Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Why is my senior cat overgrooming, losing hair, and losing weight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7.7 lbs

Cat(male, 12 years old) overgrooms and has hair loss. I’ve taken him to the vet last month, did blood test, unwilling to do ultrasound test. Blood test came out fine. Besides this, he’s lost 0.3 kg since I moved to a bigger home last year. The way he lost weight, that his hip line is more obvious, is it normal? He eats and plays as usual though.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 21st, 2018

If he seems to be losing weight, I would make sure her thyroid level was tested. If so, the skin could be due to an allergy or other skin condition. Thyroid level being high can cause skin and hair changes so I would first get this level checked out. As for the skin, you can use Douxo PS calm shampoo and mousse, both of which can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Sponsored