Our 16 yr old cat has eaten very little in the past 4 days. He is in stage 2 renal failure and has recently been diagnosed with a lung tumour. He used to be a 8 kg cat but is now. 3.5 kg. His appetite has been variable in the last few weeks. He seems bright enough and is still seeking affection. Taking him to the vet is stressful for him, but does he require a visit? Many thanks, Lynne Goode x
I think you should, a variable appetite is a sign that there is something wrong.
There are two views on this
1) There may be something else that's happening. In a recent article on geriatric animals, the author suggested that some cases had 7 things wrong with them. It's entirely possible that there may be something that could be done to help.
2) The renal failure or lung tumour may have advanced and a client a few years said that in her cat it was 'quality over quantity'. There is however a genuine and in my opinion unfounded fear that a vet will look at an animal and insist on euthanasia. Remember you are in charge, listen to the advise gven and take matters from there.
Trying to read into this question, I think you're in scenario 1) and I'd make an appointment
Vet answer
Dear Lynne
I think you should, a variable appetite is a sign that there is something wrong.
There are two views on this
1) There may be something else that's happening. In a recent article on geriatric animals, the author suggested that some cases had 7 things wrong with them. It's entirely possible that there may be something that could be done to help.
2) The renal failure or lung tumour may have advanced and a client a few years said that in her cat it was 'quality over quantity'. There is however a genuine and in my opinion unfounded fear that a vet will look at an animal and insist on euthanasia. Remember you are in charge, listen to the advise gven and take matters from there.
Trying to read into this question, I think you're in scenario 1) and I'd make an appointment
Good Luck
Neil