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Why is my 17-year-old cat not eating, losing weight, and losing hair?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 17 year old cat suddenly quit eating Blue Healthy Aging after 3 years. I changed to Merrick. He has lost a lot if weight. I tried to add wet food. Now that's all he wants. His hair is still coming out.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 18th, 2018

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. So sorry your cat is having this issue. I suggest you get him to your vet for a check up and some blood testing. Thyroid disease is very common in older cats as is kidney disease and diabetes. All of these things can cause similar symptoms and all are easily diagnosed with simple blood testing. You need to realize that at 17 years old he is about 85 in human years. At this age, things start to fail and go wrong. You need to find out what is wrong so you know how to best treat him. Some things are very easily treated with daily medications. I don't think this is something you are going to be able treat at home without knowing what the underlying cause is.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 28th, 2017
If Tigger has nott had any bloodwork performed recently I would suggest a check up and possible bloodwork. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats and can cause weight loss despite eating well. Diabetes is another possibility. Overgrooming can also been seen with metabolic disorders or a stress reaction. Bloodwork can help rule out or diagnose the illnesses commonly seen in older cats. Good luck. Hope Tigger is better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 27th, 2018
Hi. Poor Pumpkin. It appears she has some hair loss and weight loss. With her being older, the top differentials that come to mind is hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney deficiency. Any of these can cause weight loss and even coat changes. Bloodwork can be done to quickly rule in or out these 3 possibilities. I would recommend getting her examined by your veterinarian and starting with a good senior panel bloodwork.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 25th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If he has a great appetite, hyperthyroid disease is forstbon my list. If his appetite is the same or decreased, kidney disease is first on my list. If he is obese, diabetes is certainly possible too. Finally, arthritis is also a cause of lethargy and matting of the fur (because it hurts to groom normally). Finally, cancer in any location can cause lethargy and weight loss.

Long story short, he’ll need a good physical exam and probably some bloodwork if you want to figure out the root cause of what is going on.

Best wishes to you and Raffle.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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