Why is my senior cat getting thin and losing muscle in his legs?

Question

Hey, My cat is fairly old. I think about 10/11 years old. We've noticed that he is getting thinner and I'm not sure what to do. I mainly notice it near his back legs. We feed him only dry biscuits so I was thinking maybe trying him on some different food cause hes never really liked his food but he's never been this thin. I could just be over reacting but I'm really worried and we're about to go away so I don't think we have time to take him to a vet before we go. Thank you! Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8.8 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Jasper looks like he has fairly normal weight, however I would indeed feed him a better food that he may like better. Try feeding him Hill's or Purina Proplan or Iams biscuits or feed him tinned food twice daily. At 10 or 11 years old is not very old yet. Cats often can live to 17-20 years and I once had a kitty that made it to 26 years old. He will likely have arthritis, which may be a reason why his hind legs may be losing muscle. He is also at the age where cats can get hyperthyroidism or kidney disease. With hyperthyroidism cats tend to lose weight, their heart rate is high, and they often have bouts of vomiting or being very vocal. This is a disease that can be diagnosed or ruled out via a blood test. Kidney disease should be ruled out also. I suggest you make an appointment with your veterinarian for a geriatric wellness exam with some blood work. There is no rush, however make the appointment now for shortly after you return from your trip.

Why is my senior cat getting thin and losing muscle in his legs?

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