This is a specific conversation about Senior cat care — what changes and what helps — ask about yours and get one honest answer for your exact situation.
inparticular.ai
A very thin 15-year-old Siamese who feels cold all the time — that combination tells me something important is going on metabolically, and it's worth taking seriously. Siamese are actually one of the breeds most prone to hyperthyroidism, which causes exactly this: weight loss despite a decent appetite, and an inability to hold body heat. Kidney disease can do the same. Has your vet checked her thyroid levels and kidney function recently? And is she still eating willingly, or has her appetite dropped off too?
She had bloods done about four months ago and her thyroid and kidneys were both fine at that point. She's eating but not with any enthusiasm. She just picks at things. She used to love food.
inparticular.ai
Good that her bloods were clear — though four months is a meaningful window at her age, so it's worth repeating them if she continues to lose condition. The picking-at-food behaviour in elderly cats is often down to reduced smell sensitivity, dental discomfort, or just the general slowing of appetite that comes with age. For a cat who's thin, cold, and eating half-heartedly, the immediate priority is getting more calories in per mouthful, and making food as enticing as possible. Warming it slightly helps a lot — it releases aroma and brings it closer to body temperature, which thin cats especially appreciate. What are you currently feeding her?
A mix of whatever senior wet food was on offer, honestly. I didn't realise it mattered that much which one.
inparticular.ai
It matters quite a bit at this stage, especially for a Siamese of her age. Many 'senior' wet foods are actually calorie-restricted — designed for heavier, less active older cats — which is the opposite of what your girl needs. You want something calorie-dense, highly palatable, and easy to eat. My recommendation is Royal Canin Intense Beauty in Gravy, specifically the 85g pouches. Despite the name, it's not just a coat food — it's a rich, high-moisture, high-palatability recipe that thin and fussy senior cats tend to eat much more readily than standard pâtés. The gravy format is easy to warm slightly in a bowl of hot water, which makes a real difference for a cold cat. It's not a therapeutic kidney or thyroid diet, so it's appropriate while her levels are still normal. Give her three to four small servings across the day rather than two big ones — smaller meals are easier for an elderly digestive system and keep her metabolism ticking.
That sounds manageable. Should I be worried she's cold all the time — is that just age, or is it a sign something's wrong?
inparticular.ai
It's both, honestly. Older cats do lose the ability to thermoregulate as efficiently, especially when they're underweight — there's simply less body mass to retain heat. But persistent coldness in a thin cat is also a flag for hyperthyroidism, anaemia, or early heart disease, all of which can develop between blood test intervals. I'd give her a warm spot — a self-heating pad like the Snugglesafe microwavable disc is excellent and doesn't need electricity — and I'd book a vet check sooner rather than later given the weight loss is continuing. Four months is a long time at 15. The food change can start now; the vet visit shouldn't wait too long.
Really helpful, thank you. I'll get the Royal Canin and book her in.
inparticular.ai
Good plan. Warm the pouches slightly, offer small amounts often, and don't be discouraged if she takes a few days to settle into the new food — fussy seniors sometimes need a transition. The combination of better nutrition and a warm resting place should help her feel more comfortable while you get the vet's view on what's driving the weight loss. She's lucky to have someone paying this much attention at 15.
