What can I do for an older cat to interest him to eat?

[lheather]

I own a sixteen year old log hair. He's in excellent health but I just can't seem to interest him in food. This has been going on for about a two week period. We've given him soft food of different varities, fish and two regular dry foods that he's eaten since birth.
Is he just getting finicky in his old age? He's starting to look a little on the scrawny side.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Lisa

[coppersmom]

Maybe he can't smell. I've learned on this site that if a cat is sick and can't smell he won't eat, so seems to reason that could be your cat's issue too--that he can't smell. Have you tried to heat up the canned food?

That's all I've got lol. Maybe someone more knowledgable will post soon!

[Mary_NH]

any change in a cat's behavior, especially at that age, should warrant a vet visit. Complete bloodwork to make sure kidneys/liver function is going okay.
I don't have any advice other than get a complete physical done for your cat. I always start getting yearly bloodwork done on my cats at around 9 years of age -it's a great way to catch something early.
But that's where I would start - physical exam and bloodwork, then get the advice of your vet as to foods that would be beneficial for your senior kitty.

[saturdayspirit]

Myself i tried doing a few things recommended which was heating my cats food a little bit (wet cat food) Adding some catnip to his meal. it worked for a bit but his health slowly declined. I would get bloodwork for done for sure.

[lunaguy]

What Mary_NH said.

Sorry to hear about this, I hope that the little guy starts getting his appetite back again! Good luck, and keep us updated.

[sunset05]

I agree with everyone. A Vet visit will help ease your concern and he can tell you how you can help get your kitty to eat. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

[Maraya]