He is about 13 years old and has always been v healthy but lately I've noticed that he's taking about 3 times as long to eat his meals as my 3 yr old cat, and seems to lick the jelly off it rather than eat the meaty chunks. A while ago he had 2 teeth out and that helped but he seems to be really having problems again. I am going to take him to the vet but obviously because of his age I am concerned.

I've not noticed him drinking/weeing any more frequently than normal as obviously I did wonder about his renal failiure as he has gradually lost a bit of weight although not to a dramatic degree, and it has been over the past yr/yr and a half rathar than losing it within months.

I'm worried because he is my darling and has been my companion for many years and I would be devastated to lose him - so would my other cat Fred. In your opinion does it sound like a teeth/gum problem or could it be a symptom of something really nasty. Obviously I will only really find out with a trip to the vets but I guess I'm just looking for some advice (and reassurance) from experienced cat keepers.

Also, is there anyone who has similar problems that has discovered a good alternative food that's easier for them to eat?

Thanks for looking.
Karen

PS He still has a very healthy appetite and is the first in the queue at meal times.

The only way to find out is a trip to the vets. Also it will put your mind at ease.
Does his breath smell? As this sometimes can indicate kidney problems.
As for feeding, you could mash his food up with fork so there isn't any meaty chunks.
My furry boy is 15 and has lost a few teeth and that's what i do. He makes a bit of a mess over the floor but who cares!!
Hope this helps.

Thank you, yes he has got manky breath actually. I have been mashing up his food with a fork but he still struggles and is spitting it everywhere (not that that matters) he is managing to get it down but I shall take him to the vets as soon as I can get my neighbour to help as he hates cat baskets and is much less stressed just sitting with someone in the car. My mum told me that you can get cat food that's like a pate with no lumps in at all so I am off to go get some of that this evening from Pets at Home.

Just want to make things easier for him really.

Thanks for your help.
Karen

Hi,
If he is dropping food and has smelly breath that to me would indicate a dental problem.
With kidney failure yes u can get a sore mouth due to oral ulceration but they do tend not to be interested in food that much.
I think a senior check up at the vets just to find out whats happening.
Incidently sometimes (I am not saying this has happened in ur case) but vets can remove teeth but leave fragments of root behind which can breakdown, rot and cause abscesses, even breaking a tooth by accidents can cause pain and pos infection. Its just a though as to why ur cat is reluctant to eat the solids and pref the gravy.

Yes you're probably right thank you. He has munched his way through Gourmet pate (no lumps) at 63p a tin this evening so that's fairly reassuring.