If you've noticed some weight loss along with the increased appetite, your cat probably has an illness. 2. Dec 28, 2009. rubyfruit said: We have a cat that was diagnosed with diabetes about 6 months ago. This started a little over a week ago when I noticed she was losing weight. My mother has had him to the vet and they ran blood tests and a thyroid level (T-4 test) and everything has come back normal. The causes of unintentional weight loss in cats range from simple lifestyle changes to serious illness. She has had all her teeth. My dog is 16 yrs old. molochai2580. Rapid weight loss is easy to spot but gradual weight loss can be tricky, especially if your cat is fluffy. Our local vet wants to do an intestinal biopsy. Unknown severity. The vet has done bloodwork, urine tests and xrays and says nothing is wrong and he is healthy. A cat may be skinny and boney because she's getting old. Like most senior . Vision and hearing loss are also common. My cat is going on 16 years old and is not eating much. Pain in stomatitis after extractions. Its major symptoms are tremendous hunger, weight loss, and unusually frequent water intake. Some also tend to eat smaller meals which can be attributed to a decreased sense of smell and loss of teeth. His fur is also looking a little dishevelled. Weight Loss in Old Cat. If your cat is eating well but losing weight, it may have digestive problems. My cat is 14 year old he has reduced eating and has lost weight. By ten to twelve years of age, cats tend to lose weight and their body condition declines. Her weight has dropped from about 13 pounds to 8.2 on Saturday. You should see your doctor if you lose 10 pounds or more, or 5 percent of your body weight over six to 12 months without dieting, exercising or lifestyle changes. to see if the thyroid level has started to come up or if there are other issues.) 1 You have an over-active thyroid. If weight is steadily increasing after 12 months of age, you need to start reducing your cat's food. It seemed to help for a while but then he started to lose weight again. Other symptoms include hyperactivity, and an increase in appetite. I'd recommend that you take him to your veterinarian for evaluation. 30. Unintentional weight loss in cats can be a cause for concern. Infestation of internal parasites, stress, anxiety, depression, a change in food and even moving to a new home can cause a feline to stop eating, leading to a dramatic decrease in body weight. He's only eating moist cat food, and has recently stopped eating it and is only licking the juice. Besides weight loss and halitosis, the scientific name for bad breath, symptoms include increased thirst and urination. Your cat may have lost his appetite, but fortunately, there are ways to fix it. These changes may seem insignificant, but they can cause a lot of stress for cats, which can cause your cat not to eat. Cat losing weight and staring at water bowl. . Hi, I am at a loss here with my 14 yr old cat, she isn't up to date on her shots and has NEVER been ill up till now. For adult cats between 2 to 7 years old, they should weigh about 14 pounds. 4. As cats age and reach 11 to 12 years of age, both caloric and protein intake should be progressively increased by a factor of 1.1 to 1.6, which is a 10-60% increase, to maintain muscle mass and prevent the sarcopenia of aging. Back muscle and tail twitching with my cat Some of the more common reasons cats will cut back on their food intake include: A painful problem in the mouth such as a growth or dental disease. Implement the following precautions if you want your fluffy friend to live a healthy life. But when weight loss also occurs, it could indicate a more sinister condition. He went from 17 pounds to 13 pounds in less than a year's time. Kidney disease occurs fairly often in older cats. . In the U.S., roughly 60 percent of cats are overweight, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.Similarly, 39 to 52 percent of U.K. cats are overweight, according to International Cat Care.Because so many of the cats we see are overweight, a normal weight may seem abnormally thin to their pet parents. 1. 2. Hyperthyroidism is usually thought of as a disease in senior cats but can be diagnosed as early as 6 years, with an average patient age of 13 years old. he had a hernia fixed when he was 6 months old but other than that he has always been fine, please help. This tells me Meow Meow is sick. my 18 year old female cat has been losing weight but she is still eating. The most common reasons for cats to lose weight and still be eating are: 1 . The vet prescribed insulin (1/2 m) twice a day. Unfortunately it is a sign that does not direct us conclusively to a single cause. Cat losing weight by: Leigh My male cat is a Russian Blue and Siamese mix. Do a trial of pain meds such as Metacam. I thought she . Go for canned wet food that's packed with nutrients and calories for him to get going without him eating too much. Weight loss in cats is usually a sign of a problem. paul brazzell. Reputation: 7839. michelep. If Kitty's constantly at the water bowl and flooding his litter box, it's a good bet something's up with his kidneys. She will lick some of the juice off of the canned food, but nothing else. There is an old medical adage that goes "When you hear hoof beats, expect horses, not zebras." . !2-14 yr. old feline who had dislocated hip at early age. He's lost a lot of weight that when you pet him he is mostly bones. I have a 20-year-old calico. 