Emaciated SENIOR Cat

Quick Look: 

Age 12 
10lbs *at least* underweight 

Main coon Mix 

Healthy bloodwork, dewormed 3 times while at the shelter so very sure it's not parasite issues. 

Has been fed Hills Sensitive Stomach for the last month, gaining about 1 pound a week. 

Diarrhea, 3 times a day 

BLOATED belly 

HELP? 

Stan came to the Animal Shelter beat up and starved. He's in large part Main Coon, should easily weigh 15lbs, and is about 12 years old. He currently weighs between 6-8 pounds, and it's all his belly. He was 3 pounds when picked up a month ago. His wounds have healed and he's a total snuggle bug, plays and eats constantly. He drinks anywhere from 1 to 3 cups of water a day. Eats two cans of wet food and 2/3 cup of dry food a day, maybe a little more.

His belly his huge. Feels like it's a lot of gas.He has a VERY wet stool. Hasn't had a solid stool to date. I picked him up on Saturday from the Animal Shelter as he was up for adoption and they had him eating Hills Sensitive Stomach formula. I was thinking of giving him less to eat. Like 1 cup of dry food and 1 can of wet food a day, along with some kitty anti-diarrheal gel meds and probiotics to help his gi issues.  I wanted to switch his food to a limited-ingredient, grain free, turkey based food meant for a senior cat. 

I don't want to call my vet about it because they're the kind of vet that pushes the science diet and I firmly believe that food is crap. 

So... any insight from experienced individuals? I'd be willing to cook for him if it anyone has had success with that. I just feel so bad. I have to wipe him down daily and give him a bath every other day so far because of the diarrhea. =( 

I have to admit I am not experienced with Cats, only toy sized dogs and I've been blessed with healthy, low-maintenance ones my whole life. I'm committed to this kitty! I'll try anything! 

Was his thyroid tested? Older cats often have IBD or food allergies, which it sounds like it possible with the bloating and loose stool. I would keep adding a probiotic to his wet food every day and I would give him a limited ingredient food if you can. Here's some info on probiotics. I use them every day for all my cats they make a big difference. The more simple the ingredients the better. I really like the Merrick LID foods, the chicken is a big hit in my house but the turkey is well received as well. They're easy to find at Petco or other pet stores. 

Also - Thank you for saving a senior cat! <3 

Looks like Missmimz covered a lot! I just started using a probiotic a couple weeks ago for my cats as well.

The only thing I could add is canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) works wonders for both constipation and loose stools. I believe the dose is 1 tablespoon per day, mixed in wet food. I add it to both my cats' food every morning. 

Thank you so much for saving a senior!   

MisMimz:

I doubt the shelter tested his thyroid. They did the general panel for lukemia, aids, heartworm, and parasites. All came back clean. I'll definitely invest in a pro-biotic for his tummy.

I called the shelter and they said that the upset stomach is because of the nutrient rich food but he's been off the street for a month, so that seems unlikely at this point, too. 

I am definitely getting a limited-ingredient food. I'm happy to have some cat people say it's a good idea. =) 

paiger8: Pumpkin? I have cans of it for my chihuahua as a treat and I make soup with it all time! I'll try it starting tonight =) 

BTW I love a senior cat! I don't have energy for a kitten. When I get home from work he plays for an hour, sleeps for three, plays for another hour, then sleeps the night away. It's perfect! 

RitaRadical said:

 
MisMimz:

I doubt the shelter tested his thyroid. They did the general panel for lukemia, aids, heartworm, and parasites. All came back clean. I'll definitely invest in a pro-biotic for his tummy.

I called the shelter and they said that the upset stomach is because of the nutrient rich food but he's been off the street for a month, so that seems unlikely at this point, too. 

I am definitely getting a limited-ingredient food. I'm happy to have some cat people say it's a good idea. =) 

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I thought by "blood work" you meant he'd had a senior panel. Honestly, I'd have your regular vet do a senior panel and get both his thyroid and his kidney's tested because senior cats are prone to both CKD and hyperthyroidism. 

RitaRadical said:

 
paiger8: Pumpkin? I have cans of it for my chihuahua as a treat and I make soup with it all time! I'll try it starting tonight =) 

BTW I love a senior cat! I don't have energy for a kitten. When I get home from work he plays for an hour, sleeps for three, plays for another hour, then sleeps the night away. It's perfect! 

Click to expand...

Make sure it's plain 100% canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling with spices and other stuff in it.

Have the vet run full blood work to check for any abnormal values, like off the chart kidney values or something. Include a fructosamine test for diabetes. Diabetes can cause a cat to lose a lot of weight. Also have the vet check your cat's teeth. Bad teeth are painful and makes eating difficult. It's pretty common for cats to have some sort of dental problem since many pet owners don't bother with any dental care.

If you're not comfortable with the vet, seek out another vet. There's likely at least several other vets in your area uless you live in a really rural area.