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My senior cat is losing weight but still eating. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 lbs

I have a ten year old cat and over the last 6 months he has been losing weight. I haven't noticed him being this skinny since I am not home all the time with him. But he has been eating good and drinking good. I have 2 cats and have separated their food and water along with their litter box to monitor. What could be the reason for weight loss, and if he needs attention is there a place that does free clinics in the anchorage area?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2017

In a senior cat like Rhone, there are three common illnesses that would cause a cat to eat well but still lose weight: Kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. Rhone needs a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis to diagnose what is causing him to lose weight so he can be treated. While there are no free clinics for veterinary care, there may be a low cost clinic in your area, and I can put a link to a website where you can check to see if there is one. I can also give you some other resources for affording a vet: You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 10th, 2016

    Poor Cookie! In older cats, losing weight despite eating can be caused by diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease. Given that he is painfully thin, he should see a vet immediately. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood tests, and a urinalysis to diagnose what is causing this weight loss, and can treat accordingly. While at the vet, they can diagnose what is causing trouble with his back legs, which could be due to arthritis.

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