So for the at least 5th time now, JoJo (JJ) has unleashed a mystery on me.
For the most part I quasi-dismissed it all as either food not agreeing with her or hairballs blocking other things... here's what I get in the mornings. Clear spit-up, occasional hairball, and streaks/small piles of poo. All over. This isn't a constant thing. It hits this household about every 1-3 months. There aren't too many hairballs. And when I do get them, they're orange, like JoJo, so I know it's her.
I thought we were doing REALLY well when I've seen no sign of issues for the last several weeks. The change? Predominately wet food. Full cans in the morning and at night, and a little dry in the evening after I get home. This is a complete switch (used to be 1/4 cup dry morning and night and then a little wet for supper) from the last few years.
So, I called the vet this morning. After explaining what I could to the tech, she had my leave a message for the vet who saw JJ for this in March. Back then we dismissed it as a recent change in food didn't agree with her. She called me back before i left for work. we talked about exactly what I've seen, as well as her change in behavior. More on that in a bit. She didn't think I needed to rush her in today. Monday would be fine, but to watch her. She seems to be better this evening... but she's still going in.
The vet suggested hyperthyroidism, as JJ is 7 years old and that sort of thing can develop as kitties get older. I started laughing when she mentioned weight loss. JJ is 16+ pounds. She is NOT skinny by any stretch of the imagination. We're going in Monday morning to run some tests to see what the underlying issue is. Oh yes, the behavior issues.
JJ has never been a social cat. But she has been tolerant of my petting her nearly all over (only recently gaining access to her tummy sometimes), and she has also been tolerant of Jack and his kittenish ways (even though he's nearing 7 years as well... go figure... he's insane). Recently, though, she has taken to swatting aggressively at him when he's just bounding past her. Kind of like 'MOM! he's in my personal space again!' She instigates play, but when he gets into it, she starts 'crying uncle' and I have to break it up, if I'm home. I believe, as the vet does, that the behavior is linked to whatever is causing her other health issues.
She's still fairly young, even though she's considered a senior now. She is also, as others call some of their cats, my Heart Kitty. My Soul Kitty. She is my Furry Shadow, my healer, my bedmate. I just want my old Baby JoJo* back. She doesn't have to like strangers... I don't think the weight has helped at all... but no matter what I do, she doesn't lose weight, if anything she gains.
Vibes, ideas, etc would be helpful.
Thanks,
Amanda
* - I call her Baby JoJo a lot, even now. Mostly because she is simply my baby... I love this cat. And i know she loves me unconditionally.
For the most part I quasi-dismissed it all as either food not agreeing with her or hairballs blocking other things... here's what I get in the mornings. Clear spit-up, occasional hairball, and streaks/small piles of poo. All over. This isn't a constant thing. It hits this household about every 1-3 months. There aren't too many hairballs. And when I do get them, they're orange, like JoJo, so I know it's her.
I thought we were doing REALLY well when I've seen no sign of issues for the last several weeks. The change? Predominately wet food. Full cans in the morning and at night, and a little dry in the evening after I get home. This is a complete switch (used to be 1/4 cup dry morning and night and then a little wet for supper) from the last few years.
So, I called the vet this morning. After explaining what I could to the tech, she had my leave a message for the vet who saw JJ for this in March. Back then we dismissed it as a recent change in food didn't agree with her. She called me back before i left for work. we talked about exactly what I've seen, as well as her change in behavior. More on that in a bit. She didn't think I needed to rush her in today. Monday would be fine, but to watch her. She seems to be better this evening... but she's still going in.
The vet suggested hyperthyroidism, as JJ is 7 years old and that sort of thing can develop as kitties get older. I started laughing when she mentioned weight loss. JJ is 16+ pounds. She is NOT skinny by any stretch of the imagination. We're going in Monday morning to run some tests to see what the underlying issue is. Oh yes, the behavior issues.
JJ has never been a social cat. But she has been tolerant of my petting her nearly all over (only recently gaining access to her tummy sometimes), and she has also been tolerant of Jack and his kittenish ways (even though he's nearing 7 years as well... go figure... he's insane). Recently, though, she has taken to swatting aggressively at him when he's just bounding past her. Kind of like 'MOM! he's in my personal space again!' She instigates play, but when he gets into it, she starts 'crying uncle' and I have to break it up, if I'm home. I believe, as the vet does, that the behavior is linked to whatever is causing her other health issues.
She's still fairly young, even though she's considered a senior now. She is also, as others call some of their cats, my Heart Kitty. My Soul Kitty. She is my Furry Shadow, my healer, my bedmate. I just want my old Baby JoJo* back. She doesn't have to like strangers... I don't think the weight has helped at all... but no matter what I do, she doesn't lose weight, if anything she gains.
Vibes, ideas, etc would be helpful.
Thanks,
Amanda
* - I call her Baby JoJo a lot, even now. Mostly because she is simply my baby... I love this cat. And i know she loves me unconditionally.