3. My parents thought our 18 year old cat had become skinny due to age and fussiness. Physical and Mental Development. The vet had said we could up it slightly if he started having problems. He's losing fur, his tail is now bald. (21922 views) My cat is only 6 years old lately he has been losing weight. Cats lose weight for a variety of reasons, and may be related to anorexia, or refusal to eat. While a minor to moderate infestation won't put a puppy or dog in any immediate danger, it's a problem you don't want to ignore. She has probably started to slow down cognitively as well. We took her to the vet, and after a blood test that showed no health concern, the vet asked for poop sample to have it tested. While most cats with intestinal cancer show a decreased appetite, some cats show a normal or increased appetite; as cancer cells infiltrate the intestinal tract, absorption of nutrients across the intestinal wall may be impaired. Our vets explanation is that she is old and does not retain as much muscle mass as a younger cat. We have tried different foods, to not much avail. If your cat is losing weight suddenly, call Kingstowne Cat Clinic and make an appointment as soon as possible. We had her thyroid checked and it is normal. You will notice that as you feed them, their belly turns up when they are done. No bowel movement for five days. If you weren't trying to help your cat lose weight, and especially if your cat is a senior, there might be a health issue to blame. Cats are living much longer now than was the case 20 years ago, thanks to better nutrition, veterinary and home care. 14 year old cat losing weight - just age? Feline weight loss, when unplanned, is something to be concerned about at any age. ; Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of lymphoma. At this age I would having a yearly check up as routine. Gastrointestinal problems. How long can a cat go without eating or drinking? Has Symptoms. . Weight Loss, Depressed, Falling, Loss Of Balance, Vomiting. (Glen Burnie,MD) I have a very old Persian cat that I rescued about 10 yrs ago just before they were going to put her to sleep at the shelter. Most probably a serious medical situation can be associated with your cat's appetite reduction. Let your cat play with the toys like a laser pointer, feather wand, or interactive mouse toy. I can feel her ribs and hip bones and her coat gets smelly. Our 15 year-old DSH Tabby eats constantly but has been losing weight. Tartar can mean ulcers and pain eating, loss of weight and even shortening of life. we have a cat who is 8 1/2 years old and has experienced weight loss overthe last year (down from 10 pounds to 8 1/2). Unfortunately, a cat losing weight is often a sick cat, and this key cat illness symptom is easy for many pet parents to miss. He also seems to sleep more. 03-02-2008, 06:03 PM. You've probably already noticed an increase in catnaps, another indication that your cat is getting a little older. Have a specialist do an ultrasound to see if we can detect cancer of any type. She is NOT FIV positive. A loss of appetite is a generalised symptom. losing weight and lose bowels my cat is only 6 years old lately he has been losing weight and everywhere he sits he leaves a #2 stain. Very thin compared to . My mother has had him to the vet and they ran blood tests and a thyroid level (T-4 test) and everything has come back normal. 9 year old male tabby with the following symptoms: lethargic, dizzyness, not eating, real thirsty, losing wieght, seems to have vision loss or disturbed vision, he will lay down with eyes open and see … read more. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. Weight loss in cats, or a cat that has gone off its food may also be an indication of potential health issues. Will see vet only if in pain. By age 16 your cat's physical and mental development is very much like that of an 80-year-old person. Why Is My 14 Year Old Cat Losing Weight? He's only eating moist cat food, and has recently stopped eating it and is only licking the juice. My 16 yr old cat has not been eating and losing weight. Increased thirst and urination are among the first signs noticed when a cat has kidney issues, followed by loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen. Purraise. Your cat, when healthy, will normally weigh the same year after year, except for those who gain weight. Unknown severity. Your pet may have gastrointestinal issues. Try these tips: Schedule a 10-minute play on daily wedges. Knowing how to face the issue of "my cat is losing weight but eats constantly" is nice but you must remember that by all accounts, prevention is better than cure. Not every cat will fall into the average of 20 calories per pound to maintain weight, just like not every person will have the same weight by eating the same foods every day. Kidney Disease. coolhandluke. 14 Years. When to See a Doctor. At her age, a yearly check is important. Stress or anxiety can also be caused by changes in the home environment. If the cat is currently eating ok, then another option is to wait for a month and repeat blood tests (i.e. Answer (1 of 23): Go to your vet immediately. 1. The lymph nodes behind the knees and under the jaws are easiest to find. 30. My 12-year-old cat has been losing weight lately and won't eat any of his dry food. The good news, if you get a diagnosis of . Various diseases can cause polyphagia. The most common reason a loss of appetite occurs in cats is change. 