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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 lbs

My cat, Cupcake, is a 17-year-old spayed female cat. She is an indoor/outdoor cat. Recently, she has lost weight, her eyes are running, she's sneezing, is lethargic. Cupcake no longer wants to spend the day outside, she sleeps upstairs on a blanket. Normally, she growls at me when she wants to go outside, but she no longer does that. She has stopped hunting and bringing animals to the porch. She is still eating a small amount, but is not cleaning herself as much. What do you think about her?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 12th, 2017

Based on what you are describing I would be concerned that something is going on with Cupcake.

At her age I would be concerned about 3 diseases in particular: diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease. All of these diseases can cause lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss.

I would recommend taking Cupcake to the vet to be checked out. Your vet can run some simple lab work to determine if she has any of these diseases. These illnesses can also depress the immune system and lead to additional illnesses like upper respiratory tract infections that would explain the sneezing and watery eyes.

Hopefully your vet can determine what is going on so you can start treatment and get Cupcake back to herself. Best of luck.
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