Hello
I have two old cats (late teens ) who have become very thin and eat like horses .They have all the usual checks etc but I ma concerned about thier food. It gives them diarrhoea.
They now prefer wet to dry and jelly as opposed to gravy.
I see there are some good lists on this site re cat food but was taking the easy option and requesting suitable recommendations ?
Please

When you say they have had all the usual checks, do you mean blood tests? A thin cat could have thyroid problems or be in kidney failure with the latter being the most common problem in senior cats.

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supermarket foods - Hi life
Pets@home - Nature's Menu, Purely
Zooplus - Bozita, Aminoda Carny, Smilla, Grau

hope that helps

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please look at my website - www.finesthourcats.webs.com - for gorgeous GCCF registered RagaMuffins and Selkirk Rex

Yep, same question as Sacremist. What are the "usual" tests that they have had?

Misi's a senior, well, geriatric, really!! She has crf but still eats really well, fortunately. Over the last 6 months she's got really thin and I did take this up with the vet who said it's just one of those things about getting old. They're not able to derive as many nutrients from their food as young cats.

Just feed a good quality, grain-free food, and as long as they're not in end-stage renal failure, don't skimp on the protein, as long as it's good meat protein. You can up the calories with butter or goose or duck fat, but really, once they get old and lose the weight, they don't really regain it.

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http://catscanjump.blogspot.com

Wendy, mum to:
Simba von Wurzbachtal, Turkish Van, born Austria, 5/9/10

RIP
Tarka, 1989 - 2008 my gentle Phileas Fogg
Bruno, 2008 - 2010 taken too soon my darling boy
Misi, 1993 - 25/3/2012 My brave, beautiful tabby

Hmm perhaps the OP will fill us in when they are next online.

You need to identify and rule out any underlying medical causes of the weight loss first before looking to food. A ravenous appetite accompanied by weight loss/diarrhea suggests hyperthyrodism which can be confirmed by a blood test. Once treated symptoms will subside.

A full geriatric panel at the vets. Incidentally it's very important to diagnose and treat hyperT early to minimise damage to organs like heart and kidneys.

Misi...Missed this earlier. Not sure I totally agree with the vet here. For instance is Misi receiving any B12 or indeed just B vitamins? Most older cats, regardless of concurrent conditions, are found to be deficient in B12 and of course in the case of CRF, the cats are more susceptible to loss through increased urination.
Supplementing B12 can help a great deal with absorption of nutients for one thing and leads to weight gain. I would discuss with vet. Helen's site also has a section.

I did get her a B based senior multivit, that was supposed to be "tasty" and of course she hates it. We're having another nightmare with her mouth at the moment and it's hard to get anything down her, but yes, I'll try and find a way of getting her to take it. Thanks, I'm sure it will help her.

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http://catscanjump.blogspot.com

Wendy, mum to:
Simba von Wurzbachtal, Turkish Van, born Austria, 5/9/10

RIP
Tarka, 1989 - 2008 my gentle Phileas Fogg
Bruno, 2008 - 2010 taken too soon my darling boy
Misi, 1993 - 25/3/2012 My brave, beautiful tabby