Older cat doesn't want to eat

wvcatguy

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I have a cat who's about 8 or 9. He was a stray for years & I finally caught him 3 years ago. He's been an absolute angel. Being a bit wild, I never took him to a vet. I have no idea what condition he was truly in when I caught him. He's always been a picky eater & never gained much weight.

Recently, he's lost weight & doesn't want to eat. He looks at food but won't eat it. He drinks plenty of water & loads of milk though & goes to the liter regularly. He's just thin & seems weak. I know he's had problems with teeth but they've fallen out & he's seemed fine. Because he's not as tame as my other cats, the vet has been avoided. I guess I'll try to take him. I'm encouraged by the fact he's getting plenty of fluids at least. I wonder if it's his stomach. Any ideas as to what could be wrong?
 

donutte

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Lack of eating + lots of drinking = kidney disease red flag. I'd take him to the vet to have blood work done. Is he peeing a lot also? I'm assuming he would be. Do his "pee patties" seem bigger than normal? If you use clumping litter that is. Looking at the food as though he's interested, but then not eating it, is a sign of nausea. Milk isn't the best thing for a cat since they are lactose intolerant - I'm assuming you mean cow's milk, but on the plus side he's getting some calories into him.

You don't want him to go for long without eating, as that can cause fatty liver disease very quickly. How many days has he not been eating? I would really take him to the vet today if possible to get the blood work done asap.
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Yes, it could be kidney disease, it could be issues with his mouth, it could be stomach problems, it could be a myriad of issues.  Only way to know for certain is to take him in for a checkup.

When he looks at his food, does he walk up to it, lick his lips and walk away.  If so, that is CLASSIC signs of nausea.  If he just looks at it and walks away, maybe he's just not interested in that food.  My kidney cat will just turn her head and walk away if she doesn't like what's on the menu even if she's hungry, but if she licks her lips first, then I know it's time for her meds.
 
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