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Why is my cat not gaining weight?

Tazz is around 13. Everyone comments on how skinny he is and that you can see his bones. About a year ago I moved out of my parents house, and at the same time they started putting him outdoors because he would poop inside on the carpet. He spent one winter outside and he was just about to go through his second, when I took him in for some company. The first week, he was still pooping and even peeing on my bath mats. He started throwing up when I fed him, even places where he sleeps. I didn't realize until then that he most likely still had worms, and my cheap parents had never treated him. The cat does not like it when I pet him in certain spots, let alone try to pick him up to hold him. He still growls constantly and even tries biting me if I pet the wrong spot. I got him some de-worming medicine from a pet store, and it seemed to be working. He wasn't pooping and peeing on the floor, but he hasnt gained any weight back. What should I do? I have no money for the vet!

Public Comments

1. http://www.veterinaryhelp.net/ this is a site to FREE vet help
2. Well, if he hasn't been on the medication very long, I wouldn't think it would kick in right away, and the worms may still be in him, but I would just give him a little more time.
3. Unfortunately, this is a situation that needs a vet. Your cat is a senior citizen. There are alot of things that could be going wrong with him. Not wanting to be petted in certain spots can indicate arthritis and or other ailments. Kidney infections can cause alot of pain in the back. Find a vet who will let you make payments or volunteer time. If you have no other resources, surrender him to a "no kill" shelter, tell them you cant afford medical treatment and that you want him to get the help he deserves.
4. At 13, he could have a chronic illness like hyperthyroidism, or he could be dealing with tapeworms, pet-store dewormers can't kill those. Or it may be something else entirely. Kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease are all possible. If he has fleas, he probably has tapes too, since fleas carry tapeworm eggs. That would be a cheap fix at the vet. Thyroid disease is more expensive to diagnose since bloodwork must be done, and it would require daily medication for life to treat. The behavioral issues make me suspect it isn't just worms.
5. you might not have the right worm medicine. cats get tape worms but you can get the medicine and it should work if he has fleas most likely its that. also he may have fur balls you can get a tube of medicine to give him, they usually like the flavor. and your cats age he might have arthritis. and it hurts when you pet him in some spots.
6. At 13 years there's many things that could be going wrong with this cat. And giving it a dewormer when you probably weren't even sure if he HAS worms or the type of worm could only make matters WORSE. This cat needs to see a vet - there's no choice here. Borrow the money. Work extra to make the money. Do without a few things to have money for the vet. And if none of those are possible - then surrender this poor sick cat to a shelter so that someone with the means to care for him can adopt him. VERY sad. How cruel of your parents to take a cat that lived indoors for so many years and toss him outside like that - they should be ashamed of themselves! Did THEY ever take this cat to a vet to see if maybe an illness was WHY he was going to the bathroom in the house? I really don't understand how someone can have a pet for so many years and still have zero compassion for it.
7. That is so sad. I understand your situation but your cat needs some help, I liked the animal care shelter idea someone gave. I know it must be hard for you but don't you want him to be okay? Actually I'm not sure if I would be able to give up my cat like that, so I don't know... Maybe give the medicine a little more time. See if there are any nutritional vitamin flakes or something on the shelves, I don't know, we have some for our tortoise. Wow, as if that helped... haha. Sorry. Actually my cat has weight issues too, she's extremely thin. We just feed her canned cat food, it seems to look more filling and healthier for an old cat. I hope I helped maybe a little, though I doubt it. ;) Best wishes for you and your cat... Good luck, Lisa May
8. Well, I hate to tell you this, it sounds like your cat may have some serious health issues. When cats get older, they tend to have health issues. He may be 'blocked', having urinary crystals that have lodged in his urethra may be the reason he's growling when you pet him, it's VERY painful for them. There's also the possibility that his organs aren't doing so well...cats particularly have problems with their kidneys as they get older, most of the time. As you know, it would be best to get him to a vet...perhaps your parents will help with the situation. All the best for you and your baby. (My cat is also 13 years old, and I have her on a low protein diet - Medical - b/c her kidneys aren't the greatest). I hope all goes well for you and your baby!
9. your cat needs to eat lots of food. well all you have to do is maybe leave him some free time to do things. maybe your cat has something wrong with the his system body. if you have no money for the vet you should atleast take care of it very much. he likes to have attention.