Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my cat drooling, losing weight, eating more, and lethargic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 6 lbs

My male cats has excessive drooling weight loss increased appetite lethargic what could be wrong with him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2018

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. So sorry Frank is having this issue. It sounds pretty serious. There are many things that could be going on with him. His symptoms are not specific for any one illness or disease process. All the symptoms don't seem to go together either: increased appetite but drooling and weight loss..... seems odd. Some of the things that come to mind that would be at the top of my list would be: * dental issue (ie: infected tooth, oral tumor) * kidney failure * poisoning/toxicity * liver failure * thyroid disease * cancer I suggest you get Frank to your vet for an exam and some blood testing to start with. Many of the issues I listed above can be ruled in/out with simple blood testing. This is not something that is going to resolve on it's own at home. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    There could be a couple of things going on. Excessive drooling is often noted when they have dental disease, or mouth inflammation. However, the history of lethargy and increased appetite is most common in diabetes. There would also be an increase in thirst and urinating. Other possibilities are cancer and a chronic infection such as FIV (aka feline Aids). A decrease in weight with an increased appetite is usually due to a rather severe disease, so I would not hesitate to take Frank to the vet. In many cases these conditions are treatable and the quicker they are diagnosed, the better the success of treatment. It's not an emergency, but best if you have him seen within the next day or two. The vet will be able to help narrow-down the cause with a consult and can advise on the necessary testing and treatment to get him better. I hope that helps and Frank gets better soon.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My 4-week-old chick is sick and sleeps standing. What should I do?
Is your 4-week-old chick ill, sleeping standing? A Licensed Vet Tech offers expert advice on immediate care, feeding, and why a vet visit is crucial for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored