12yo weight loss and vet notes

Hi everyone. I’m looking for some second opinions on what my vet recommended for my 12-year-old male, Oliver. He’s been losing weight despite a ravenous appetite, and the bloodwork came back showing early hyperthyroidism.

The vet suggested switching him to a specific high-protein dry food to help manage his weight and muscle mass, but I’m worried about the portion sizes. He used to eat way more kibble than what we’re giving him now, and I’m not sure if this is enough. I documented the full history in Oliver's thyroid numbers, but I’d like to know if anyone else has done this transition.

Hi Ruth. Sorry to hear about Oliver’s diagnosis. I have similar concerns with Whiskers, who is 8 and in CKD stage 1. My vet also recommended a high-protein diet, but we had to be very careful with the phosphorus levels.

You can check out High protein dry food for seniors for a list of brands that have worked for other members. The portion size is tricky because hyperthyroid cats burn calories fast, but you don't want to overfeed. Did the vet give you a specific gram weight per day?

I don't have a senior cat, but I follow the nutrition threads closely. My Mochi is only 2, but I know protein is key. I think the vet is right to go high-protein. Dry food is easier to measure than wet, which might be why they suggested it. Just make sure he's drinking enough water, since dry food is dehydrating.

@AnnaC That thread is really helpful, thank you. The vet did say 60 grams per day, split into two meals. It feels like a tiny amount compared to what he used to eat, which was probably over 100 grams.

I’m also reading Dietary management of hyperthyroidism to see if diet alone is enough or if I should expect medication soon. Oliver is very picky, so I’m nervous about changing his food.

My Sophie is 5 and very anxious, so any change in routine stresses her out. I wonder if Oliver is stressed by the new food texture? Sometimes cats will lose weight because they’re scared of the new bowl or the smell. Have you tried warming the food up a bit? It helps with Sophie.

Oh wow, high protein! That sounds intense! My Bella is only 2, but I know Felix gets bored easily. I’m definitely going to bookmark Protein and CKD stage 1 because I want to make sure I’m not confusing the needs of a thyroid cat with a kidney cat. They seem opposite in some ways!

@felix_mama Good point. I was wondering if I should look at the CKD threads too, just in case his kidneys are starting to struggle. I think I’ll stick to the vet’s plan for now. Also, for anyone else with a senior, Feeding my blind cat Shadow has some tips on keeping the food bowl in the same spot so they don’t get confused. Oliver isn’t blind, but he is getting a bit wobbly.