Older cat eating A LOT and wowing at night

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Have never posted in the litter tray before as dear old cat has never caused me a moment's concern.

She's suddenly demanding food, and eating it, constantly. Certainly much more than ever before. She pesters at night whenever she sees me (I get up to small DCs frequently) and if I don't get up, she yowls anyway.

She has Advocate regularly so it shouldn't be worms. I realise she needs to see the vet, but that will be awful as she is traumatised by car travel so I've stupidly been putting it off.

What might be going on? She's 12-15 years old (rescued 6 years ago). Thanks.

[tobiasfunke]

Hypothyroidism or diabetes. I've had cats with both of these. The cat with thyroid issues lasted a good 6 years after diagnosis on a daily tablet.
The diabetes needs insulin injections which are very effective. In our case we decided to have our poor cat PTS as we would've had to keep him in as he was a hunter and he would've hated that.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Oh dear. What other symptoms might she have? Mum's cat had hypothyroidism, but she was truly ancient (died at 23 - so I don't think of mine as very old!).

[Irishmammybread]

I would definitely book an appointment with your vet, and bring her in fasted from the night before in case they want to run a blood test.
Has she lost weight? Is she drinking more than normal?
Older animals can go senile which can involve eating more and vocalization but as tobias has said conditions such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism could be possible,both of which are easy to diagnose and can be treated.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

I couldn't keep her in. She hates living with the dog and prefers the neighbour's garden. Not really much of a hunger anymore, but did bring in a bird today.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

She may have lost weight. At least, she hasn't put any on since the increased eating has begun. Hard to monitor her drinking as she's one of those odd creatures who won't drink from cat bowls and prefers alternative sources...

[Irishmammybread]

Cats tend to have hyperthyroidism(over active thyroid), dogs are more prone to hypothyroidism(under active).
They often drink more as well as eating more, lose weight,can be a bit hyperactive and have a fast heart rate. It is easily diagnosed with a blood test.
Treatment can involve daily medication, surgery to remove the affected gland or in some cases can be controlled with a special prescription diet.

[Origamiboat]

Worms?

[ExitPursuedTheRoyalPrude]

Feline dementia? Mine used to wail all bloody night. Although she was in her 20s.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Hyperthyroidism and diabetes would be the very top of my list both can be well controlled, but benefit from prompt diagnosis.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

Vets as soon as I'm home then. She's with DH this week while I'm away - he's noticed it for the first time. I suppose I'd just got used to her.

[cozietoesie]

You do get used to animals' ways but she's of an age now where it would be best to get her to the vets and (probably) fully tested.

Best of luck and let us know how she gets on.

[tobiasfunke]

Hyperthyroidism is what I mean to say. My cat had it from he was 12. I hope all goes well at the vet for you.

[CatOfTheDay]

The first thing I thought was hyperthyroidism - my 14 year old girl has it. It's controlled with medication now, but before that she was eating loads, meowing a lot and acting very skittish.