My cat is just skin and bones

[Joannahmadrid]

My 11 yr old (female) long hair domestic cat Mia, was a healthy (chubby) cat just 6 mo ago.  We started noticing that she was loosing weight, but she was eating just the same and the weight loss made her more active.  But in the last month we noticed that she drastically lost weight (12 lbs to 4) and was drinking a lot more water than usual, from a cup a day to about 5 cups a day (maybe even more), and is urinating 4 to 5 times a day a large amount. She is an indoor cat (single cat in home), no flees, and no worm segments in stool, although 5 yrs ago she had to be dewormed. She was eating the same amount of food untill a week ago, now she scarcely eats, but seems to be hungry all the time. Anyone have any thoughts?  I love my Mia, but cannot afford to take her to the vet much less pay for treatments/lab exams, etc.( I have a child with medical needs).
~Joanna

[Joannahmadrid]

Thanks you guys, I will do just as you recommend.  Both my family and Mia are very grateful.  Wish us good health!
~Joanna

[shelaic1]

If I may, I'll also suggest perhaps hyperthyroidism.  The rapid weight loss especially is pretty standard.  My cat has it now, and she's been eating and drinking a lot more.  If there is any diarrhea or if she seems to have a quicker heartbeat, I'd take her to get checked out.  I spent maybe 70 on getting mine diagnosed, and the surgery to fix it is only costing about 300 at my vet because they know my finances are tight.  The trick is to find a vet who will work with you, maybe even with payments if they know you're in a bind.

Good luck!

[zodiacqueen]

I'm glad to hear that Mia is doing better.  I am still very concerned about her drinking a lot of water.  That worries me...BIG time.  That is not a sign of worms.  Please keep your eye on that.  Honestly, it points to diabetes.  Medhelp has an awesome community of veterinarians that you can ask this same question to.  They are very caring and helpful.  Scroll down this page and look under Related Expert Forums and click on Animal Health-General.  A real vet will answer your question, and many times more than one will answer.  =)

I realize that you're in a bind financially, but I really think that you should start researching ahead of time to see what vets will work with you.  It's better to be prepared now, then have to scramble and be stressed trying to find a vet in an emergency.  You can try calling your local humane society or ASPCA-I bet they will have some good suggestions for you.

Please come back with updates.....I really do care!!!  =)

[Joannahmadrid]

Hi thank you so much for your suggestion.  I did some more research as you suggested and there were a few more causes that had the same symptoms.  I treated my cat for worms, even though I didnt find any in her stool, and she has began to gain weight again. Her coat is shinny and silky again and her appetite is back.  She is still drinking prenty of water, but not nearly as much as before and her urine output is back to normal.

Thank you for caring enough to reply to my comment,

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, your cat has all the symptoms of diabetes and/or kidney disease.  These are very common in kitties over 7 yrs old.  Do an internet search.  There are some very reliable sites out there, especially Cornell University's web site.  They have a veterinary school w/ some info for us pet owners.  They are reliable and wouldn't put false info out there.  

I hate to tell ya this, but this condition is deadly and she really does need immediate treatment and most likely insulin injections.  There really isn't any treatment at home that you can do.  If you love your cat, you must try to find a way to get her the treatment that she desperately needs.