cat has become very hungry and insistant

[mandimoo]

14 year old cat as above, for the last few weeks.... to the extent he is really annoying me! im feeding him slightly more, but he just never stops nagging for more. he is even jumping on the side to see whats leftover on the plates and is was quite a rare thing for him. im taking him to the vet tomorrow, but anyone got any ideas what the problem might be?

[LoftyLottie]

Could be kidney problems which often makes them very hungry (as well as thirsty), but usually once the food is dished up it makes them feel sick and they leave it. Has he got worms. Could also be dementia which is also common in elderly cats and makes them behave strangely. Has he started yowling a lot more than usual.

[boxtops]

Check with the vet, mandimoo. As lottie says, kidney problems are not unusual in older cats - one of mine was persistently hungry and threw the whole lot back up undigested with the hour. (However good news, with daily medication - which he takes and eats willingly - his illness is contained and he's back to his normal cheery self). Do you see your cat eat when you feed him? Mine sometimes leave some then the neighbours' cats come in so the bowls are empty but mine haven't had a full dinner themselves. They have been more hungry with the cold weather. Once they get an idea in their heads, tho (like you might be willing to come up with more dinner!) it's hard to shake it. Let us know how you get on!

[mandimoo]

oh dear, he is already on a prescription diet for urinary problems so that could be it. hes overdue a wormer, but rarely goes out and certainly doesnt hunt anymore. he went through a yowly stage a couple of years ago, but seems to have grown out of that. anyone know how quickly a worming tablet would improve his behaviour if it turned out to be worms?

[LoftyLottie]

Boxtops is right. If it is kidney problems it can be treated with drugs, so please don't worry too much.

[boxtops]

I wouldn't risk it mandi, if he is already on medication. Vet advice, just in case! The vet will tell you if a wormer is needed. Give 'em a ring in the first instance, they might be able to advise by phone if it's nothing much - and they know your cat if he is already on medication.

[LoftyLottie]

I doubt it is worms if he rarely goes out and doesn't hunt. So as boxtop says don't risk a worming tablet. Anyway, if he does need worming best to get a tablet from the vets who will give you exactly the right sort of tablet.

Good luck to puss.

[karenmac60]

Could be thyroid problems. Cats are prone to hyperthyroidism which makes them more vocal and increases their appetites. If he is not gaining weight despite eating more then this could be the problem, but it is easily diagnosed and treated.

[SimonBolivar]

My 12 year old cat is exactly the same. He's always been very vocal but nowadays seems constantly hungry. He has a check-up every six months & apparently all is fine.

[ruthann58]

could be thyroid or diabetis both are treatable so good luck