Why is my senior cat eating more, cold paws, and friendlier?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Cow is having issues. As cats age, they can develop a variety of metabolic issues, including an overactive thyroid, diabetes, and kidney disease, among others. These can lead to appetite changes, as well as fur changes. I would recommend Cow be evaluated by his regular veterinarian, have any necessary testing done (bloodwork, skin evaluation) and start any medications that may be needed. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Cold feet could be an indication of dehydration, low blood pressure, hypothermia, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Chaz evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment as this can be something concerning. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

When an senior cat is eating more frequently yet losing weight, this can be a sign of hyperthyroidism. With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is secreting too much hormone which causes an increase in the pets metabolism and subsequent weight loss. Have your vet check Hopes T4 levels to see if she is hyperthyroid and in need of medication to help stabilize her hormones so that she doesn't continue to waste away. This is easily diagnosed and treated with medication (i.e. Methimazole). Your vet will also want to run baseline bloodwork on your pet to make sure no other disease processes are there.

Certainly personalities can change as cats get older, but i would recommend making sure there isn't a medical explanation for her behavior. We see conditions like hyperthyroidism (a high thyroid level) which can cause increased activity as one of its first signs. If her exam and bloodwork is all normal, it might just be a behavioral change as Princess gets older and is nothing to worry about. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello sorry to hear about Norman. The behavioral changes, the weight loss, and unkempt coat are all signs of hyperthyroidism. If you are also seeing a ravenous appetite (hence the hunting) and increased drinking and urination they may also fit with hyperthyroidism. The only way to know is to test his blood and measure the levels of thyroid hormone. In the mean time, ensure he has adequate access to water and food until you are able to take him to your veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Losing weight despite having a good appetite is a classic sign seen with hyperthyroidism. This is just one possibility among other conditions. I recommend you check in with a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this and proceed with therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

Poor Posh Paws. She is so pretty! If the sore isn't healing, this does requires a visit to the vet. I would take her into the vet first thing in the morning to have this treated. Eating more can also be a sign of a problem such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, which is common in older cats. I also recommend having a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis done. I hope this helps!