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 losing weight, vomiting, and has loud stomach sounds.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 18 years and 3 months old | 7 lbs

Hi, my cat is 18, she’s loosing weight rather quick which is a worry most days she’s sick in the mornings, sometimes in the afternoon, she’s eating her food then forgetting it’s there, she drinks water fine but likes it fresh, Shes hard of hearing. She will sit+purr without fail but her stomach sounds like it’s really loudly digesting, it’s been like it for around 6 months now,she’s always been vocal but more recently, I’d rather her go being happy and loved rather than suffer if she’s in pain

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on July 28th, 2019

Gizzy needs to be examined by the veterinarian. The two most common conditions that will cause these clinical signs are kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. Please keep in mind that other causes are also possible. Both of these can be successfully managed with special foods/medications. The key however, is that treatment must start before things get too bad. The longer you wait, the worse things may become. These conditions are not death sentences if caught at an appropriate time. Many cats will live a quality life for a few years after diagnosis. I recommend to have Gizzy examined by the veterinarian within the next few days. Some simple blood and urine tests will be needed for a correct diagnosis. Left untreated, these conditions can cause pets to become more sick and potentially suffer. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my senior cat bloated, vomiting, losing weight, and drinking a lot?

Zoey sounds quite ill at the moment. In senior cats, there are three common illnesses that cause vomiting, increased eating, and weight loss: Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and kidney disease. Cancer is another differential, and that could cause an enlarged belly due to tumor growth. Zoey should see a vet right away for his symptoms. I recommend having a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, urinalysis, and x-rays done on him to diagnose what is causing his symptoms. Once a diagnosis is reached, the vet can discuss treatment with you. Please take him into a vet now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My old cat is losing weight, eating more, and vomiting. What's next?

Thank you for your post! I am sorry to hear Shurbee is not doing well. My concern at this age would be some type of malignancy. In older cats, one of the more common things we see in regards to cancer is intestinal / GI lymphoma. This does not always show up on blood work. I would highly recommend Shurbee get an abdominal ultrasound as the next diagnostic step. Hope this helps and feel free to contact me with any further questions / concerns

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Senior cat vomiting, diarrhea, losing weight, but always hungry?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poot Honey Bee!! I think Honey Bee needs to see your Vet today. Losing weight, vomiting and diarrhea in an older cat can be concerning. The sound you may be hearing when she eats is grinding of her teeth which cats can do when they are nauseous or have stomach issues. Possible causes for her symptoms are: kidney failure, liver problems, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer or possibly but less likely an obstruction (ate something that is stuck). Most of the above can be easily diagnosed on blood work. Your Vet may want to take an X-ray of her belly as well. I hope this helps and I wish Honey Bee the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My senior cat is vomiting daily and losing weight. Is she dying?

I'm sorry this is going on with Precious but she needs to see a vet. The most common issues we see with older cats are: 1. diabetes 2. kidney disease/failure 3. hyperthyroidism Any of those can cause her symptoms and all are treatable (to an extent). All can be ruled out with simple blood testing. The best one she could have is hyperthyroidism - it is not expensive to diagnose or treat. Of course it may not be any of those and she could have something else going on entirely. First step is you need to know what the diagnosis is. I don't know what prices are in your area but an exam and bloodwork is probably right around $200. All you can do is call around for prices and see what you can work out. Some humane societies these days have low cost services so maybe check with them.

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

My old cat is losing weight, vocalizing, and peeing more. What to do?

I would recommend the bloodwork if possible. Many of the symptoms your describe could be due to hyperthyroidism which can often be managed with diet or medication. Renal disease diabetes are also concerns. Speak with your vet to determine what they suspect is most likely and find out if it is possible to test for one thing at a time instead of running a full panel at once. The vet will suggest the best options but often if you explain financial constraints we can work with owners. If unable to do the diagnostic testing then euthanasia is a reasonable option to prevent her from suffering. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is losing weight and meowing a lot. What's wrong with her?

Unfortunately yes, weight loss and increased meowing can often be signs of illness in cats. You don't say how old your cat is, but if she is middle-aged or older the first thing I would be concerned about is possible thyroid disease - hyperthyroidism very commonly causes both of these symptoms. It also often causes increased appetite, and sometimes soft stool. Other possible causes could be diabetes, kidney disease, or even a digestive problem like inflammatory bowel disease. I would recommend having Ittybitty examined by a vet - he/she can do a simple blood panel to check for most of these problems, and advise you on treatment options based on the results.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share