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How old is my cat with a Boney back?

How old is my cat with a Boney back?

My cat Sassy is about 14 years old now. She’s always been very trim, and right now she weighs in around 9lbs. She had her last vet visit a few months back and according to the vet she’d gained weight since her previous visit. So that was great.

How old is a 16 year old cat?

By age 16 your cat’s physical and mental development is very much like that of an 80-year-old person. She has definitely slowed down physically (relative to her prime adult years)and may have developed a number of health problems.

Why does my cat have a bone in her back?

If not, it should be done as well. Aging bodies lose muscle tone and mass, as well as fatty deposits. Physical structures sag, and gravity pulls everything downward. Even so, the spinal and hip bones shouldn’t protrude, so it sounds like your girl could use a bit of additional weight.

What happens to a cat as they age?

She might avoid some activities she used to enjoy, perhaps because she has lost interest, or because they cause her discomfort. As cats age, sometimes they become more aggressive, overreacting to loud or strange sounds or new people. On the other hand, your cat may react less to such stimuli because she simply does not hear or see as well.

By age 16 your cat’s physical and mental development is very much like that of an 80-year-old person. She has definitely slowed down physically (relative to her prime adult years)and may have developed a number of health problems.

When to see the vet for cat skin lesions?

There are many possible causes for feline skin lesions. The treatment depends on the type and cause of the sore. Anytime your cat has a sore that doesn’t heal in a few days or that oozes yellow or green-colored puss, see your vet as this is a sign of infection.

What happens to a cat’s body in old age?

When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find:

Is there such thing as an old cat dying?

While cats can live healthy lives into their late teens and even early 20s, there comes a time when your pet will begin to decline, either due to old age or a progressive or terminal medical issue.

Why are the sides of my Cat sunken in?

Click to expand… How old is he? You say it isn’t recent – has he been losing weight over some time? As cats get older many of them lose weight (as do some people), so it could just be down to advancing age and muscle wastage.

What does the back end of a cat do?

The cat’s rear quarter is the place of the liver, stomach, spleen, kidney, bladder, small intestine, colon, and reproductive organs. The situation of the back end or, the weight can express feline strength and health condition.

Why is my Cat Thin at the back end?

The reasons may be appetite loss or digestion problems. If your cat goes thinner at the back but acts normal, my experience tells that it’s not so dangerous. Let’s make a move with the food or watch your cat’s eating habit before visit the vet.

The cat’s rear quarter is the place of the liver, stomach, spleen, kidney, bladder, small intestine, colon, and reproductive organs. The situation of the back end or, the weight can express feline strength and health condition.

What kind of arthritis does a 12 year old cat have?

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative disease of the joints. At least 90 percent of cats over 12 years of age have evidence of degenerative joint disease on radiographs. Owners may not relate minor changes in their cat to arthritis, because they may not yet show signs of lameness.

The reasons may be appetite loss or digestion problems. If your cat goes thinner at the back but acts normal, my experience tells that it’s not so dangerous. Let’s make a move with the food or watch your cat’s eating habit before visit the vet.

Can a one year old cat gain weight back?

Erica wrote:”I have a one year old male cat. About 3 months ago he started drooling, lost body weight, and was irritable towards the other animals in the house. The symptoms keep coming and going. But he has not gained all his body weight back.

How old should a 17 year old cat be?

17-19 years 83-92 years Probably frail due to loss of bone density, subcutaneous fat and muscle tone. Skin more fragile. Hearing, sight and mobility affected.

What happens to the skin of an older cat?

The skin of an older cat is thinner and less elastic, has reduced blood circulation, and is more prone to infection. Older cats groom themselves less effectively than do younger cats, sometimes resulting in hair matting, skin odor, and inflammation. The claws of aging felines are often overgrown, thick, and brittle.

17-19 years 83-92 years Probably frail due to loss of bone density, subcutaneous fat and muscle tone. Skin more fragile. Hearing, sight and mobility affected.

What happens to a cat’s claws as it gets older?

Your cat’s claws may also become dryer and more brittle with age, and your older cat might be less inclined to use his scratching post to maintain his manicures. Frequent nail trimming will keep his claws healthy and will alert you quickly to injuries to his claws or paws.

How old is a kitten compared to a human?

Popular belief has it that one year of a cat’s life is equivalent to 7 human years. In fact, kittens mature faster than human children and the rate of ageing slows down to one year equalling only 4 human years after only 2 years as the equivalence chart below shows:

What causes hair loss on the back of a cat?

