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 old cat is not eating, losing weight, and very lazy. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

hello, what should I do, my cat is 12 and is not eating much, losing weight, he's becoming very lazy and just isn't himself. he is beginning to stop meowing and completely becoming to look very old and kind of sad. I don't know if it is anything to do with a tick we found on his leg on Thursday (17/5/18). Can you help?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 19th, 2018

I believe these very general symptoms are very worrying, i cannot tell you what is the cause as there are many options but i strongly advise that you take him to the vet urgently to have a blood test done and get this checked.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 7th, 2017
He really needs to be examined by a vet for a work-up to determine the cause. He could have an infection, parasites, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, hyperthyroid, etc. Your vet can run blood work and take an x-ray, if needed, to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2017
Cats tend to deteriorate quickly, so I would recommend a veterinary visit. Starting with blood work which will include a cell count, an evaluation of organ function and a thyroid evaluation should help your veterinarian to find what the source is. Cats can develop Hepatic Lipidosis or a fatty liver after a few days of not eating, and this can be difficult to reverse. I would bring him in today if possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My old cat won't eat, is losing weight, and seems weak. What to do?

This is very concerning and may not related to progressing kidney, thyroid disease or diabetes. An urgent vet check and urine and blood tests is recommended. Do not delay investigation as early treatment is required

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my senior cat not eating, losing weight, and making clicking sounds?

With the symptoms you are describing I tend to test for advanced kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. I would encourage him to eat as best you can and get him to a veterinarian. With blood work and a urinalysis they should be able to give you a diagnosis and help direct you as to what is next

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My senior cat is losing weight, lethargic, and ill. What's wrong?

Poor Garfield. At age 17 that is an awful lot going on and I'd be worried there is an underlying issue such as kidney or organ failure, disease, etc. Since he's so old and is having so many symptoms, it's best to bring him to your vet ASAP. They will likely want to run a few tests such as bloodwork or an X-ray to check his organ function, etc. If you can, bringing in urine or stool samples can also help with any testing and help streamline the process. Until you can get the vet, keeping him as comfortable as possible and keeping his eyes and nose clear with a clean washcloth can help. Some cats also do better eating if they can smell the food, so warming up his food or adding some boiled chicken that is smelly may encourage him to eat a little until you can be seen.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My senior cat is thin, lethargic, and not eating. Is he sick?

These signs are probably not due to old age alone and there is likely something going on with Shadoe. Unfortunately, without a full physical exam and diagnostic testing, it is not possible to determine what could be causing these signs. However, lethargy and eating and drinking very little along with weight loss are very concerning signs that warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Here are some resources that will hopefully help you afford a vet for Shadoe: 1) You can see if your vet accepts payment plans. 2) Look for a low cost clinic in your area 3) Try to apply for Care Credit online (www.carecredit.com) 4) There is an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants (redrover.org) 5) Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website (bestfriends.org)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior cat is thin, won't eat, and can't jump. What's wrong?

I strongly recommend a vet visit for Sam with possibly booodwork. Weight loss and weakness is not a normal symptom of old age. His not wanting to eat and weight loss indicates that he has something else going on. In older cats kidney disease, heart disease or metabolic/endocrine diseases can be common. With treatment Once you have an accurate diagnosis as to why Sam isn't feeling well then you can tailor diet and care to make his golden years as comfortable as possible. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 9-year-old overweight cat is sick and won't eat. Vet visit needed?

The type of symptoms you are reporting combined with Keaca's age is definitely a cause for concern. While lethargy and anorexia are very non-specific symptoms, there are definitely a couple of conditions that come to mind (particularly in an overweight cat). Some of the things I would think of include liver or kidney issues, pancreatitis, diabetes, and certain types of cancer involving the gastrointestinal tract. I think a good start to find out what may or may not be wrong would be to take Keaca in for a physical exam and to have some baseline blood work obtained. This will provide you with some information to rule out several of the conditions I mentioned above. If they are not able to make any determination from that information, some diagnostic imaging may be indicated (x-rays or ultrasound). Hope this helps and that Keaca is feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

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

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share