Kitty has different issues.. vets don't seem to know what it is

[dreaming]

Hi. I have a 4 year old female kitty with multiple health problems. The vets don't seem to know what's going on fully despite blood tests. I feel like there's something causing all of this, but I'm not sure. I thought I'd post here in hopes of any ideas. Really worried.

We got her as a kitten and she seemed to stop growing after a few months. She's very small. Within the past two years, she's gradually become very underweight and started having problems with her claws being thick and curling in. We've been having to get them trimmed very regularly.

So far, it's been ruled out that it's not her thyroid or a fungal infection.

She's been spayed just recently. We put it off due to worry that she wasn't healthy to do it, but finally did it per the vets suggestion, also in hopes for her to gain weight. She lost another pound just within a 2 week period of last being at the vet. They also found out that she has a bladder infection, that we didn't know about.

One other thing (which might be behavioral?), but she seems to act very hungry despite feeding her well.

Does anyone know of any possibilities?

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Welcome to TCS! I really hate that it is a health problem that brings you to us, but so glad that we can be here for you!

You might want to take her to a feline specialist, if your vet is not one. If you are in the USA, you can find one here:
AAFP | American Association of Feline Practitioners

There is a search function by zip code. Be SURE to select "cat only" rather than "cat friendly," which can mean almost anything.

What does come immediately to mind is the possibility of an absorption issue. That is, she eats, but her body does not absorb the nutrients properly. That would cause her to be hungry all the time. It is one of several things that could account for her small size, and her not gaining weight, even with a good appetite. There are other things that could cause it as well, but that one stands out.

Now, if it is possible, you might consider taking her to a university with a Veterinary Medicine school. It will almost certainly not be cheaper, but they are teaching cutting edge medicine, and have the latest in diagnostic tools and equipment.

Be sure to let us know how your baby is doing. We'll fret!

 

[dreaming]

Welcome to TCS! I really hate that it is a health problem that brings you to us, but so glad that we can be here for you!

You might want to take her to a feline specialist, if your vet is not one. If you are in the USA, you can find one here:
AAFP | American Association of Feline Practitioners

There is a search function by zip code. Be SURE to select "cat only" rather than "cat friendly," which can mean almost anything.

What does come immediately to mind is the possibility of an absorption issue. That is, she eats, but her body does not absorb the nutrients properly. That would cause her to be hungry all the time. It is one of several things that could account for her small size, and her not gaining weight, even with a good appetite. There are other things that could cause it as well, but that one stands out.

Now, if it is possible, you might consider taking her to a university with a Veterinary Medicine school. It will almost certainly not be cheaper, but they are teaching cutting edge medicine, and have the latest in diagnostic tools and equipment.

Be sure to let us know how your baby is doing. We'll fret!

I've wondered about an absorption issue too. We've taken her to two different vets and they can't pinpoint an issue. We may try a specialist if she doesn't get better soon. I'm surprised the vet spayed her. I didn't realize she lost more weight so quickly, she is so so thin.

And thank you. This looks like a wonderful site! I appreciate the help.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

That's what we're here for. You are NOT ALONE in this now. We are with you.

 

[Psalcal]

Our cat had issues gaining weight and she responded to the addition of enzymes to her food. Evidently some cats cannot properly break down their food and need enzymes. Maybe ask your vet?

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Yup, Psalcal , that's one of those absorbtion issues I was talking about. Good to hear that you have your baby's problem under control!

 

[dreaming]

Update. Something is definitely wrong.

Her bladder infection had seemed to get better, so we'd just been seeing how she's doing after that and the spay. Things seemed fine but..

Suddenly there's stool all over the place, within the last hour. She'd been eating her normal food so I don't know what's going on. All vets are closed for July 4th so I'm really concerned. Right now, she looks alert but you can tell she's not feeling great.