Cat hair loss or thinning hair down the middle of the back to the rump indicates a flea problem. The chance that cat flea allergy is likely the cause increases if the hair loss is accompanied by bumps or scabs.

Is it normal for cats to lose their fur?

Many adult cats also experience preauricular alopecia — thinning of fur on the skin strip between the ears and the eyes, which is considered normal in cats, Dr. Hayworth says. What about acquired alopecia in cats?

When do cats start to decline in age?

While cats can live healthy lives into their late teens and even early 20s, there comes a time when your pet will begin to decline, either due to old age or a progressive or terminal medical issue. Recognizing when the end is approaching for your beloved feline will help you make the most loving and compassionate choices for her and for yourself.

Why does my cat’s fur change with age?

4. Cat colors can change with age. As cats get older, they start getting gray hair just like humans do. But unless your cat is dark in color, you probably won’t notice the silver strands creeping in. The fur of seal-point Siamese and other dark-pointed Oriental breeds also darkens with age.

What to expect from a 10 year old cat?

She might not decide to climb the cat condo quite as often or leap from that high bookshelf onto the couch. Mentally, she’s still sharp, but at this age it may take her longer to adjust to changes in her routine or environment. In fact, she may not handle any stress well, and even act fearful of anything new or different.

While cats can live healthy lives into their late teens and even early 20s, there comes a time when your pet will begin to decline, either due to old age or a progressive or terminal medical issue. Recognizing when the end is approaching for your beloved feline will help you make the most loving and compassionate choices for her and for yourself.

What does it mean when a cat’s hair falls out?

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a condition in which a cat’s hair falls out or does not grow, and it can occur in cats of any age. Hair loss can be partial or total.

What happens if an old cat doesn’t eat?

As your cat grows older, he may have particular difficulties with the way he functions, namely his eating habits. If you noticed your old cat not eating, then it may be a huge problem in the long run. If your cat continues not to eat, then it will end up being fatal!

Why is my cat so skinny and Boney?

Reasons why your cat is so skinny. There are many causes of why your pet is unusually skinny or boney. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s sickly or dying. Here are the most common reasons why your cat is skinny or losing weight: 1. Your cat may be getting old. A cat may be skinny and boney because she’s getting old.

Why does my cat not want to eat Kibble?

Your old cat may not be able to eat because his teeth are aging and it will end up with his kibbles being too hard to chew. If the flavors are too intense or it lacks taste, then he may be disinterested or disgusted by your food, similar to humans who can’t eat if they don’t like the taste.

Why is my 16 year old cat not eating?

Our 16-year-old cat, Pebbles, started to get “picky” about her food a month ago and started to lose weight. We took her to the vet, and after a blood test that showed no health concern, the vet asked for poop sample to have it tested. The cat was isolated because we have three more cats, but she did not poop.

Your old cat may not be able to eat because his teeth are aging and it will end up with his kibbles being too hard to chew. If the flavors are too intense or it lacks taste, then he may be disinterested or disgusted by your food, similar to humans who can’t eat if they don’t like the taste.

What kind of bones do Scottish Fold cats have?

This genetic condition of Scottish Fold cats is characterized by deformities of the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and the paws (the metacarpal, metatarsal, and toe bones) due to the development of bony growths. Affected cats are lame, and the bones in question are deformed and swollen.

How long does it take for a bone in a cat to heal?

The outlook for recovery varies based on the severity of the infection and on how long it has remained untreated. Reduced bone mass, bone deformities, bony growths, fractures, and loose teeth (rubber jaw) are all conditions that can result from nutritional disturbances.

What are the frequencies of a cat bone?

Lyons says that these are frequencies that promote healing. She notes that domestic cats and wild cats alike produce strong frequencies at “exactly 25 Hertz and 50 Hertz. These two low frequencies are associated with the promotion of bone growth and fracture healing.”

How old does a cat have to be to have arthritis?

If your cat is hesitating to jump, or is looking at his favorite chair and then just walking away, maybe old George is in considerable arthritic pain. Age, weight, health status and previous injuries play a big role in feline arthritis. Most cats don’t develop obvious signs of arthritis until they are at least 10 years old.

What kind of disease does an old cat have?

Feline chronic renal failure (CRF) is another common disease in aging cats. The Feline CRF Information Center specifies this disease is progressive and terminal but partly manageable in the early stages.

How to get a skinny old cat to gain weight?

Start with finding a high-calorie, nutrient dense food. Most cat foods aren’t going to proclaim they will help cats gain weight because more often cats are overweight, and cat food producers more often market foods to those on a cat weight loss program.

