Has anyone any ideas what maybe wrong with a 10yr old cat who barely eats but has put on a lot of weight, particularly round her middle? She sleeps a lot and has a 'starry' coat, not smooth and glossy like the others in the family. She also seems quite depressed. The vet has done blood tests but says they are fine, just put her on a diet. That's all well and good, but she really is eating next to nothing as it is! My Mum is very worried as the vet doesn't seem to have any more ideas and Jazz is definately not at all right.
She was spayed many years ago and it's not the normal 'baggy belly' that they often get.

Oh dear, I think I would be seeking a second opinion. Has she been spayed?

I would either take her back to the Vet and demand more tests, if they were still fobbing you off take her to a different vets.

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Am I wrong in my thinking that a thyroid problem can work in two ways.
First a cat can eat loads and not get fat or it can eat little and get large
I have been told this can happen to humans but I am using the same logic to cats. Hope someone else are able to help.

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Black with white around his private area



Black Tortoiseshell




R.I.P Patch my well behaved boy dog
R.I.P. Abby and Rebel my beautifull litter sister cats

It can yes but it should show up in the blood tests.

To be honest if her appetite has reduced then I would hazard a guess of more some kind of blockage, possible constipation or some kind of mass, did they give her tummy a good feel over? I'd definately go for a second opinion!

When I read your post, 2 thoughts came to mind...

1. Thyroid problem
2. A generous neighbour has nicer food than you do... Could she be overheating elsewhere?

Hope you solve it.

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Debs

Lives with a wonderful husband, 2 adorable rescue kitties Harry and Sabrina, and a flock of pampered pet chickens.

sudden middle weight gain and poor condition can have several underlying causes

pregnancy
worms
hypothyroidism
tumours
constipation (gas buildup looks like weight gain)
kidney problems (fluid buildup)

you really need another vet visit for tests/answers - I hope she's ok

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My first thoughts are indeed a tumour, ascites fluid (possible heart or kidney failure, or maybe even FIP), or hypothyroidism.

If there is a blockage, there would be vomiting, and in the end even vomiting up faeces, and if he was being fed by a neighbour, he would look healthier and probably not be this lethargic.

After the initial reaction of your vet, I would most certainly see another vet, or, if possible, visit a veterinary hospital.

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Jiskefet & the mognificent Dutch bunch

My little angels at the rainbow bridge

yes, but spontaneous hypothyroidism is VERY VERY rare in cats. Unlike in people or dogs.

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I was going to say exactly what Dagny has mentioned about hypo as opposed to hyperthyroidism. Unlike humans it extremely rare and it's usually medically induced ie due to overmedicating with hyperT drugs.

Strange nothing at all showed up in bloodtests given these symptoms. You need to see a different vet straight away. My suspicion is that the weight gain is actually fluid ( number of causes including tumours or heart disease) which can be potentially quite serious. How is her breathing?