Anonymous wrote:OP, I'm glad you're able to treat it! My almost 17-year-old cat was dx'd with thyroid stuff a year ago, and as of last week she had normal levels and doesn't need to go back in for a few months! The thing that we've noticed made the biggest difference is getting her a water fountain---older cats need more water than younger cats. We do the transdermal gel 2x a day, usually while she's casually lounging or napping so she doesn't see it coming/get anxious. I told my DH that cats are like babies---they can smell fear. The more calm/relaxed you are when you approach the cat, the less likely they are to pick up on your feelings/panic.

We have an almost 15 year old cat who we've been treating with the chewable medicine and she also now has normal levels. It's a bit of a pain to make sure she eats all the medicine each day twice a day (especially since we have 2 other cats who can't eat it), but she seems in good enough health and happy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every time I've had an older cat lose weight and start trying to use the litter box all the time its been kidney disease/renal failure. I'm sorry.

Just out my cat down this week for this.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, PP!!! Hugs!

Anonymous wrote:Every time I've had an older cat lose weight and start trying to use the litter box all the time its been kidney disease/renal failure. I'm sorry.

Just out my cat down this week for this.

Anonymous wrote:My mom's cat had kidney problems that they managed successfully for several years, so it's not necessarily a death sentence. Good luck!

+1. I learned to give my cate the saline "bolus" drips at home, and he lived another four years (he was over 20 when he died). It really wasn't hard -- my kitty was pretty cantankerous, but he would sit as still as a statue when I slipped the needle in. I think he knew I was helping him.

OP, I'm glad you're able to treat it! My almost 17-year-old cat was dx'd with thyroid stuff a year ago, and as of last week she had normal levels and doesn't need to go back in for a few months! The thing that we've noticed made the biggest difference is getting her a water fountain---older cats need more water than younger cats. We do the transdermal gel 2x a day, usually while she's casually lounging or napping so she doesn't see it coming/get anxious. I told my DH that cats are like babies---they can smell fear. The more calm/relaxed you are when you approach the cat, the less likely they are to pick up on your feelings/panic.

That's good to know! Thanks, OP, for the update!

OP back again! So it appears to be slightenly high T4 levels, thus, THYROID! Whew, I am so relieved. Well, of course I would prefer zero wrong, but, am just glad actually that a) she found something, b) it dovetails with the physical symptoms, and c) it is relatively easily and in expensively treatable (for now). Vet did say that she has not gotten back the "free T4 levels" but should get those tomorrow, but so far, the thyroid would be her best guess. All other results were normal: white blood cells, liver, creating, etc etc etc. So barring anything unexpected tomorrow with the free T4, we will move ahead with the transdermal thyroid medication.

I cannot thank you enough for all the support here. I have been a longtime DCUM reader and this was undoubtedly one of the warmest and most caring threads! Thank you, all

Fingers crossed for you and your cat, OP. I hope you get good news. I lost my little guy about a year ago to renal disease, but we had it controlled for 7 years.