Why is my senior cat overgrooming, having accidents, and not eating?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 13 years and 3 months old | 17 lbs
My cat has been overgrooming the last 2yrs. One vet said the overgrooming was a food allergy to possibly chicken. I changed her diet to accommodate and test that theory. In the last few months, the overgrooming is worse than ever. And now sometimes she'll refuse to touch food I have been giving to her for weeks/months with no problem. So now she's basically on an all seafood flavor diet. And today I noticed she had a urine accident, in bed and her butt fur was soaked in it for a day. I'm worried
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 20th, 2020
This overgrooming can be a sign of a medical illness such as hyperthyroidism, which can be common in senior cats. The urine accident could be due to kidney disease, another common illness. I'd have Noel seen by a vet for a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 1st, 2017
It could be a gastrointestinal condition although these symptoms are also quite common with a condition called hyperthyroidism, which usually happens around this age. i would recommend taking Bobby to the vet for a checkup and a blood test in order to get it diagnosed and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 27th, 2019
If this is a recent development, Milo should be physically examined by your veterinarian. Blood and urine samples should be submitted to assess major organ function, especially kidney function. Diabetes can also be ruled out.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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