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My older cat is losing weight and very needy. Is it more than age?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

My cat has been loosing a lot of weight and has been REALLY needy (been wanting to be snuggled more than usual). He is the oldest cat in the house but other than the 10 years that we have had him we do not know his actual age. Could there be something other than getting old going on?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 22nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Any weight loss in an older pet should be addressed. Possible causes of weight loss in a cat are: diabetes, kidney or liver disease, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. Most of the above can be figured out on exam and blood work. I hope this helps and I wish you and Ringo the very best!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 26th, 2019

    He is so handsome! Weight loss can be caused by many things but in an older cat some common things would be hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and GI disease. If he is otherwise alert and eating well these are good things. It really would be best for him to see your vet to help figure out why he is losing weight. There are more serious things that can cause weight loss and it is important for you to know if the cause is treatable. What will be recommended first is bloodwork, a urinalysis, and thyroid testing. Additional tests would then include xrays and ultrasound. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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