My elderly longhaired cat

by Sally
(London)

I have a 16 year-old male long-haired cat. I have noticed over the last few months that his fur is becoming more and more matted especially round his rear end. I try to cut out the lumps with scissors and brush him but he looks very moth-eaten. He is also always hungry. He eats well and drinks a small bowl of water a day. Otherwise he seems well and sleeps most of the day. He is quite skittish after eating. My policy has always been not to go to the vet unless he seems ill or suffering in any way as it is so expensive but i would be grateful for any feed back on these questions.

Answer by Kate
well considering his age and the symptoms of eating lots and looking a little raggied i would definately say that a trip to the vet is required.
He may be suffering from a thyroid problem which doesn't show itself as the cat being ill but they do start to lose condition and eat and sleeps lot.