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Senior cat not eating, losing weight, has head lump & fur loss?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 17 years and 1 month old

My cat is 17 years old and not a pure bred. She has had a growth on top of her head for the last couple months that’s a soft pocket by her left ear. Recently like in the last week she’s started having noticeable issues. She stopped eating normally, lost a lot of weight, began being picky with food and water. Lastly she stopped grooming and lost patches of fur on her leg and belly.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 27th, 2018

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your concerns about Ren. In a senior cat, there is always a concern that any growth could be malignant. Cancer would cause her to stop eating and lose weight. In addition, while the lump may not be malignant, there could be something else causing her to stop eating and lose weight. I would take her into the vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is going on with her, and what treatment options may be available. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

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