It’s common for cat owners to notice physical changes as their pets enter their senior years. While mild muscle loss can occur as a cat ages, significant weight loss isn’t considered a normal part of feline aging. Weight loss in senior cats is commonly caused by chronic health conditions (more to come on these), but with early diagnosis, many of these health concerns can be managed successfully.
In this article, we’ll answer your common questions about weight loss in senior cats so that you feel prepared to get your pet the help they may need.
Q1: Is it normal for senior cats to lose weight?
Mild weight loss can be normal in a senior cat due to age-related muscle loss. As senior cats get older, especially when they’re over 11 years old, they experience a natural, gradual loss of lean muscle mass. This is called sarcopenia.
Significant weight loss, however, is not considered normal. A medical evaluation is recommended if your cat looks like they’ve lost a lot of weight or they’re feeling bonier than usual.
While sudden weight loss may be more noticeable, gradual weight changes should still be monitored. Regular veterinary exams are extremely important as a cat ages, and these exams should include tracking any weight changes. In otherwise healthy senior cats, exams are often recommended every 6 months.
Q2: Why is my senior cat losing weight?
The following are potential medical causes to consider for an older cat losing weight:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Dental disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders, like inflammatory bowel disease
- Cancer, like gastrointestinal lymphoma
Regardless of whether the cat’s appetite has changed, significant weight loss should be investigated by a veterinarian. Some conditions, like hyperthyroidism or cancer, can cause a cat to lose weight even with a normal or increased appetite.
Q3: What are the signs that weight loss may be a medical problem?
The following are all signs that weight loss may be due to a medical problem:
- Prominent spine, hips, or ribs
- Visibly decreased muscle mass
- Changes in appetite (increased or decreased)
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Reduced grooming or an unkempt appearance
- Changes in activity level or behavior, such as increased hiding or hyperactivity
- Foul odor or excessive drool from mouth
If you’re noticing these signs in addition to your aging cat losing weight, you should seek prompt veterinary attention.
Q4: Can a senior cat lose weight even if they are eating normally?
A senior cat can definitely lose weight even while eating normally. Hyperthyroidism, which is a common endocrine issue in older cats, causes cats to lose weight while having an increased or normal appetite.
Similarly, cats with diabetes may lose weight despite seeming more hungry than usual. Certain cancers can also cause weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite. This is because cancer can increase a cat’s metabolic needs.
A cat who has an interest in eating but is losing weight could also have dental disease. If the cat seems to have trouble chewing, drops food, drools excessively while eating, or develops a new preference for soft food over kibble, dental disease is worth considering.
Q5: How is unexplained weight loss in senior cats diagnosed?
In most cases, the veterinarian will start with a physical examination. In some cases, the physical examination can suggest if there is an issue, but diagnostics will almost always be necessary.
Common diagnostics performed in an elderly cat losing weight include:
- Bloodwork (complete blood count, chemistry, and thyroid levels)
- Urinalysis
- Blood pressure measurement
- X-rays and/or ultrasound of the chest or abdomen
- Dental examination (with the pet sedated if x-rays are needed)
Usually, these diagnostics will be sufficient to determine if there is cause for concern. In some cases, advanced diagnostics, such as a CT scan of the abdomen or a biopsy of the intestines, are necessary for diagnosis.
These diagnostics allow the veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the cat’s weight loss and develop an effective treatment plan.
Q6: How can I help my aging cat maintain a healthy weight?
There are several steps you can take to help your senior cat maintain a healthy weight.
- Schedule regular veterinary wellness exams, preferably at least every 6 months in a senior cat.
- Allow your veterinarian to run routine lab work to catch changes in systemic health early.
- Monitor your cat’s weight at home when possible.
- Feed a high-quality diet that’s appropriate for senior cats. You’ll want to find a diet that meets the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for maintenance in adult cats.
- Address dental problems early. Your veterinarian should check your cat’s oral health at each wellness visit and make recommendations accordingly.
- Monitor your pet for changes to their appetite or behavior and follow up with your veterinarian if you’re noticing changes.
- If your pet is diagnosed with a chronic health condition, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for management.
Remember, early intervention can improve your cat’s quality of life and often leads to better long-term outcomes.
Q7: When should I call my veterinarian?
You should contact your veterinarian for any unexplained weight loss in a senior cat, whether weight loss is occurring rapidly or gradually over time. You should call the veterinarian if your cat has a loss of appetite or if they’re losing weight despite a good appetite.
It’s also recommended to contact your veterinarian if weight loss is accompanied by any other clinical signs, like vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, weakness, lethargy, or behavior changes. Do not assume that weight loss is simply due to old age. Instead, get medical conditions ruled out so that intervention can begin sooner rather than later.
Don’t Ignore Weight Loss
While mild loss of lean muscle mass (sarcopenia) can be normal as a cat ages, significant weight loss should never be brushed off as “part of getting older.” Chronic health conditions like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, dental disease, and cancer are all common causes of weight loss in senior cats. If weight loss is noted, it’s a good idea to seek a veterinary evaluation, regardless of whether the cat’s appetite has changed.
Through regular monitoring of the cat’s weight and prompt veterinary intervention, pet parents can give their cat the best chance at a positive long-term outcome. Many of these chronic health conditions can be managed with appropriate veterinary care, helping senior cats to enjoy a good quality of life.
