Older siamese cat with altered behaviors

Question
My husband and I have an older siamese cat that he picked out from the humane society shelter. She's been with us for about two years and just within the last day or so, she's been extremely lethargic. She has continuously knocked over her water bowl and seems to have problems with her back legs when she's walking. She doesn't go very far before she just lays down. We know she came to us sick, but I'm not sure with what. She used to drink a lot of water and pee a lot and she was still relatively active with a good appetite. But now, she lays down and starts yowling but even the yowls are getting weaker. I'm wondering if there's anything I can do. I've given her some water through a syringe for now just to keep her hydrated. The husband is in denial at this point and calls me a worry-wart, but I just don't like to see an animal suffering and she seems to be at this time.

Answer
Hi Donna.  Sorry to hear she's not doing so well.  I agree it sounds like something to be very concerned over.  To take a stab in the dark, I'd say her kidney values would be very worth looking into.  Kidney failure is common in older cats, and drinking and urinating a lot are key signs of it.  It also causes weakness due to severe dehydration, anemia and protein loss.

Her blood sugar might also be something to check, since diabetes can cause excessive thirst and urination as well as hind-leg weakness, and it's almost as common as kidney disease.  Most likely, your vet will want to run some blood tests that include a complete blood count as well as blood proteins, glucose and some basic organ function measurements.  Kidney, liver and pancreas are typically included, and they may add on a thyroid function test.  An overactive thyroid is also something that is always a possible concern in an older cat.

Definitely continue to keep her hydrated, and try to get her to eat whatever she will.  Meat baby food is fine for her right now if she won't eat regular cat food.  As long as she eats something, that's most important.  Baby food is easy to feed with a syringe if she won't eat it herself.  Your vet can give you a more appropriate diet once you know what you're dealing with.

Good luck!

Jessica