Older Cat Losing Weight

britt0285

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I have an older cat that seems to be slowly losing weight. Is this normal? He isn't super thin and he has a decent appetite. He is up to date on all of his vaccinations and he was wormed about 3 months ago. I have not noticed any worms in feces. Any suggestions on a type of food that might be a good weight gainer?
 

white cat lover

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First thing....a vet visit is a must.

Have you ever done a senior blood panel?

What is "older" in years....13, 14, 17?

Things like renal failure, etc can cause weight loss....which is why I say a vet visit is a must with a blood panel.
 

maxcat08

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Sometimes older cats will simply lose the ability to metabolize the food they eat, no matter how much. I don't know the age of your cat, but my cat, Portia started to lose weight in the Spring when she turned 17....and it was just old age...her organs started to slow down, along with her digestion and those processes. This was about 15 yrs ago. Eventually she simply wanted to hide and we knew it was time.
Today's Vet care has changed and perhaps a good work-up can pinpoint your cat's weaknesses and hopefully your cat will put back on some weight with the modern techniques.
Certainly a Vet exam and bloodwork can give alot of answers, I hope.
 

stephenq

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Cats like people tend to gain weight as they age, not lose it. Losing weight can be a sign of an illness, often caught early if you don't wait for more symptoms. It may be benign or more serious but weight loss by itself won't create a diagnosis - there are too many possibilities. As stated above your cat needs a vet and possibly blood tests.
 

maxcat08

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Originally Posted by stephenq

Cats like people tend to gain weight as they age, not lose it. Losing weight can be a sign of an illness, often caught early if you don't wait for more symptoms. .
Depends on how old you're talking...really old people...85+ generally start losing weight because their metabolism functions start to fail, and often, they lose interest in eating..but not due to illness per se...just due to lack of interest, taste changes, smell changes...simply...the changes due to the aging process. Their bodies can't metabolize the foods that they do eat, so it passes through without capturing the calories and nutrients.
This doesn't apply to every old person of course...or every old cat...but alot of really old cats that I've seen..over 18 yrs who used to be normal to plump are quite slim/thin..and yet, eat a normal serving. They seem to manage fine without the weight.

Loss of weight in an young to old cat...2-15 yrs...sure can be a sign of illness and is best investigated quickly.
 

mews2much

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It depends on how old the cat is. My Coco has lost some weight but she is 16.5 now. My brothers cats did the same thing and so did my friends older cats. How old is your cat? I would get a blood panel to see if the kidneys are ok. Theres so many things that can make a cat lose weight.
 

goldenkitty45

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Agree with the others to get your cat to a vet and have a complete check up including blood work and let them know that he's been losing weight. Once you find out what is really wrong, then you can correct any problems if you choose.

Cancers, diabetes are among the reasons for losing weight.
 
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