Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat is losing weight but eating and drinking a lot. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered | 8 years and 4 months old | 10 lbs

my cat is wasting away.Has lost a lot of weight.Eats voraciously,and after feedin him, still acts hungry,does all his business on the floor,drinks a lot of water.Can't afford a vet, and want to help him. What could be wrong? Your help is appreciated.Thanks, Harriet

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2017

Good morning! It sounds as if Bunky might have diabetes, or kidney problems, or even an excessive amount of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), based on the weight loss, and excessive thirst.

Unfortunately, these are conditions that would need to be diagnosed by blood and urine tests, which would involve taking him to see his vet. Thyroid problems are very treatable with an oral medication, and diabetes is treatable with daily insulin injections, or sometimes just with a special food your vet can prescribe.

At home, there isn't too much that you can do; I wish there was more I could suggest!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Increased appetite and weight loss is a red flag for serious hormonal conditions such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism and require correct diagnosis and treatment by a vet to prevent severe complications
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 18th, 2019
Not every cat presents the same way with diseases, but this behavior (increased appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, significant weight loss) could be caused by diabetes or kidney disease. I would have Zorro seen by a vet in the morning for a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 10th, 2017
I recommend a vet visit for this kitty. Diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism are two diseases that can make a cat eat ravenously but still lose weight. Parasites can also cause this. These can be easily diagnosed with booodtests and stool samples. Once a diagnosis is made the vet can discuss treatment options with your grandfather.
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 16th, 2019
There are three very common diseases that cats get that can cause these symptoms:

1. diabetes
2. hyperthyroidism
3. kidney disease

All can be easily tested for with some simple blood testing. I suggest you have Earl to your vet for an exam and blood testing.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My senior cat drinks, eats, pees a lot, losing weight, tests normal. Why?

It is fairly rare, but ask your veterinarian if your kitty may be suffering from Cushing's disease or liver disease. Also sometimes cats can still be hyperthyroid, even though the thyroid parameters are within normal limits (this is called euthyroid sick). He could also have a tumor. In any case, this needs to be investigated further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my senior cat drinking more, peeing a lot, and losing weight?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From your description of signs, I would strongly suspect that Flynn may have diabetes. This very commonly causes increased thirst and urination, sticky urine (from the sugar in the urine) and weight loss. Other common causes of weight loss and increased thirst and urination in cats are kidney disease and thyroid disease. I have seen many cats that have more than one of these diseases at the same time. I would strongly recommend taking Flynn to a veterinarian for blood work and urinalysis. This will be the first step in diagnosing his actual condition so that you know how to treat him. I hope this helps and that Flynn gets feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my senior cat losing weight and drinking excessive water?

My concern with Menie is that he can have one of a few different things going on. As cats age they can become diabetic, have chronic kidney disease or even become hyperthyroid. With all these diseases you will see an increase in drinking and weight loss. I would recommend taking Menie to the veterinarian and having blood work and a urinalysis performed to see exactly what is going on with him. The urine will also show if there is a urinary tract infection, which they can have if they have diabetics, kidney disease or even if they don't have another disease going on. I hope Menie feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my senior cat losing weight, always hungry, and has diarrhea?

These are indeed an unusual set of symptoms, thyroid disease and diabetes would be the first suspects for a cat with increasing appetite and weight loss. A specialist ultrasound scan of the abdomen may be worth while to investigate difficulties with food digestion and absorption or even tumours using up the calories

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 9-year-old cat is losing weight but still eating and drinking. Why?

I'm sorry the hear diamond is not feeling herself. When cats lose weight rapidly we worry about several potential diseases including kidney disease, diabetes (they tend to be drinking a lot of water with these two), increased thyroid level (hyperthyroidism), and disease in the intestine (inflammation or even cancer). I would have diamond evaluated by a veterinarian. A physical exam and Simple lab work will help start sorting out what could be going on. I hope you get answers soon and diamond is feeling better.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cat lethargic, losing weight, and drinking toilet water?

Poor Little Man! His lethargy, weight loss and excessive drinking make me concerned about several possible conditions, including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes, among others. At this point, he needs to be seen by his vet for an exam and lab testing (CBC, chemistry, T4 - thyroid) to evaluate his organ function. There isn't much that you can do at home without determining the underlying cause of Little Man's clinical signs.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my cat losing weight, hiding, and peeing everywhere?

I would have Zarry checked out by a vet as soon as possible. There are two conditions that come to mind that can cause a cat to lose weight despite having a good appetite: hyperthyroidism and diabetes. A vet will examine Zarry and discuss his medical history, and will probably recommend bloodwork to look for a diagnosis.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share