Our outside cat

Question
Hello, we have been feeding a ferrol male cat "Courage" for the past 6-9 months. When we first met "Courage", he was a hefty, strong, bright white male who could definitely defend himself out in the wild. We put dry cat food out for him on a daily basis, and would give him a can of wet cat food a couple times a week, he was always very happy about that. Well, as soon as summer hit here in Seattle (June), we have noticed a significant weight loss in our little buddy, HOWEVER his appetite has NOT decreased at all. He is just as happy when we give him dry food or the wet canned food. We have noticed that he seems to sleep a lot and lounge around on our patio, a lot more than before. We weren't sure if this was due to the sudden change in weather here in Seattle, or if something was wrong. We worry about bringing him into a vet because it might be so traumatic for him, as he has been an outside cat forever (so it seems). Do you have any suggestions as to why he may be experiencing weight loss and possible fatigue, despite a very healthy appetite? Please help...thank you!!!

Jenn and Darek
Jafarber@aol.com
Seattle, WA

Answer
Hi:  I understand your concern for your little buddy.  Looks like it could be diabetes.  This has become very common in cats, as they start to age.  You could buy some cat food that is lower in calories.  Also, just do the wet food one time per week.

There are foods you can buy for a diabetic cat.  This can be costly.

I don't think you should take him into the vet.  It  would be too traumatic for him.  Also, there is no way he is going to let you give insulin shots.

In closing, thanks for being such a good person.
Sorry, your cat friend could have many things going on with his health... Thyroid is another concern.


You won't be able to help this little one.  Just keep feeding him and go on from here.  You have done all you can.



BEST wishes


Marie