Older Cat Losing Weight​: Exploring Underlying Reasons

As your cat ages, you may notice changes in their health and behavior. One common concern for cat owners with older cats is weight loss. If you’ve been wondering, "Why is my older cat losing weight?" you’re not alone. Weight loss in senior cats can happen for a variety of reasons, and it's essential to address it promptly to ensure your cat’s well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of weight loss in older cats, symptoms to watch for, and how to help your aging feline maintain a healthy weight.

Older Cat Losing Weight: How Much Is Normal and How Much Is Risky?

When it comes to weight loss in older cats, it’s important to distinguish between what is typical due to aging and what could indicate a serious health issue. While some weight loss is common as cats age, significant or rapid weight loss is often a red flag for underlying health problems.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

How Much Weight Loss Is Normal for an Older Cat?

As cats age, a gradual decline in weight may occur due to a decrease in activity level and muscle mass. However, this should be relatively minor and consistent. Typically, a healthy cat will lose about 1-2% of their body weight per month as they age. For example, if your cat weighs 10 pounds, they might lose around 0.1 to 0.2 pounds per month, which is generally not a cause for concern.

Example:

An older cat weighing 12 pounds may gradually lose up to 0.24 pounds (about 4 ounces) per month without it being abnormal. However, this should be slow and steady, and the cat should still maintain energy levels, appetite, and behavior.

When Does Weight Loss Become Risky?

Weight loss becomes concerning when it exceeds this typical range or when it's accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior. Generally, a weight loss of 10% or more of your cat's body weight over a short period of time (weeks to a couple of months) is considered dangerous and warrants veterinary attention.

For example, a 12-pound cat losing 1.2 pounds or more in just a couple of weeks could be a serious sign of illness. Rapid weight loss, especially if your cat is not eating or showing signs of distress, should never be ignored.

Specific Data and Risk Factors

Here’s a guideline for how much weight loss is considered risky for older cats:

• Mild Weight Loss: Up to 5% of their body weight over a month (no immediate cause for alarm).
• Moderate Weight Loss: 5-10% of their body weight over a few weeks (should be evaluated by a vet).
• Severe Weight Loss: More than 10% of their body weight in a short period (indicates a serious health issue that needs immediate attention).

Example:

If your 10-pound cat loses more than 1 pound (10% of body weight) within a short period of time (a few weeks), it's a strong indicator that something is wrong, such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or cancer.

Why Is My Older Cat Losing Weight?

Weight loss in older cats can be attributed to several different factors, ranging from health conditions to changes in diet or behavior. As we've mentioned before, we need to watch out for significant weight loss in cats, as this can be risky for their health. Here are some common health-related reasons for your older cat's significant weight loss:

1. Dental Disease

As cats age, dental issues become more prevalent. If your older cat has painful or decayed teeth, they may have difficulty eating, leading to weight loss. Cats with dental disease may avoid certain foods due to discomfort, causing them to eat less.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common hormonal disorders in older cats. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to increased metabolism, weight loss, and symptoms such as increased thirst and appetite.

3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is another common condition in older cats. It affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and a lack of appetite. Cats with CKD may drink a lot of water and urinate frequently, further contributing to their weight loss.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes is increasingly common in older cats, especially those that are overweight. It can cause weight loss despite an increased appetite. If your cat is losing weight but still eating, diabetes could be a potential cause.

5. Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is a significant concern for senior cats. Tumors, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, can lead to a loss of appetite and weight loss. Cancer can also cause other symptoms such as vomiting and lethargy.

6. Parasites

Internal parasites such as worms can also contribute to weight loss in older cats. These parasites drain nutrients from the cat’s body, causing them to lose weight and become weak.

What to Feed an Older Cat That Is Losing Weight

If your older cat is losing weight, it’s crucial to adjust their diet to meet their changing nutritional needs. Here are some suggestions on what to feed an older cat that is losing weight:

1. High-Protein, Low-Carb Diet

Older cats may need more protein to maintain muscle mass and energy levels. Choose high-protein foods that are easy for your cat to digest. Avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates, as they can contribute to obesity and other health issues.

2. Wet Food Over Dry Food

If your cat is struggling with dehydration or has dental issues, wet food can be a good option. It’s more hydrating and easier to chew, making it ideal for older cats who might have trouble eating dry kibble.

