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Why is my 17-year-old cat losing weight, vomiting, and peeing outside?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 16 years and 4 months old | 6 lbs

Tucking down her haunches, extreme weight loss especially from the waist back. I have two cats and I think she is the one that might be throwing up and urinating around the cat box at times. She is 17 yo.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 12th, 2017

Poor Luci! It sounds like she may have a medical issue. Common things that cause muscle loss and vomiting in an older cat are kidney disease, diabetes, digestive issues like IBD, and hyperthyroidism. She may also be showing signs of arthritis or back pain by hunching. I suggest you get her to a veterinarian soon so that she can be examined and blood work can be done to determine what is going on with her. Most older kitty disease like diabetes and hyperthyroidism can be treated and managed to help give Luci a better quality of life. Best of luck to you and Luci!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear about Luci! The most common reasons for a geriatric cat to lose weight and vomit are: overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, kidney failure and cancer. Most of these things can be ruled out by general blood work. I recommend that you get her evaluated and if they don't find cancer on the exam consider sending out blood work. If you and/or the Vet think she is suffering then you can discuss your steps. I wish you and Luci the best!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 8th, 2017

    Poor Princess! It definitely sounds like something isn't right, if she is vomiting and acting nauseous every day. Acting tired or depressed and being more "clingy" than normal are signs that she doesn't feel well. There are quite a few different things that could cause these symptoms in an older, overweight kitty like Princess. Some common possibilities would include hyperthyroidism, chronic liver or kidney disease, chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (which often causes nausea and vomiting without diarrhea in cats), or a food allergy or intolerance to something in her diet. Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. I would recommend taking Princess to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can do some simple lab tests to help determine what is causing her symptoms, and get her started on appropriate treatment to make her feel better depending on what is found.

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