Hello, long time cat owner but stumped by this one.
We have 2 male cats - ages 9 and 10 and both domestic shorts. Both cats are a normal weight and so I am loathe to increase food supply when I think they receive the correct amounts for their size and activity levels.
The slightly younger cat ("N") is prone to worms and both cats are treated monthly, by prescription strength spot-on (combined with flea treatment.)
N has, in the last 3 weeks or so, become insufferably hungry all of the time. He is constantly begging and bothering everyone for food. He seems to have lost all interest in anything apart from food, barely even venturing outside except to toilet.
He has no other symptoms. His diet has remained unchanged and consists of 2 wets feeds per day with supplementary access to dry food and water throughout. He has Republic of Cats wet food and Whiskers Senior dry.
I don't think his water intake has increased but it is difficult to tell as he also drinks outdoors.
We moved house around 6 months ago and there are no other houses very nearby (very rural) so I believe it is unlikely that he has had another family or food source which has been cut off. Since the move, he has been very settled. Naturally, we kept him indoors for the first 2 weeks and we have had no issues whatsoever. We have outbuildings and he is a keen mouser... or he was.
N has neither lost nor gained any weight. His fur is still glossy and he still cleans himself regularly. He isn't lethargic, glassy eyed, sad or otherwise displaying any negative behaviours. No injuries and no previous health problems of any kind.
I read online that spot-on combined flea and worming treatments are not very effective at treating tapeworm (although they do work on ring worm). I telephoned the vet (they have his weight on file) and popped in to pick up 2 x Droncit tapeworm tablets which have since been administered and haven't made any difference. Except that I am now covered in cat scratches. 😂
He doesn't have a litter tray but I know where he goes. DH took a walk up there (it's on our land but a bit of a mission and I'm pregnant) and couldn't find any tapeworms in his poo. (Sorry this is a bit TMI now) so I think we have ruled this out.
Do you think it is now worth taking him to our vet for a check up? I'm wondering if he may have diabetes. Unsure if "doctor doctor, my cat is... hungry" is actually a thing. But it's a definite and sudden change in his behaviour that I just have a bad feeling about. Call it mum-tuition. But about a cat. 😅
N really hates: cat carriers; car rides; and being touched by strangers. So vet trip is really a last resort.
Has anyone ever had a suddenly very very hungry cat and what on Earth did you do about it? Am I crazy for taking him to the vet!?
One last thing, both cats have PetPlan Life Cover which includes ongoing treatments if required so no problem with affording treatment.
Thanks for reading.
Signed,
Desperate and Scratched.