1. Here are a few activities that will help reduce your cat's total weight. If your cat is losing weight, it is important to . Most probably a serious medical situation can be associated with your cat's appetite reduction. Both can result in a cat vomiting anywhere from twice per month to even daily. Diabetes 49,755 satisfied customers. ⁶ ⁸ For geriatric cats, this increased need calculates to at least 6.0-8.5 g/kg/day. My problem is this, about a weelk or so ago she started to slow . Weight loss is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism —or an over-active . Intestinal Parasites 9 year old cat has stomatitis. Unknown severity. This article is accurate and . You should be fine if she is still eating well but have the vet check her mouth carefully when she gets her shots. You wrote that your male 14-year-old cat is losing weight, seems to have increase thirst and a decreased appetite. schubunny. Change & Stress. Older cats are more susceptible to organ failure than younger cats, and a clear red flag is rapid weight loss. Our 16-year-old cat, Pebbles, started to get "picky" about her food a month ago and started to lose weight. Hi, I am at a loss here with my 14 yr old cat, she isn't up to date on her shots and has NEVER been ill up till now. If your old cat is losing weight but eating well this could also be the sign of a problem and you should take them to the vet for a health check-up. Weight loss, even if your kitty seems to be eating the same amount as ever. And it was not just a loss of a pound. Cats 11 to 14 years of age are considered old or older cats, while cats 15 years of age and older are referred to as elderly or geriatric cats. If you're eating properly but losing weight, track how much weight you're losing and how quickly you're losing it. However, not giving them anything to eat for an entire day doesn't account for the skinny back. Increased urination also. Cat who are getting skinny but still eating - especially ravenously and in old age - are likely to be losing calories (for example in liver or kidney disease ), or using them up (for example in hyperthyroid disease, diabetes and some cancers). This makes it difficult for the cat to eat, causing weight loss first, followed by frothy vomit and mucousy diarrhea. Categorised in: weight loss. Anna C(476) 01/11/2014 at 11:26 am. For example, a 5 percent weight loss in . Intestinal lymphoma is a common disorder in senior cats, with weight loss being the most prominent sign. In the last 2 months he has lost around 0.5kg and is feeling very bony. These diseases interfere with the cat's hormones, metabolism, and digestive health. Some breeds of cat such as the colourpoint shorthair lose weight more notably and commonly than other breeds. Weight loss can be caused by many different problems, ranging from minor to serious. Aside from her eating habits she seemed as vocal and happy as always. By a year old, cats should weigh around 8 pounds. He used to be fat. They tried to fatten her up with many different kinds of food. Keeping Cats In Top Shape: Tips And Tricks For Novices. Unfortunately, many of these diseases are common in older age, but there are treatments available. Purraise. Physical signs a cat dying. Senior cats, who naturally will be less active, will be heavier. There has to be something missing as she can eat 4 to 5 small cans of cats food a day and is still hungry! The second one was 14 years old when we lost her but she had a good few years after . If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible. One of the most common is hyperthyroidism, and fortunately, this can be successfully managed. Competition at the food bowl created by other cats or a sneaky dog. Why Is My Cat Eating So Much And Losing Weight? Senior cats tend to lose the ability to digest and absorb their food well resulting in weight loss. Most cats are sensitive to changes in their environment such as a new home, new owner, or a new addition to the family such as a child or dog. Viewing 38 posts - 1 through 38 (of 38 total) Elderly cat decision, advice please. Eating and Weight Loss. Hair loss can be a sign of hypothyriodism. 18 or 19 year old cat and she's wasting away before our eyes. A cat between the ages of 7 and 10 years is considered middle aged. This disease is due to two primary causes: Chronic inflammation, most often due to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Cancer, most often due to lymphoma. We had her thyroid checked and it is normal. Inability to get to the food bowl. Like in humans, old age can bring on a multitude of illnesses and some times symptoms are not always clear cut in defining illnesses. This post was written by admin Check his mouth and look for sores or ulcers. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 22(7), 473-482. Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet. We have tried baby food, expensive cat food, ham & turkey and the kitten replacement milk and she doesn't take much of any of it. 1. The most common cause of vomiting in older cats (cats 11 years old and up) is chronic small intestinal disease. The active phase of dying may begin weeks or months before death and may include: Decreases in a cat's appetite can develop due to pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, as death approaches, the body loses its . For the past few months he has been barely eating. A puppy losing weight but eating has a high risk for parasites, as they are easily spread and young puppies cannot receive preventive medications until they reach a certain age or size. When this is the case, other symptoms may include diarrhea, lack of appetite, and vomiting.Common GI problems that produce weight loss in cats include inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, or certain infections. I would definitly take your dog in to the vet. She has been pretty healthy once we got her some weight on and defleed. He's unable to gain any weight and he eats ALL the time. Weight loss in cats which eat well. Learn more about Feline Hyperthyroidism, and what your options are for treatment. Weight Loss, Depressed, Falling, Loss Of Balance, Vomiting. Here, eight health issues that could explain why you're losing weight so suddenly. Inflammatory bowel disease is a common condition in older cats, occurring when their intestinal lining thickens and becomes painful. But not everyone believes that a cat can be sick if it is weight and eats well. The cat was isolated because we have three more cats, but she did not poop. he is scheduled for a abdominal ultrasound tomorrow. Our licensed veterinarians have served the community for more than 25 years, offering wellness exams, surgery, dental care, vaccinations and more for cats. Eating and drinking more than usual, but losing a lot of weight. 