Why is my old cat congested, sneezing, and rapidly losing weight?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Siberian | Male | 16 years and 11 months old | 11.5 lbs
I have a 17 year old cat that is very congested and is sneezing alot it was an no and off thing now its not going away also he was 15 pounds two months ago now hes about 11 to 12 pounds
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 12th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Andrew! Causes of nasal congestion are: upper respiratory infection either viral or bacteria, fungal infections, and cancer. If the congestion has been going on for awhile he should be evaluated and at a minimum started on antibiotics. The weight loss concerns me in an older cat. I recommend full blood work: CBC/Chem/T4 and urine. Common causes of weight loss in older cats are: kidney or liver disease, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), diabetes and cancer. I would take him in to your Vet for an exam and blood work. I hope this helps and I wish Andrew the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on December 12th, 2018
Cinnamon is lovely looking cat! I'd take her into a vet today or tomorrow. Given that it's really cold, her nasal passages could be dried out, leading to trauma to the nasal passages when sneezing and the subsequent bleeding. Senior cats can also have problems with their health such as kidney failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and cancer causing weight loss. I think it's a good idea to have a heath check done as well as a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on December 28th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Benny. His symptoms are worrisome. He needs to see a veterinarian to determine if he has a severe chronic respiratory infection or something more severe such as a nasal tumor. Antibiotics may help the sneezing. If not, I worry that it is a fungal infection or a tumor. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on June 17th, 2019
There are three very common diseases in older cats that can all be easily ruled in/out with simple blood testing. 1. kidney disease 2. hyperthyroidism 3. diabetes I suggest you get Sammy to the vet to get the blood testing done so you can find out what is going on with her so she can get the appropriate treatment.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on August 30th, 2018
Poor Grazee! It sounds like she isn't feeling well, as hiding or avoiding people can often be a sign of pain or illness. If she is also vomiting and not wanting to eat or drink, this also points to an underlying illness or issue causing her discomfort. I would bring her into a vet, especially if she doesn't want to eat or drink for more than a day, to have her examined for any issues. You can also try to entice her to eat a little by warming up some wet food or boiled chicken as cats tend to be encouraged by smells rather than flavors, however if she continues to vomit or not eat/drink, vet care is needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My cat is sneezing, coughing and shoots boogers he threw up n it smelled horrible. Eating n drinking fine but looks like he's lost weight he's about 11 years old. His first looks greasy to me. He was an indoor/outdoor cat but is just indoor now (exce
My 1 year old cat has been losing weight and have been sneezing and having a hard time breathing. I tried to turn on humidifier with menthol scent for her but didn't work. Her nose discharge is brownish red and both her ears are wet inside. I started
Cat isbreathing heavy through nose, loss of appetite, not drinking a lot of water. She's using litter box, but hasn't pooped in a couple of days. I can hear what I think is congestion or phlegm when she purrs, but no sneezing or coughing. seems leth
Have.a cat seems all.of sudden started losing weight.hes been sneezing alot.his .appetite is good hes been good and hes drinking well.seems to.have alot of energy.he has me baffled
Can a cat have the flu and what are the symptoms. My cat was nuetered 10 days ago and Im a little worried he has a cold he has a clogged nose and bigger filled eyes he skinny and overall really tired .normally he's a fat cat which is why I'm worrying
My cat, Cupcake, is a 17-year-old spayed female cat. She is an indoor/outdoor cat. Recently, she has lost weight, her eyes are running, she's sneezing, is lethargic. Cupcake no longer wants to spend the day outside, she sleeps upstairs on a blanket.
My cat is having trouble breathing, his nose is plugged and he is rapidly losing weight
My cat has a cough and occasionally sneezes, he sounds quite congested, this has been going on for a day but today I found that he'd been sick as well I'm not sure what to do for him
My cat is old, he is thin he can't stand on his own, and has been having nasal drainage, and sneezing, and sounds like he has congestion
My 18 year old cat has been having periodic breathing issues sneezing, and congestion, at this point it seems obvious she has seasonal allergies. However, being 18 years old and I don’t have the money to put her through the extensive allergy investig
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
