Is my 15-year-old cat's weight loss and dry food refusal normal?

Question

My cat is about 15, she is still acting normal most people can't even tell she's as old as she is. However, in the past 5 months she's been barely eating dry food. She still drinks water regularly, and will eat wet food readily if offered it. She still grooms and is active, but is losing weight and it's making me nervous. My question is mainly whether or not this is fairly normal behavior for a cat her age or if I need to take her to the Vet? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 lbs

Dr. Davis · Accepted Answer

Lil'Bit may be having some dental problems so eating dry food may be painful. I do not like an elderly cat to lose weight. Increase her wet food so she maintains a normal weight. I recommend a senior exam where they will check her teeth, heart and lungs and do screening blood work and a urinalysis. Then you'll know if there is underlying kidney disease or if the weight loss is due to her being hyperthyroid. There are a lot of medical issues in senior animals that are easily managed once they are diagnosed. Treating any medical problems now will improve the length and quality of her life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lil'Bit.

Is my 15-year-old cat's weight loss and dry food refusal normal?

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