What happens when a cat loses a lot of weight?

When a cat becomes hyperthyroid, their metabolism goes into overdrive—they lose weight, are ravenously hungry all of the time, have a very high heart rate, and often meow at night and have trouble sleeping. They may also drink a lot of water and urinate large amounts.

Reasons why your cat is so skinny. There are many causes of why your pet is unusually skinny or boney. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s sickly or dying. Here are the most common reasons why your cat is skinny or losing weight: 1. Your cat may be getting old. A cat may be skinny and boney because she’s getting old.

Start with finding a high-calorie, nutrient dense food. Most cat foods aren’t going to proclaim they will help cats gain weight because more often cats are overweight, and cat food producers more often market foods to those on a cat weight loss program.

Why does old age cause my cat to lose weight?

Wrong! Old age is not a disease! Old age does not cause feline weight loss, but old age can increase your cat’s risk of acquiring certain feline diseases or a number of problems that cause this illness symptom. But the age itself is not a reason for weight loss.

My cat Sassy is about 14 years old now. She’s always been very trim, and right now she weighs in around 9lbs. She had her last vet visit a few months back and according to the vet she’d gained weight since her previous visit. So that was great.

How to tell if your cat is dying of old age?

Telltale Signs an Old Cat Is Dying 1 Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine,… 2 Signs of Death for Specific Diseases. Geriatric cats can die from several types… 3 Treatment Considerations. The severity of your cat’s symptoms will increase during… 4 The Aging Cat. When a cat ages,…

When does a cat reach her social maturity?

Your cat reaches her social maturity at around 2 years of age. Here are some things to expect┬á┬╗ How you handle the introduction of a new cat can make or break the relationship the two cats you have, so it’s crucial that you plan and execute the introduction in a way that keeps the tension as low as possible.

How old are Tweed and corduroy kittens now?

Tweed is three weeks old! Look how much Darling has grown! At four weeks kittens are sturdy on their feet and playing with each other, toys, and people. By now, Darling, Denby, Corduroy, Tweed, and Wembley look like fluffy, miniature versions of their mother.

Who is Bonsey Jaden and what does she do?

Her mission is to establish Bonsey Jaden as a reputable and trusted independent agency in Thailand. With agency background in Indonesia and Thailand, Galib brings an all-round experience ranging from integrated brand guardianship to detail-oriented executions for clients in various industries.

Telltale Signs an Old Cat Is Dying 1 Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine,… 2 Signs of Death for Specific Diseases. Geriatric cats can die from several types… 3 Treatment Considerations. The severity of your cat’s symptoms will increase during… 4 The Aging Cat. When a cat ages,…

How old are kittens when they open their eyes?

Their sense of smell, hearing, and taste are slowly starting to develop. Tweed is only three days old. Six Days Old Kitten. After almost a week, the kittens begin to wiggle around on their own a little bit and their eyes start to open. Cordory at six days old. One Week Old Kitten.

What happens if you find a lump on your cat?

We know how worrying it can be to find a lump on your cat, cancer often jumps to mind. It’s important to remember that lumps aren’t always nasty, they can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Always have new lumps checked by your vet and continue monitoring them for changes.

What kind of bumps do cats have on their bodies?

The skin is usually pink or tinged yellow, raised and bumpy, and hairless. Eosinophilic plagues typically affect the skin of the abdomen, inner thigh, throat, or around the anus. The areas are raised, pink or red, and appear “raw.” Indolent ulcers (also called rodent ulcers) affect a cat’s upper lip and sometimes the tongue.

Why does my 18 year old cat have a lump in her stomach?

My 18-year-old cat has developed a lump in her stomach she’s not eating or drinking or going to the bathroom at all. She cries when touched or she’s picked up. I took her to the vet two weeks ago they did an x-ray and said there was nothing wrong but the other night I went to give her a bath and found a mass in her stomach.

What kind of bumps do cats have on their heads?

Thankfully they are benign. These small, firm masses are usually found around a cat’s head and neck. Siamese, Himalayan, and Persian cats are most commonly affected. Surgery to remove a basal cell tumor should eliminate it. Squamous Cell Carcinomas often are diagnosed around the ears, nose, and eyelids of older cats.

Is it possible for a cat to have a bone tumor?

Less often, tumors can develop on the spine, ribs, pelvis, shoulder blades, and skull. Cats are much less likely to be affected by this condition than dogs, and approximately one-third of bone tumors found on cats are benign. Symptoms can vary depending on the area in which the tumor is located.

What does it mean when a cat has a lump on its back?

