Why is my senior cat losing weight?
The reasons why your senior cat may be losing weight – and how to help get them back on track with the appropriate care and nutrition.
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Weight loss is common in older cats and while it may be worrying for owners to see, it can also be a helpful sign of a health issue that needs attention.
Older pets, particularly those aged 15 years and more, can also find it more difficult to eat as their senses decline and simply need a diet to tempt their appetite by being palatable, energy rich and easy to eat, such as ROYAL CANIN® Ageing 15+.
Discover senior cat weight loss causes, how to spot them, and when to see a vet. We’ll also share how to help a senior cat gain weight, so read on to find out more.
How do I know if my senior cat is losing weight?
It’s not always easy to know whether your senior cat is losing weight, especially if they’re long-haired. If you think they look a little bit leaner than normal or feel slightly lighter, it’s best to weigh them. You can do this at your local veterinary clinic or try weighing them on your bathroom scales (but this might be less accurate).
Another good way to find out if they’re overweight, underweight, or just right is to estimate their body-condition score. This tool is used by vets and involves feeling how prominent the spine and ribs are and how small their waistline is. The ideal body-condition score is 5, which is when the ribs and spine can be felt easily, but with a small covering of fat.
What causes elderly cat weight loss?
There are many cat weight loss causes, including:
- Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms to watch out for: Weight loss, a ravenous appetite, vocalizing, restless or hyperactive behaviour, vomiting, laboured breathing
- Dental disease
Symptoms to watch out for: Weight loss, eating less, dropping food while eating, vocalizing when eating, dribbling, bleeding from the mouth, lip licking, bad breath
- Kidney disease
Symptoms to watch out for: Drinking more, urinating more, vomiting, eating less, an unpleasant smell from the mouth (known as uremia)
- Diabetes mellitus
Symptoms to watch out for: Weight loss (although cats who are affected are often overweight to begin with, so it may be harder to spot), drinking more, passing urine more, increased appetite, vomiting, weakness, lethargy
Older cats and weight loss – how do I know if it’s due to a health problem?
If your senior cat is losing weight, it’s worth considering the following questions:
When cats eat less, they’ll lose weight over time. Their lack of appetite could be due to a health condition, but it could also be that they don’t like their cat food, particularly if you’ve changed it recently.
If your cat has a great appetite, you might think that their weight loss isn’t particularly worrying. However, an older cat losing weight but still eating well could be suffering from something more serious, so do consult your veterinarian.
Before worrying that your cat is losing weight, it’s worth checking that you’re offering them the right amount of food for their ideal body weight and life stage. Consult your veterinarian for the suggested quantities, and make sure that it’s an energy-rich senior-cat food formulated to meet the nutritional needs of an older cat, as well as being highly palatable and the right texture for sensitive gums. Remember, the feeding guidelines are generalized, and every cat is different, so you could try offering a little bit more food for a week or two, to see if your cat’s weight increases.
If your cat is more active than they used to be, they’ll burn more calories. So, if you’ve suddenly started letting them go outdoors, or you’ve been home more often and have made active play a regular part of your routine, this could be a cat weight loss cause.
Similarly, if you’ve recently adopted another cat or a different pet, your cat may not be eating as much because they feel unsettled or anxious about accessing their food with a new pet around. If you’re unsure, do speak to your veterinarian.
Other symptoms can give clues as to what underlying health problem could be causing the weight loss. For instance, an older cat throwing up and losing weight could have hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease. If your cat is losing weight and has other symptoms, it’s even more important to book a check-up with the vet.
Cats are sensitive to changes in the home, especially new family members – whether they’re human or animal. If there’s something stressing your cat, they may spend more time hiding away and not feel brave enough to venture out for their food. Make sure their dish is somewhere calm and quiet, where they feel safe and won’t be disturbed.
How to help a senior cat gain weight
If your older cat is losing weight, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet. The vet will examine them, ask about symptoms, and often check urine and blood samples to find the underlying cause.
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment can usually be given to improve their symptoms. Alongside any treatment they might need, to help your senior cat gain weight, you can:
- Increase the quantity of cat food that you offer them
- Choose a cat food that’s energy-rich with high-quality protein
- Keep food accessible, especially if their mobility isn’t so good
- Add more frequent mealtimes or let them graze throughout the day
- Warm their food gently to release the smell and make it more appealing
- Try a different texture – perhaps a more palatable mousse or just a wet food rather than dry kibble
If you have an older cat who’s losing weight, speak to your vet. They’ll be able to find the problem and ensure that your cat is healthy and pain free.
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