take him to the vet. You're never wasting money by providing medical care for your pets.
have you checked his teeth? my cat had the same problem when she was about 14, and it turned out that i had to start softening her food. i used hot water on kibble and waited for it to cool down before feeding her. sadly she passed away when she was 17, but she was happy as a clam at meal time again when i figured out the tooth problem! if that doesnt work then do take him to the vet! your cat can have a longer life than just 13 if it's something that can be solved simply, and you never know until you go to the vet.
diabeties. My dog had the same thing, a couple of months later, she died.
At 13, he definitely needs a vet check. Could be nothing, could be something. Only a vet can tell you for sure after examination. I wouldn't chance it.
I would take him to the vet, just to be sure, but I am guessing that it's old age as well. Do you still have him on adult food? Try seniors food. It has more fat and different nutrients in it that will keep him at a healthy weight.
I recently lost my 13-year old cat "Jessi" to kidney failure (I guess its common with older cats). He lost a ton of weight and seemed fine up until his final days. You should take him in for test. I wish you the best and hope its nothing serious.
Its not a waste of money to take an animal to the vet. There may be something seriously wrong or it may just be old age. But the vet can help in in both situations. You might just need to put him on a better diet or just some meds. I say take him to the vet just to be safe. webvet.com will be opening soon that will be a good place in the future for not just call and see what a vet thinks.
u should get it a check up. even if its old age doesnt it feel good just to know your cat is okay
weight loss o no hes dieing it may take a year or 2 with the weight loss means the cats dieing i have my cat 12 years then he weight loss and died and im sorry about your kitty i understand i cryed when my kitty died
I think that it is old age. When my family had an older cat the vet told us to feed him a 1/2 cup of food three times a day as opposed to the norm of two times a day.
I have a 13 yr old male tabby with diabetes! First, he started losing weight, drinking more, but eating like a horse. Nothing seemed to be the matter, except the loss of weight. I noticed that his breath smelled "fruity", like nail polish remover (acetone), and his hair was getting ragged-looking, like he didn't feel like grooming himself........... SO........ I took him to the vet and had a blood test done, to see what was going on. His glucose (blood sugar) level was HIGH, and the test showed DIABETES! That was in August of 2006, and he's been on insulin twice a day since then. He's gained back the weight he lost, and is feeling great. If you love your cat..........don't just put his weight loss down to old age........get him checked out! Doesn't he deserve whatever help you can give him? After all, he's been a great companion for 13 years, and you owe it to him to give him the best care possible for the rest of his life (however long that is!) I'm sorry if this sounds like "preaching", but I firmly believe that when we take on a pet to love, we owe it to them to give them the BEST CARE WE CAN for their WHOLE lives. Hope you take your "baby" to the vet, and he can be helped! Good luck...........
The 3 most common reasons cats lose weight as they get older are: kidney disease, thyroid problem or diabetes. Lower on the list are cancers. They don't lose weight simply by getting older...there is a reason. The vet can run some simple bloodwork to check. Many of these things can be treated rather well.