2 Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, often be medically managed with medication, diet change, and fluid supplementation. One of the most common conditions resulting in weight loss despite a good appetite is hyperthyroidism. Weight loss occurs when too few calories are being consumed. Organ Failure If your old cat is losing weight but eating, it could be due to organ failure. Unknown severity. He will no longer eat his regular food which is solid however he still consumes can tuna. It can be hard to know whether or not your cat is too skinny. June 14, 2021 at 7:43 am. Tonite she had urinated on the bed, i assume she was caught short. 22 answers / Last post: 07/11/2014 at 1:02 pm. Losing a beloved family member, whether animal or human, can cause some cats to stop eating due to anxiety or depression. The first sign of weight loss in a cat is when their behind shows thinning. But only your vet, after examining your kitty and doing bloodwork, can determine the real cause. Different cats have different metabolism levels, the 20 cal/lb is just a rough guideline. He seemed ot have increased appetite, but today seems really sick and is off his food. One other factor that might be significant is that she is 15 years of age. If you noticed that your cat not eating much and especially having some weight loss (for 3 days or more), then this is a significant indicator that there may be a health problem. Thus, an empty stomach will make the back end appear thinner. Your cat may be getting old. If your old dog has gotten fat because of inactivity, too much food, too many treats or you adopted a fat old dog (like I did), then helping your dog get to a healthy weight is a very good thing.. What I'm talking about here is weight loss for no apparent reason. by Narcissie Menefee. Older cats frequently develop arthritis in their joints, making it harder to jump up on the back of the couch, climb the cat condo or get into and out of the litterbox. My 12-year-old cat has been losing weight lately and won't eat any of his dry food. If you noticed that your cat not eating much and especially having some weight loss (for 3 days or more), then this is a significant indicator that there may be a health problem. This started a little over a week ago when I noticed she was losing weight. Often in older cats there can be more than one condition occurring at the same time. He is a very happy cat, I went to see him, and his mood or behavior isn't any . . Here are the remedies you can follow: Change of Food If your cat seems to have trouble eating, then it may be time to transition from dry food to wet ones. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. We had a couple of purebreds and they lost all their teeth by age 6 and they even ate dry food. A good age and an old age for a cat. There has to be something missing as she can eat 4 to 5 small cans of cats food a day and is still hungry! Increased water intake and urination can be a . They can do a simple bloodscreen to see what is going on. Has Symptoms. The answer is that it could be and to get the cat checked out as quickly as possible. Our 15 year-old DSH Tabby eats constantly but has been losing weight. So in answer to the question of an older cat is drinking more water, eating well but losing weight - cat diabetes? Later, they were told that she h. Continued. The truth about weight loss in older dogs is…it's not a good thing. He is 8 years old and has always been a good weight and had a stunning silver-grey coat. It is a symptom of an ill cat just as we lose our appetite when we feel ill. If you notice your cat is eating normally, yet losing weight there are several possible reasons. 14 Years. Recently, I noticed one of my thirteen years old cats was getting thin. . Dental Disease Can Make Eating Painful As they age, they should weigh more. Now. These symptoms, especially in older cats, may also be indicative of diabetes, kidney failure or another condition. Death is a unique experience for each cat, and symptoms will vary depending on the underlying disease. From 8 years old to the higher age range, cats can be anywhere from 17 pounds to 21 pounds. A cat losing weight but still eating is a reason for concern. Our vets explanation is that she is old and does not retain as much muscle mass as a younger cat. I thought she . She has definitely slowed down physically (relative to her prime adult years)and may have developed a number of health problems. 8 found helpful. elderly cat still eating but losing weight. . I have a 11 year old tabby cat (tuxedo black and white) that now lives with my parents. You need to have him seen by a vet today. Old Cat Losing Weight: On this occasion, we are going to talk about some diseases that occur with weight loss and a good appetite.They are the most difficult to detect since everyone cares when the cat does not want to eat. Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Free Member. This is a comprehensive list that covers the leading causes a cat won't eat: 1. This will encourage lots of movements in your cat, eventually resulting in a weight breakdown. Always contact your vet if you think your cat has lost weight. In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.