Slinky the 14-year-old domestic short-hair cat,, had always sported a sleek, shiny coat. However, her owner Audrey noticed that Slinky’s fur had started looking a little unkempt and dull over the last few months. The cat also appeared to have gradually lost weight, despite being as keen to eat as ever.

Audrey decided to book Slinky in for a veterinary check-up. Upon spotting her cat carrier, Slinky initiated a cheeky game of hide-and-seek but was eventually successfully deposited into the box and transported to the clinic.

The vet examined Slinky and found that she had lost about 400g since her last weigh-in (nine months ago). Through discussion with Audrey, it was revealed that Slinky had also likely been drinking more water than she used to.

Some of the potential causes of weight loss and increased drinking in older cats were discussed, the most common of which are:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland)
• Diabetes
• Gut disease

Audrey consented to general blood tests to assess Slinky’s organ function and thyroid hormone levels. The possibility of an abdominal ultrasound was also mentioned, if the blood tests showed no significant findings.

Slinky’s blood tests showed normal kidney function but significantly increased thyroid hormone levels indicating hyperthyroidism. They also showed mild liver changes, thought to result from the thyroid condition.

Audrey and her vet discussed the options for treatment of Slinky’s condition, which included management with a long-term medication or prescription thyroid diet, or referral for one-off radioactive iodine treatment, which can achieve a permanent cure.

It was agreed to start Slinky on oral medications to assess her initial response to treatment. After a month of treatment, Slinky showed good improvement on her recheck blood tests and a bit of healthy weight gain, so Audrey elected to continue this management option long-term.

Slinky is now sleek and shiny once more and seems generally happy and healthy. However, she still doesn’t appreciate the cat carrier!