Our cat is 17 years old. He is constantly hungry - we give him wet and dry food and he always has something to drink. When he came back from the cattery two weeks ago we noticed that when he purrs he makes a really strange noise and are not sure what this is, he does not appear to be in pain or uncomfortable. As I say, he wants food all the time but is getting thinner. He is a neutered blind male cate. Thank you

Hi

As an elderly cat he has several problems and the most likely possibilities are either diabetes or an overactive thyroid. Has the blindness ever been given a diagnosis? The symptoms are serious and cannot be left because they will shorten his life if ignored. Only a vet diagnosis and some blood tests can help work out exactly what is causing him to lose weight whilst over eating. Treatment does exist for these conditions.

Cathy Wickenden BVet Med MRCVS
Barton Lodge Veterinary Centre
1 Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 5BH
Tel: 01442 216048 24 hours
[www.bartonlodgevets.co.uk]