Del has lost a ton of weight.....

[moosmom]

Given her age, I'd ask the vet to take another blood panel checking her kidneys. My RB Murphy lost 4 lbs in less than a month. Turns out her kidneys were failing. It can come on real quick.

[Freedom]

Yup, either CRF (chronic renal failure) or hyperthyroidism are the usual suspects in older cats. Or, it could just be the way the kitty is aging.

For the hyperthyroid, there is a blood test most vets don't make. They routinely test TSH levels; but that can be normal, where a T4 / T3 test will show an issue.

(Sorry I forget if it is the T3 or the T4, but the vet will know which one.)

[Tallchic]

I actually had them do a test for hyperthyroid also and that came back normal too. I have also tried to put a litter box down with unpopped popcorn to try to get a clean urine sample but she absolutely refuses to use it. I am wondering about her kidneys. There is a blood test specifically for the kidneys?? I will have to get that done.

[Medusa]

Ask your vet for something to put in the litter box so that you can get a clean urine sample. It's very absorbent and it looks like black rice. It does sound as though it could be CRF or even acute renal failure (hope not); the symptoms are there but whatever the case, I think she needs to go back to the vet, especially if it's acute b/c there's no time to lose. Please keep us posted. And keep the faythe.

[Tallchic]

I am definitely going to get a second opinion. I think the vet I have been going to is more of a dog person than a cat person. I appreciate the opinions.

[hilary_mae]

Your cat really isn't that old. While an older cat will gradually experience some kidney function loss (mine is almost 17 and doing very well) you are obviously having some troubling health issues with your pets.

It could be the just bad luck coincidence with your kitties, but it could be environmental. When I was a child, we lost both our cats to a poison that our neighbour was using in his garden to keep away bugs. So it could be anything in an environment. I urge you to see a compassion vet who likes kitties asap. Good luck!