Happy Cat That Eats and Drinks Nonstop Might Actually Be Sick

Q. My 16- year-old cat eats constantly and drinks a lot of water, but she is very thin. She can’t seem to gain weight. Her behavior is normal. She doesn’t seem ill and appears very happy. I would like to see her gain some weight. Could she be ill, and is there anything I can feed her to make her put on some weight? She eats a lot of food, two to three cans a day.

Sandi Kaese, Garden Grove

A. Many pets, as they get older, will lose weight in spite of a good appetite. However, it seems that your cat may have an abnormal condition that may require medical attention. With a large appetite, increased water consumption and weight loss, diabetes, as well as hyperthyroidism, must be considered possibilities. In either case, your pet should be examined by your veterinarian and have blood tests performed to help make the diagnosis.

If your pet is a diabetic, she will need special diets and daily insulin treatment to help control the excess blood sugar. Once your cat is regulated or controlled on the proper amount of insulin, you can expect her to continue to lead a relatively normal life at home. However, many cats are difficult to control because of their eating habits. Like any diabetic person, complications can occur, but your veterinarian can help you watch for any problems.

If your cat is hyperthyroid, your options may include anti-thyroid drugs, which block the production of excess thyroid, the use of radioactive iodine, or surgery to remove the affected gland.

Other conditions that your vet may investigate could include neuromuscular problems causing the muscles to atrophy, certain heart problems, or digestive problems.

Q. Picasso, a Himalayan, has yellow in each eye. The local vet said blood tests are OK and sees nothing. What do you say?

Karina Dahmen, Seal Beach

A. I assume you are talking about the “whites” of the eyes. Normally a yellowing of the sclera is due to jaundice or icterus, which can be due to liver disease or the breakdown of red blood cells, causing anemia. If your cat’s blood tests were all normal, you might want to have his eyes examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist. In some cases, an injury to the eye will cause a small amount of bleeding, which turns color as it heals. It would be a good idea to have his eyes checked.