Why is my cat loosing weight and drinking more water?

Why is my cat loosing weight and drinking more water?

By: Dr. Jon Rappaport

Our question this week was:

Hi Dr. Jon, I have two 14-year-old cats. But the boy seems too be sicker that the girl cat. He is old and losing weight. I can tell because they both are VERY BIG cats. I can now feel his spine. They both seem to be drinking a lot of water. I keep three to three bowls out and I keep refilling them.

My boy cat suddenly started drinking from the toilet and claiming into the shower after we get out looking for water. I can't figure it out. I leave plenty of clean water out for them. He also suddenly became very picky about his favorite food. And he seems to sleep more offend. Is this a sign that he may be a diabetic? Or is it something else? Please help me figure this out. I will take him to his vet. But I just want a few other options.

Thanks,

Lisa

Answer

Hi Lisa– thanks for your email.

You wrote that your male 14-year-old cat is losing weight, seems to have increase thirst and a decreased appetite. He also seems to sleep more.

I'd recommend that you take him to your veterinarian for evaluation. They will probably want to run some basic blood work (complete blood count [CBC]), diagnostic profile, thyroid level (T4), and a urinalysis.

This will help look for some common causes of his symptoms including diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.

If your other cat is sick, it may be worth also having her checked out. If you have a chance, click on the links above to learn more about these disease. Another article that might be useful is called Polydipsia and Polyuria in Cats. It discusses common reasons why cats might drink more.

Best of luck!


Dr. Jon




To read most recent questions Click here!

Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Jon Questions and Answers!



 
Printable Version
 
Have a Pet Question?
Review the Most Frequent Questions
Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
Ask Dr. Jon
Dr. Jon's Newsletter
Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
 
 

Related Articles

Related Articles
  • 1Hyperthyroidism in Cats

    If your adult cat suddenly begins to lose weight despite a voracious appetite, he may have a problem with the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. You should probably get your pet to a veterinarian to...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2Diabetes in Cats

    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases of cats. It is a chronic condition in which a deficiency of the hormone insulin impairs the body’s ability to metabolize sugar....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure in Cats

    Chronic kidney failure is a common problem in all cat breeds. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove waste products, and toxins build up in the blood producing clinical signs of kidney...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Cats

    Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 5Ask Dr. Jon - Answers to Previous Cat Questions

    Here are answers from our previous “Ask Dr. Jon” Questions. We hope they help you find the answer you need.

    Read MoreRead More
 

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

Dogs & Puppies
Cats
Related Articles
  • 1Hyperthyroidism in Cats

    If your adult cat suddenly begins to lose weight despite a voracious appetite, he may have a problem with the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. You should probably get your pet to a veterinarian to...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 2Diabetes in Cats

    Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases of cats. It is a chronic condition in which a deficiency of the hormone insulin impairs the body’s ability to metabolize sugar....

    Read MoreRead More
  • 3Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure in Cats

    Chronic kidney failure is a common problem in all cat breeds. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove waste products, and toxins build up in the blood producing clinical signs of kidney...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 4Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Cats

    Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...

    Read MoreRead More
  • 5Ask Dr. Jon - Answers to Previous Cat Questions

    Here are answers from our previous “Ask Dr. Jon” Questions. We hope they help you find the answer you need.

    Read MoreRead More


Local Pet Information Guide
 Alabama
 Alaska
 Arizona
 Arkansas
 California
 Colorado
 Connecticut
 DC
 Delaware
 Florida
 Georgia
 Hawaii
 Idaho
 Illinois
 Indiana
 Iowa
 Kansas
 Kentucky
 Louisiana
 Maine
 Maryland
 Massachusetts
 Michigan
 Minnesota
 Mississippi
 Missouri
 Montana
 Nebraska
 Nevada
 New Hampshire
 New Jersey
 New Mexico
 New York
 North Carolina
 North Dakota
 Ohio
 Oklahoma
 Oregon
 Pennsylvania
 Rhode Island
 South Carolina
 South Dakota
 Tennessee
 Texas
 Utah
 Vermont
 Virginia
 Washington
 West Virginia
 Wisconsin
 Wyoming