If your senior cat suddenly started looking messy, try going to the vet before scheduling a cat grooming visit with Spiffy Kitty House Call Cat Grooming. Maybe it’s illness, not laziness about grooming themselves.
When prospective clients call me about their older cat and say, “I don’t know why my cat stopped grooming herself. She never had problems before. Now her fur looks greasy and matted,” this is a red flag.
After they’re evaluated, I’d be happy to groom your cat. Health comes first!
From “Senior Cat Health Alert”
Signs of hyperthyroidism include:
- Weight loss
- A huge appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- An unkempt coat
- Increased vocalizations
- Increased activity
Rarely, some hyperthyroid cats might become lethargic or eat less.
“Other conditions that can present similary to hyperthyroidism include diabetes, disease of the small intestines (inflammatory bowel disease or lymphoma), and chronic kidney disease,” said Stefaine DeMonaco, clinical associate professor in internal medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Hyperthyroidism typically occurs in middle aged and older cats. It’s a common disorder. About 10 percent of cats 10 years of age or older develop hyperthyroidism. If left untreated eventually the disease can become severe enough to lead to complications such as heart disease and, rarely, high blood pressure.
“The best way to look out for hyperthyroidism is to watch for any symptoms of the disease such as weight loss with a good to increased appetite,” DeMonaco said. “Some owners might notice their older cats are acting young again by being more active. Routine wellness exams in older cats can detect unexplained weight loss that might indicate hyperthyroidism as well as checking thyroid levels.