Why is my old cat getting skinny but still eating?

"A cat who's losing weight but still eating is extremely common in older cats, and is a primary sign of hyperthyroidism," Rucinsky says. "This disease is super-common and one of the most treatable problems we see.

Why is my 14 year old cat losing weight but still eating?

Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs most often in older cats, and the symptoms usually include weight loss coupled with a voracious appetite. Hyperthyroidism is usually thought of as a disease in senior cats but can be diagnosed as early as six years of age, with an average age of 13 years old.

Why do old cats get bony?

As they age, cats are not able to digest their food as well resulting in increased nutrition requirements. If their nutrition does not meet their requirements, they will lose muscle mass resulting in the ability to easily feel the bones of their spine and hips when petting them.

What can I feed my elderly cat to gain weight?

Your veterinarian can also prescribe high-calorie cat foods like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Recovery RS canned cat food or Hill's Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care canned cat food. These formulations are highly digestible and provide the extra calories your cat needs to gain weight.

Why is my cat getting skinny even though he eats?

There are two main causes for a skinny cat: Either they aren't eating enough, or they're expending more calories than they are taking in. They may not be eating enough due to stress, dental disease, nausea or a host of other reasons.

Why Your Older Cat May Be Losing Weight

Why is my 15 year old cat losing weight?

Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems. Most are readily suspected and confirmed based on physical examination and routine laboratory testing.

What's the average lifespan of a house cat?

While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38! Cats won't complain when they don't feel good.

What is the best food for a skinny elderly cat?

What age is senior for a cat?

You'll be the proud owner of a senior cat by the time it hit about 11 years old. If a cat lives beyond 15 years of age, it'd be a "super-senior". When caring for older cats, it sometimes helps to think of their age in human terms.

Is my cat too skinny if I can feel her spine?

Feel Around Your Cat's Spine

Again, you should be able to feel the bones, but not excessively. If the vertebrae feel very knobbly or like there's nothing on top of them, your cat is underweight. If they're difficult to feel, you have an overweight cat.

How do I know if my elderly cat is suffering?

One of the most common pain-associated behavior changes we see in aging cats is a decrease in grooming and self-care. Cats are, by nature, extremely finicky about keeping themselves clean. Watch any conscious cat for longer than a few minutes, and you are likely to see her cleaning some part of her body.

Why is my elderly cat's spine showing?

If your cat is getting into their senior years, it is normal for their body to change. As long as they are continuing to consume their regular meals and staying hydrated and nourished, it's normal for them to become a little more knobby and bony – especially along the spine.

Is it normal to feel my cats spine?

Yes, you should be able to feel your cat's spine, along with their ribs and hip bones. That said, there's a difference between being able to feel these bones and having them be protruding. As a general rule, if these bones are too prominent, it could be a sign that your pal is underweight or malnourished.

Why is my 15 year old cat losing weight and peeing everywhere?

Cats are prone to hyperthyroidism as they age (though it can occur in younger cats), causing them to lose weight/muscle mass, vomit chronically, and vocalize more, as well as drink and urinate more frequently.

When should a cat be euthanized?

Is it normal for a 19 year old cat to lose weight?

Many elderly cats can lose weight – often over such a long period of time that owners who see them daily don't notice the change. This weight loss can be due to old age, but more often than not, it is an indicator of disease.

What is the most common disease in older cats?

Diabetes, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease are the three most common diseases of senior cats that are diagnosed through blood and urine. Familiarizing yourself with these diseases may help you detect the earliest clinical signs in your pet and thus maximize your chances for early detection.

What can I do for my old skinny cat?

Feeding the older cat

Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible.

How often should you feed a senior cat?

Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen. "Once cats reach adulthood, once a day feeding is fine as long as they are healthy and have no disease problems suggesting a reason to feed differently," says Dr. Kallfelz.

Is wet food better for senior cats?

Wet food is easier for many senior cats to manage, and the increased moisture content is important for digestion and kidney health as well. If your cat insists on dry food, try using moisture-rich wet food as a topper.

What is the most common cause of death in cats?

Cancer is the leading cause of death in senior cats. Cancer is really a blanket term for uncontrolled cell growth, which means there are many different forms this can take – many different kinds of cancer that can attack your pet.

Is 14 old for a house cat?

What age is a cat considered old? Cats are generally considered to be "mature" when they reach 7-10 years of age and "senior" when they are 11-14 years old. At this stage of life, cats may start to show signs of aging, such as decreased activity levels, changes in appetite or weight, and changes in their coat or skin.

Do mother cats live longer?

Cats tend to live around 15 years, on average. As in humans, female cats tend to live for longer than male cats. Neutered cats are also likely to live for longer than intact ones, and pure breed cats are less likely to live as long as crossbreeds.

Is 15 a good age for a cat?

The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.