Why is my older cat eating so much?
Usually I fed my cat two cans of wet cat food a day. But now she wants another can or something else to eat usually 1-2hours after she gets done with her first can. Usually I give her some tuna or something before her other can of cat food. But still she has never been like this for all her 11 years. So why is she doing it now?
Along with the increased appetite does she appear to be loosing weight? Does she drink more? Is she using the litter box more? Is her coat starting to have an unkempt look?
These are signs of hyperthyroidism and diabetes. These are both common illnesses for a kitty the age of yours. Please schedule an appointment for a wellness exam with her vet.
Both of these illnesses are treatable. The sooner treatment is started the better.
Purrs for you and kitty.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
maybe it has diabetes cuz my cat got that and we had to kill it
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November 29th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
maybe her stomach is getting biger. i don't know.
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November 29th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
You should take your cat to the vet. She may have some type of worms that are draining the nutrients from her food. There are any number of causes for increased appetite, though, besides worms, that your vet can diagnose.
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November 29th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I would get her checked for worms. Just make sure you don't over-feed her and let her get over-weight since she's an older cat…well, being over-weight isn't good for any cat. I would try mixing dry cat food in with the canned food or you'll see her teeth rotting out…my Mom just had to take her cat to the vet yesterday to get 2 teeth pulled..she gives him TONS of soft treats. But anyways I would def. get her checked for worms. But at least she has an appetite, that's good! Good luck to you
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Cat owner all my life
November 29th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I agree with Heather.It sounds like worms.My cats were constantly hungry when they had them.Still it's probably best to ask your vet,especially with a more elderly cat.
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November 29th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
You need to take your cat to the vet and have a free T-4 run to see if her thyroid is overactive. This is MOST common reason an older cat is constantly hungry. One 5.5 oz can of cat food is usually sufficient for most cats.
It's very important that you get to a vet and explain what is going on. Hyperthroidism is easily regulated with medication.
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November 29th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
It does sound like worms, has she been outdoors? I also think you are overfeeding her. It's bad for them to be overweight, just like humans. Since she is older, I also think she should be tested for diabetes.
Best wishes.
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November 29th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Ok once you feed one can of a very hot food to ur can.then after it will not feed atleast a can of food also
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November 29th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I would take your cat to the vet and have them run tests for feline chronic renal failure, that is the first sign that a cat is having a huge appetite. It strikes cats usually from the ages of 9 - 13. The major symptoms do not show until the cat has only 30% of their kidney function left, by that time it is to late. I am by no means an expert but I have had one cat that died from this. It is a silent killer. PLEASE, have the vet run blood tests.
Good Luck for a long and healthy cat life!!
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Knowledge that I have learned from going thruough it the hard way.
November 30th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Along with the increased appetite does she appear to be loosing weight? Does she drink more? Is she using the litter box more? Is her coat starting to have an unkempt look?
These are signs of hyperthyroidism and diabetes. These are both common illnesses for a kitty the age of yours. Please schedule an appointment for a wellness exam with her vet.
Both of these illnesses are treatable. The sooner treatment is started the better.
Purrs for you and kitty.
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November 30th, 2008 at 12:50 am
You may want to take her to the vet to get checked out. Being hungry like this is a sign of hyperthyroid. This can be controlled by medicine but it definitely needs to be checked out. Diabetes is another possibility.
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