Eliot - How thin is too thin??

**BitsyNaceyDog** · 11-19-2005, 08:02 AM

I hope everything went well with Elliot. I have a skinny cat too. My cat, Kitten, is a black cat that I swear has Russian Blue in his lineage. Everything about him screams Russian Blue- his slim, sleak body, the shape and look of his head, ears, etc., and he has the attitude of a Russian Blue. The only thing with Kitten that doesn't suggest Russian Blue is that his fur is BLACK!

Oh, and every Russian Blue that I've met has the same meow as Kitten.

Anyway, Russian Blues are thin cats by nature, my bet is that Elliot is that way too. (I know others have suggested that too.) I hope that's the case anyway.

**sirrahbed** · 11-19-2005, 09:12 AM

I wrote the date down wrong - today (Saturday) is Eliot's appointment.

I went back through his medical record and his last three visits were as follows: 9 pounds, 8.8 pounds, 8.2 pounds and this morning on our scale, he is about 7 pounds though that is not accurate I am sure. The appointment is at 11:45 today. I wish I had taken him earlier but did not want to be neurotic as usual.....am glad we are going in.

Thank you so much for the comments and I will update after we see the vet.

**catfamily** · 11-19-2005, 11:57 AM

Keep us updated.Losing 2 pounds is a lot I think.

**kimlovescats** · 11-19-2005, 02:14 PM

Like "us" people, most cat owners tend to let their kitties get overweight ... thinking that they are "fat and healthy" .... the feline is supposed to be slim and muscular, ribs easily felt, but not seen. However, if Eliot has continually lost weight at his visits, then a vet check is definitely in order.
Hoping for some positive news soon!

Hugs,
Kim

**catarius** · 11-19-2005, 03:11 PM

Glad you're taking him in. It's always best to get them checked out.
Scott

**Barbara** · 11-19-2005, 03:33 PM

I'm sorry he loses weight. 2 lb is quite a bit- hope it is nothing serious.

**jenluckenbach** · 11-19-2005, 03:58 PM

UPDATE?????

**sirrahbed** · 11-19-2005, 06:06 PM

Thank you so much for the comments, suggestions and folks concerned for Eliot. At the vet he was 8.2 ounces so only down one full pound but that is too much for one year. The vet checked him over really well and said that there are no outstanding indications of a potentially serious problem except for the weight loss - things like enlarged heart or thyroid, irregular heart sounds or breathing, or masses - things like that. His gums look healthy and evrything feels normal but still, a pound is too much to lose he thought - so I am really glad I brought him in. Our vet was cautious and concerned but not overly so...They drew blood to check thyroid, blood sugar and a bunch of panels and tests. I need to collect a stool and urine over the weekend and the blood results will be ready by Monday and they will call about what to do next. So, I guess this is all good news. Whew!

Eliot's fur is shedding more than normal and it feels rather coarse - like wool. Other than that - it is just that appearance of being too thin because he acts about like normal. really, the only change we notice is that he is more insistant for attention than normal but this is only since Boomer arrived and all of the kitties act a bit different with the new foster.

I will update again on Monday - hope I can write that Eliot is healthy but a bit thin. He IS a picky eater and always has been - can't be tempted with treats or wet food. Thanks!!

**Kirsten** · 11-19-2005, 06:35 PM

I'm glad that Eliot has seen the vet today! Let's hope his blood test results will come back negative; I'll keep my fingers crossed! Hopefully you'll get good news on Monday!

Keeping you and Eliot in my thoughts,
Kirsten

**jenluckenbach** · 11-19-2005, 07:11 PM

Prayers for a good blood test result.

**catfamily** · 11-19-2005, 08:08 PM

I'm glad he had all kinds of tests taken.That was a great thing to do.I hope he's fine.Maybe just uptight about something.Jealousy?God... my cats get so jealous of each other.They get upset so easy.Let's hope it's that instead of a health problem.

**Uabassoon** · 11-19-2005, 09:11 PM

Keeping my fingers crossed for good test results. But I also agree with some people that it could be genetic. My friend has two cats that are brothers and both are so thin, they eat well and are perfectly normal they just have very thin frames. However Corskcrew did offer to give Elliot one of his extra pounds if he wants it

**krazyaboutkatz** · 11-20-2005, 02:24 AM

Debbie, I'm so glad that you took him to the vet and had blood work done. Hopefully everything will be normal.

Does he play a lot with his younger siblings? If so, then maybe this is the reason why he's lost some weight. He may be getting more excerise than he did before you had them. Maybe he should start eating a food that's higher in calories. I know that even though my Sunny is 5 years old now, he also needs higher calories than his 3 year old brother Sky. I'll be praying for good news. Take care.

**smokey the elder** · 11-20-2005, 08:41 AM

It's interesting about his hair loss and change in coat texture. I know firsthand about changes in hair with thyroid condition in people; does the same thing happen in cats, I wonder?

Hopefully all the poking and prodding will lead to an answer!

**RedHedd** · 11-20-2005, 12:42 PM

The weight loss combined with the change in fur texture would give me cause for concern. I'm glad you took him in for testing. I hope it's nothing that can't be treated with perhaps a change in diet to improve his coat. I know you'll keep us updated.