my cat is underweight yet she eats why is this?

by loran woods
(northampton)

hi my cat is very old and she eats but not as much as id like her to she looks very thin but she never puts weight on. she also has a skin condition her skin is dry and flaky and scabby in places. she used to have quite alot of bald patches but they have grown back now. She had fleas but we hav managed to get rid of them now. Im very worried about her, although she is ok in herself she purrs all day and plays with her toys. What do you fink coukd be wrong? Id be extremley greatful for your advice thanku

Answer by KAte
Hi
well old age can cause cats to look thin and less toned than a younger cat. it all depends really on how thin she is as there are some conditions which can cause weight loss, like a thyroid condition
http://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-thyroid.html
or diabetes
http://www.our-happy-cat.com/feline-diabetes.html

I really do think it would be worth taking her to the vets perhaps for a simple blood test to rule out any underlying condition. These sorts of conditions can be treated so the sooner diagnosis is made the better, hopefully though it is just an old age problem and nothing to worry about, so a trip to the vets is worth just to put your mind at rest.

best wishes Kate