3. Specialty Diets

Consider feeding your senior cat a specialized diet designed for older cats with weight loss. These diets are formulated to be nutrient-dense, so your cat can maintain their weight even if they have a reduced appetite.

4. Frequent, Small Meals

Older cats may prefer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help stimulate their appetite and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by large portions. If your cat is not eating enough at once, try offering food multiple times a day.

5. Appetite Stimulants

If your cat is not eating at all, your vet may recommend appetite stimulants to help encourage your cat to eat. This can be particularly helpful for cats with chronic conditions like kidney disease or cancer.

Older Cat Losing Weight and Throwing Up

If your older cat is losing weight and throwing up, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian as this combination of symptoms can indicate serious health issues. Here are some possible causes:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues

Vomiting in conjunction with weight loss may indicate gastrointestinal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or even gastrointestinal cancer. These conditions often lead to a reduced appetite and vomiting after eating.

2. Hairballs

Older cats may also suffer from frequent hairballs, which can lead to vomiting. Hairballs are a natural part of grooming, but excessive vomiting can cause further weight loss and discomfort.

3. Hyperthyroidism

As mentioned earlier, hyperthyroidism can cause significant weight loss and increased appetite. In some cases, it can also cause vomiting due to the excessive thyroid hormones circulating in the body.

Older Cat Losing Weight But Acting Normal

If your older cat is losing weight but acting normal, it may still indicate an underlying health issue. Cats are notorious for hiding their symptoms, so just because your cat seems fine doesn’t mean everything is okay. Here are a few potential causes of weight loss in an otherwise healthy-acting senior cat:

1. Early Stages of Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease often develops slowly, and cats may not show noticeable symptoms until the condition is advanced. If your cat is losing weight but still eating and playing, kidney disease could be in its early stages.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Even if your cat is acting normally, hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss, increased appetite, and other subtle symptoms like restlessness and hyperactivity.

3. Cancer

In some cases, cancer may cause weight loss without immediately affecting a cat’s behavior. However, weight loss in older cats should always be taken seriously, especially if it continues over time.

My Older Cat Is Losing Weight and Hair

Hair loss in cats, known as alopecia, can be a sign of several health problems, especially in older cats. If your senior cat is losing weight and hair, it’s time to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause.

1. Thyroid Problems

Hyperthyroidism can cause both weight loss and hair loss. This occurs because the overproduction of thyroid hormones can affect the cat's metabolism and coat.

2. Allergies or Skin Infections

Older cats can develop allergies or skin infections that lead to hair loss. This may also be accompanied by itching, which can further cause hair to fall out. Cats with allergies often scratch or bite at their skin, leading to bald spots.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

If your cat isn’t getting the right nutrients, their coat may become thin and fall out. This is more likely in cases of poor diet or malabsorption issues, which can contribute to both weight loss and hair loss.

Older Cat Losing Weight Drinking a Lot of Water

If your older cat is losing weight and drinking a lot of water, it may point to kidney disease or diabetes.

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is a common cause of excessive thirst and weight loss in senior cats. When the kidneys begin to fail, they can no longer concentrate urine properly, leading to increased water consumption and urination.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is another potential cause of weight loss and excessive thirst in cats. Cats with diabetes may drink a lot of water and urinate frequently. This is caused by the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels properly.

FAQs

Is it normal for a 14-year-old cat to lose weight?
It’s not unusual for senior cats to lose a small amount of weight as they age, but significant weight loss should not be ignored. It may indicate a medical condition that needs attention.

Why is my old cat so skinny I can feel her bones?
If your cat’s bones are visible or easy to feel, it could be due to weight loss caused by an underlying condition, such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or cancer.

Why is my older cat losing weight but eating?
Even if your senior cat is eating, they may still lose weight due to conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease, which can affect how the body processes food.

Do older cats get bony?
As cats age, they may lose muscle mass, making their bones more prominent. However, significant weight loss and bony appearance should be investigated by a vet.

How can I fatten up my senior cat?
To help your senior cat gain weight, feed them nutrient-dense food with higher protein content. You may also need to provide appetite stimulants or special diets designed for weight gain in older cats.

Conclusion

If your older cat is losing weight, it's important to identify the cause and address it promptly. Whether it's due to a health condition like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or cancer, or simply a matter of diet and lifestyle changes, your vet can help you develop a plan to get your cat back on track. By being proactive and monitoring your cat’s weight and behavior, you can help ensure that they live a happy and healthy life in their senior years.