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Why is my 14-year-old cat losing weight but still active and playing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 14 years and 5 months old | 10 lbs

My 14 yr old cat is losing weight, & possibly muscle tone. He's still active, playing with his younger cat buddy & sleeping a lot more. My question is should I be giving him a supplement or vitamins? He eats fine.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 4th, 2017

Weight loss in older cats can be caused many different diseases including, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. He really should be examined by a vet for a work-up to determine the cause of the weight loss. Your vet can run some blood-work to check his thyroid, kidneys, liver, etc. and then determine if treatment is needed. If he is hyperthyroid then your vet can prescribe a medication to treat.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 16th, 2017

    I am so very sorry to hear about Zack. Unfortunately weight loss without a decrease in appetite is a very concerning symptom in an older kitty and your photos show a kitty who has definitely lost a good amount of fat and muscle mass. The most common causes in an older cat would include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and unfortunately cancer. Some of these problems may be treated (thyroid disease with medication, diabetes with injections of insulin), but these are lifelong commitments that require long term treatment and monitoring. I would recommend an exam by your vet even if you aren't interested in committing to a long term treatment just to have your vet assess whether your kitty may be treatable and to help you evaluate his quality of life.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on February 15th, 2018

    It sounds like it is time to take Shiloh Ann to see her veterinarian. There are a number of problems that older cats can develop that will cause them to stop eating and lose weight. Your vet may be able to find a cause on examination, but more commonly we have to do blood work to see what is going on internally to determine how to treat them. I would recommend having her examined as soon as possible because when older cats get dehydrated from not eating and drinking, they can get sicker much faster. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Shiloh Ann feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 5th, 2017

    Hello! It could definitely be something more than old age. Weight loss is possibly a symptom of diabetes, organ disease, an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, or even cancer. Would you be able to take him in for a check up? Your vet could examine him and possibly run some blood tests. This way, you can find out more about Shadoe, and what could possibly be the cause of his weight loss.

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