Need some advice please!

I have a 20 year old cat who has recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and a high enzyme count of the kidneys. He has lost a bit of weight, though he's always been a thin cat. But you can see and feel his bones when you pick him up. He is on medication for his thyroids, Methimazole, and we have to give him SQ fluids for his kidneys. The thing is, he eats but doesn't gain anything and rarely has bowel movements. I'm home all day so I'm feeding him a little bit throughout the day. He's unable to eat dry food which I put out but my other cat is the one that's eats it. I've bought cat treats but he won't go near them. He's favorite food is chicken, which I boil up for him since that's how I give him his meds, inside the chicken, but there's only so much he will eat of it. He cries all the time for food but eats a couple of bites and leaves. The vet tells me its because of the thyroids but I'd really like to get some ideas on what I can do from actual cat owners. They eat Fancy Feast, they are so picky about the cat food and this is the only kind they will consistenly eat. I'd rather not go the realm of kitten food because of the phosphorous count considering the issues with his kidneys. But I know he needs maybe higher protein/fat meals I just don't know if I'm doing enough. Would appreciate the feedback,thanks.

Hypo or hyper thyroidism? Hypothyroidism is pretty rare in cats. If it is hyperthyroidism, is he a candidate for the radioactive iodine treatment? Methimazole will help with the symptoms but it does not halt disease progression.

The kidney disease is probably also contributing to his not eating a lot. That's very common for kidney cats. Www.felinecrf.org is a good resource for all kidney cats. Egg whites are a good source of high protein/low phosphorous.

Sorry for the typo, it is Hyperthyroidism not hypo. Dusty's (my cat) vet stated that he is going conservative with the medication because of Dusty's age. Though the vet did state that Dusty hasn't been diagnosed with CKD, they're unsure if the kidneys are an issue because of the thyroids or because he was very dehydrated, hence the fluids. Though Dusty may have a few bites once we feed him, he does mostly eat like a pig when I'm giving him chicken with his meds. He also eats quite a bit at night. He'll wake me up to feed every couple of hours. So, throughout the day he does eat a lot but it goes nowhere. I did try the egg whites but he wouldn't go for it, doesn't like eggs at all. To ensure he gets enough hydration, we have always put extra water in their food but have placed a few more water bowls around the house. He's never been much of a water drinker but for the past couple of years he has drank more water, with the fluids and that he's a bit more hydrated but not to the point where he needs to be so that's also a worry of mine but it's his weight that concerning me. The vet has nothing to say to help with that, all they want is for me to spend more money than I have being unemployed but they have no answers or advice to give me other than keep shoving pills down him, just like my doctors. I know my cat is 20 years old but there has to be a better and healthier way to help him gain some weight. Just 3 or 4 pounds would be good for him.

Hi there,

I am sorry to read that Dusty and you are going through this. Hyperthyroidism can be managed so there is every reason to be hopeful. If you don't feel that the vet you are currently seeing is up to the challenge, don't be shy about seeking another opinion elsewhere. You don't want to waste time and money that might be better spent with someone who is more familiar with this condition and can offer you a solid plan for managing it.

There have been studies regarding the use of fish oils to help human cancer patients gain or maintain weight and improve muscle mass. There could be the same benefits for cats in this respect and so it would be worthwhile for you to look into this as something that might help Dusty to pack on some weight. At the very least, Fish Oils can be beneficial for supporting the immune system.

Here is a link that discusses the connection of Fish Oils and Cancer patients to promote weight gain : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/217846.php

When looking for supplements, choose 100% wild alaskan salmon oil or cold liver oil.

As for some suggestions for canned foods to try, Nature's Variety Instinct is a grain-free, high protein/moderate fat, low carb canned foot that is very good quality for a commercial food. Wellness grain-free is another high protein, high fat option. The two foods will be more expensive than say Fancy Feast, but if you can find some 13 ounce cans of Nature's Variety in the dog formula, you will get a better deal as the dog formula is exactly the same as the cat formula. Wellness also comes in a 13 ounce can.

Wishing you both all the best as you go through this journey.

Eating but not gaining, or even losing, weight is the classic symptom of hyperthyroidism. It sounds like either the dosage is not correct, or the med has not had time to be effective yet. While higher protein/higher fat foods will help some, until the thyroid is brought under control, food alone is not going to be enough. I agree that hyperthyroidism can be managed, but it does not sound like you are quite there yet. I would encourage you to talk to a vet about the dosage and other options.

Thanks for replying, I've actually bought Nature's Variety before, that's the dry food they eat now but the wet food didn't go well. They are very picky about their wet food and Fancy Feast seems to be working to where they'll consistently eat it. My other cat has been treating for IBD so having to get the foods just right has been a nightmare but so far so good as far as taste.

Yes, I would agree. As the thyroid is producing too much hormone in this case, the result is that this revs up the metabolism and hence the inability to gain/keep weight on. Its not just about food but having a plan for managing the condition that addresses all aspects. I hope this vet is up to the task.

That's what my vet told me, to just keep going with the meds and fluids. I've looked over his bloodwork and the phosphorous levels are good but the T4 is high as well as the Creatinine & BUN. The vet doesn't want to up the dosage because of the fact that Dusty is 20. I guess I've never been good with patience and when I see my cat become withdrawn, hide and his bones are poking out, it just freaks me out. Other than his teeth, he's never had any health issues and now both of my cats are having issues. Though I'm aware of the age, 19 & 20 year old cats are bound to develop issues now, I feel like a bad cat-mom cause it looks like he's being neglected but he eats like a pig...smh. I guess it is a waiting game with the meds, it's been almost two months now, not sure how long it'll take though. I just wanted to find ways of helping it along other than what I'm doing now.

SupermansLois said:

That's what my vet told me, to just keep going with the meds and fluids. I've looked over his bloodwork and the phosphorous levels are good but the T4 is high as well as the Creatinine & BUN. The vet doesn't want to up the dosage because of the fact that Dusty is 20. I guess I've never been good with patience and when I see my cat become withdrawn, hide and his bones are poking out, it just freaks me out. Other than his teeth, he's never had any health issues and now both of my cats are having issues. Though I'm aware of the age, 19 & 20 year old cats are bound to develop issues now, I feel like a bad cat-mom cause it looks like he's being neglected but he eats like a pig...smh. I guess it is a waiting game with the meds, it's been almost two months now, not sure how long it'll take though. I just wanted to find ways of helping it along other than what I'm doing now.

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Its the disease and what this does to the various bodily systems that are keeping him thin .. A cat that has reached the age of 20 years old is quite an amazing and wonderful thing, and so you obviously have done a great job in caring for him all these years. Hopefully everything will be fine once his body starts responding well to the medication. I would not give up on your interest in finding ways to help him naturally. As I mentioned above, fish oil could be quite beneficial for him.

I would follow up with your vet to discuss how long he/she feels it should take to see a favorable response to the methimazole.

The following link is to a page authored by Dr. Karen Becker (DVM) where she discusses Hyperthyroidism, the related symptoms as well as treatment options including some holistic approaches. I think it will help to give you some additional insights and hope : http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/14/feline-hyperthyroidism.aspx