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Why is my 18-year-old cat losing weight, not eating, and constipated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 17 years and 11 months old | 6 lbs

My cat is going to be 18 years old in a month, he has lost a lot of weight, doesn’t eat as much ( past week only) drinking a lot of water, pees but hasn’t had a bowel movement in a week.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 28th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and weight can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Sensation evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. You can add a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to his meals which can help with constipation. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 29th, 2017

    Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is very concerning in any cat but especially in an older cat like Tigger. These symptoms you describe can occur from many conditions such as chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, among other possibilities. I highly recommend that you have Tigger evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment of this and also starting therapy for her as she is possibly dehydrated. Diagnostics that are most likely to be recommended include bloodwork, abdominal radiographs or abdominal ultrasound. Good luck!

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