Have received conflicting advice

[cookcleanerchaufferetc]

I have an old cat - 16 - and not sure what to do, if anything.

He eats like a horse, in that he gets through a month's worth of special food in just over 2 weeks, but he is very thin. He gets wormed so it is not worms and has been tested for everything such as thyroid and more. Vet said it might be a gut problem but it would require surgery, which we are against. He might also have the beginnings of arthirtis. He has started pooing in our garden which he has never done before and wees against things. He goes out for five minutes at a time then comes in again. He has become very confrontational with the next door cats who have been there forever. He sleeps alot.

What should I do?

Additional questions:

1. what weight is he currently? has he lost weight?
2. he is on a special diet which one?
3. is he currently on any medication?
4. when did the symptoms start?
5. when did you have the blood test?

Not sure of current weight but over the past few years he lost about a third of his body weight. We had not been to the vet for ages until he got ill, hence why I know that much!

He has special food for old/arthritic cats.

Takes no medication.

Have not taken him to the vets as he is happy in himself and not in pain. Vet wants to open him up about the amount he eats but I dont want to put that on a cat his age.

He thinks twice about jumping up high now whereas a year or two ago he would leap everywhere.

He had loads of tests lasy July and nothing conclusive was found. He has not got much worse but no better, apart for the toilet habits and being confrontational with other cats. He is fine with us.

Thanks

I can't give a 'medical' answer, but if I were in your shoes I would do nothing, and let him eay away. The only other option I might consider is going to a different surgery for a second opinion. ime this can often vary significantly.