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Why is my old cat losing weight and peeing blood? Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 6 lbs

My cat is over 13 years old. He has lost a lot of weight and I notice if he pees outside of the litter box it tends to have blood in it.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2018

Poor Charlie! Senior cats can be afflicted with three common illness that cause weight loss. They include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. The blood in his urine could be a UTI secondary to one of those diseases. He really does need to see a vet for these problems, and I would take him into a vet today if possible. The vet can do a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis to diagnose what is causing his weight loss and bloody urine, and then can discuss treatment options with you. Please call your vet now to see when you can get him an appointment. Best of luck.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 27th, 2017

    It's not normal, the most common condition in cats her age is indeed kidney failure and all the symptoms match. it could also be diabetes, lymphoma and other urinary diseases but these are less common. you need to take her to the vet ASAP in order to have a blood test done, this will confirm or rule out kidney failure.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2017

    There are many different causes for increased thirst and urination including cystitis, diabetes and kidney disease. I recommend a full vet check, urine screen and possibly blood tests to rule out medical causes

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2018

    In a 15 year old cat, there are a couple of medical conditions that could cause him to urinate a lot as well as lose weight. They include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney failure. He needs to see a vet for a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis. This will help diagnose if he does have one of those conditions, and then the vet can discuss treatment options with you. Best of luck.

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