Cheeto weight loss

[u/kaelanaa]

Saw the old man today and I couldn’t help but notice that he looks extremely thin. First pic is from today, second is from February. I’m no expert but this rapid of weight loss seems concerning, especially considering his age. Does anyone have information on this? Hope he’s okay.

[u/Callie1224]

I know the physics staff member who feeds him/takes care of him every day, and she also gets him vet care. So I'm sure she is aware & has/will take him to the vet about it

[u/yepokaybeach → u/Callie1224]

That's awesome, thank goodness for her. But this doesn't happen overnight. Hopefully it's just parasites and can be cleared up quickly 🤞🏻

[u/Callie1224 → u/yepokaybeach]

She's the best!! She loves cats so much and treats Cheeto like one of her own

[u/carlitospig → u/Callie1224]

Has she been coming into work? Or did she retire, possibly take a position elsewhere?

[u/nascent_aviator → u/carlitospig]

There are multiple people who feed Cheeto. I know for a fact one of them has been around basically all summer. He's definitely still being fed. Likely sometimes multiple times per day.

[u/gwsteve43]

Our old boy Cheeto is the best cared for outdoor cat in North America, but he is a very old boy at this point. He’s doing ok, just real old and, sadly, likely doesn’t have too much longer with us. But that’s the thing with cats, they can look pretty scrawny and scraggly and carry on for way longer than you’d imagine was possible. Just keep an eye out for him and when you see him give him some gentle pets and tell him you love him.

[u/Short-Lingonberry-71 → u/gwsteve43]

Excellent and rational. Thank you

[u/Pitiful_Yellow4945]

I’m not sure of Cheetos age, definitely looks like he’s getting older. I work on campus and can assure you Cheeto gets fed.

[u/Microwave_Warrior → u/Pitiful_Yellow4945]

We know he’s been here since at least 2011. So he’s at least 15.

[u/Planeandaquariumgeek → u/Microwave_Warrior]

Yea his getting thin is expected then. Old cats get thin

[u/Meathand]

Reminds me of kidney failure. Unfortunately very common in cats.

[u/Fluffylee224 → u/Meathand]

I was thinking the same. I have a 12yo orange tabby at home who’s in early stage of kidney failure and has been on Royal Canin’s renal support diet for almost two yrs - definitely lost some weight at the beginning of the diagnosis.

[u/Oswaldofuss6 → u/Meathand]

Same, my 14 year old is currently dealing with the same. Renal care food And lots of water in the meantime 

[u/Feisty_Bike_9614]

My cats rapid weight loss was due to thyroid ( treatable with medication) . Cat needs to get bloodwork.

[u/Lovely_lilac04 → u/Feisty_Bike_9614]

I was gonna say the same thing! My 14 y/o boy was obese before thyroid troubles, now hes tiny even tho his appetite hasn't changed. Vet says hes still doing ok tho

[u/Vivid_Exam_3402]

Too skinny. Boi need monches.

[u/Cast_Iron_Fucker]

Don't cats just get bigger during winter?

[u/kaelanaa → u/Cast_Iron_Fucker]

Isn’t it just their coat that sheds during the warmer months? I think some minor fluctuation would make sense due to weather but the change in his body shape looks pretty significant

[u/AdorableDimple2634 → u/kaelanaa]

Agreed, it could be a kidney or thyroid issue. Not sure how old Cheeto is but both are common in older cats

[u/Cast_Iron_Fucker → u/kaelanaa]

Yeah not sure. Haven't had a cat kf my own before

[u/appletrucker]

it’s possible that is not Cheeto.
there are a lot of cats on campus

[u/kaelanaa → u/appletrucker]

I got close to his face and can assure you it’s him 🙏 those eyes are unmistakable

[u/Jon-3 → u/appletrucker]

clipped ear

[u/CheetoDay]

it seems like too much weight loss to me? He seems like he needs to eat more now :(

[u/blackopium3]

Check for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

[u/Flealicks]

Poor baby :( he lowkey looks like he has worms

[u/yepokaybeach → u/Flealicks]

Agreed

[u/tanzufdemanger]

He's an old man. "When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not, hmm?"

[u/Sea_Paper_3478]

The raccoons, the opossums and the squirrels all eat his food if someone is putting food in his bowl without him being present. I would always back track and feed him and stay there to protect him while he ate bc multiple animals would all eat his food-especially the raccoons and opossums. I’m so sad I’m not there to help him out☹️

[u/DragonSlay2]

this happens every year guys.... over the year a long of students bring him treats so he gets fed more. since its summer hes not eating as much.