Very lean/skinny cat

Pat S. · Post by **Pat S.** » Mon May 05, 2003 7:47 pm

This is not an urgent concern like the raising of my foster babies, but I just wondered what you all think about a cat who is extremely skinny. William is a four year old neutered male that I adopted as a stray when he was about 10-12 weeks old. I had never seen such a skinny cat with such huge ears and a really long monkey tail.

He's always been a character with so much personality and zest, but I've always been concerned about his weight. He's long and long legged, but he only weighs 8.5 pounds. He was 8.0 at last year's annual checkup, and 8.5 the year before. My vet doesn't get too upset about anything, and I forced him to run bloodwork on him two years ago. He feels that he's perfectly healthy and just "keeps himself real slim."

William also has always had bad breath, but I assume any kidney problems would have shown up? Could there be something that my vet wouldn't have tested for that may be a problem?

With Sarah's obesity and William's thinness, I'm not feeling like a very good mother.

Maybe this is why I never had children...

Post by **Traci** » Mon May 05, 2003 8:00 pm

Pat, you can use this Body score condition chart to gauge at what score William is at. If you feel he falls below optimal weight, then see another vet for a second opinion.

It could be that he is naturally sleek and trim due to his energy level and exercise routine. As long as he has good lean body mass and good muscle structure, it may not be concerning. But, if you can see and feel his ribs when examining, it's time for a second opinion.

Cheryl · Post by **Cheryl** » Mon May 05, 2003 9:45 pm

Pat, I know this probably isn't the case with William, but your description of him makes me think of what my Dad used to say about cats who eat grasshoppers. He said they would be very skinny if they ate a lot of grasshoppers. I don't know why he thought this or if it was even true or not. Not sure where you live but around here it's a little early for grasshoppers so it's not likely to be the case ,especially since he's always been skinny. Maybe cats are like people, some are just skinny? If the vet says he's healthy and he acts and plays normally he's probably just a skinny kitty, but I know how you feel. I would worry about a skinny cat, too, thinking I wasn't feeding him enough. Good luck! Cheryl

Tina B and crew · Post by **Tina B and crew** » Tue May 06, 2003 8:19 am

Pat....I agree with Traci...probably just one of those thin cats...our Khanada is one of those, high energy and very sleek. Willow is somewhat sleek too. As far as his breath, that could be a dental issue...I'd have your vet check him for any problems in that area

Pat S. · Post by **Pat S.** » Tue May 06, 2003 9:52 pm

Thanks, all. That chart helped, Traci. He has a really concave middle, but I can't see or feel his ribs, so I think he's just wiry. He has little, dainty feet, too, and used to jump straight up in the air, turn around 180 degrees, and land facing the opposite direction. A ballet dancer!