They may be itchy or red. About 10% of these tumors are cancerous. Fibrosarcomas are cancerous tumors that can appear anywhere on the body. Rarely, they happen as a side effect to any injection that is given. If your cat has a lump at the site of a recent shot, let your vet know.

When to take your senior cat to the vet?

If anxiety problems persist or get out of hand, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help. Your cat will need to see the veterinarian at leasttwice a year now for a checkup. Your veterinarian will want to do a complete geriatric workup, which will include a complete physical exam and evaluation of blood, urine and stool samples.

She might not decide to climb the cat condo quite as often or leap from that high bookshelf onto the couch. Mentally, she’s still sharp, but at this age it may take her longer to adjust to changes in her routine or environment. In fact, she may not handle any stress well, and even act fearful of anything new or different.

When to consider euthanasia for an old cat?

If the prognosis is poor or gave and your cat’s quality of life is declining, euthanasia may be suggested. When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find:

How old is a 16 year old cat in human years?

The formula for calculating the equivalent age is fairly simple: the first two years of a cat’s life equate to 24 human years and every year thereafter is equivalent to 4 human years. For example, a 16-year-old cat would be equivalent to an 80-year-old human. See our information on how to tell your cat’s age in human years.

If anxiety problems persist or get out of hand, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help. Your cat will need to see the veterinarian at leasttwice a year now for a checkup. Your veterinarian will want to do a complete geriatric workup, which will include a complete physical exam and evaluation of blood, urine and stool samples.

What happens to cats in their senior years?

As our cats reach their senior years, they may begin to experience illness and overall decline in their health. While some cats simply deteriorate in health due to old age, others struggle with chronic illness.

How old is a 13 year old cat?

13 human years is equal to 68 cat years (cat’s relative age). From 15 human years and above, your cat is a Geriatric. many cats do reach this stage, some not showing any signs of being geriatric at all! (*) You can also type decimal values.

How old is a six month old cat in human years?

For example, a six-month-old human is a babe in arms, whilst a six-month-old cat can look after themselves and have kittens of their own. Converting cat years to human years is complex because our feline friends age rapidly in their first couple of years and then slow up.

How old is a two year old cat?

Experts say that a one year old cat has roughly the age of a 15 years old human and a two years old cat has the age of a 25 years old human. After two years old the cats mature slowly, so that a 15 year old cat is roughly comparable to a 76 year old human (see the graph below).

When do senior cats start to lose weight?

This is common with a lot of senior cats, especilly as they advance to their mid and late teens. As a cat ages, into their teens they do tend to lose muscle and some weight, as muscle weighs more than fat.

Is it normal for an older cat to lose weight?

Although obesity does occur in middle-aged cats, feline seniors more often lose weight and take on a distinctively “boney old cat” feel. Changes in diet can help some older cats retain normal body weight, though, so speak to your vet if your cat is losing weight.

Why do senior cats lose so much muscle?

Some medications are lethal for cats even in small doses. Senior cats also tend to lose muscle mass and tone, making movement more difficult and leading to even more muscle loss.

Can a 13 year old cat lose muscle?

My 13 year old cat is losing muscle mass on his hindquarters… Dr. Lars. He has had a muscle loss on back leg but i want to Hi. Dr. Lars. He has had a muscle loss on back leg but i want to know if this is some sign of dying or suffering. … read more I have a 17 yo neutered male orange tabby who is loosing muscle mass in his hind quarters.

Although obesity does occur in middle-aged cats, feline seniors more often lose weight and take on a distinctively “boney old cat” feel. Changes in diet can help some older cats retain normal body weight, though, so speak to your vet if your cat is losing weight.

If not, it should be done as well. Aging bodies lose muscle tone and mass, as well as fatty deposits. Physical structures sag, and gravity pulls everything downward. Even so, the spinal and hip bones shouldn’t protrude, so it sounds like your girl could use a bit of additional weight.

Is it true that cats do not age forever?

Within the past 5-10 years, veterinary medicine has seen some significant improvements in treatments for the ailments commonly faced by ageing cats. Like people, cats do not live forever. They age at different rates – some slow down at the age of 8, others remain spry into their teens or early twenties.

How does old age affect an elderly cat?

They experience old age in different ways and at their own pace. Grey hairs appear round the muzzle and in the fur (some owner therefore refer to older pets as “silvers”). An elderly cat grows thinner; its backbone, hips and shoulders become more prominent as it loses the insulating layer of fat under the skin.

What happens to a cat’s body as it ages?

A cat’s muscle tone: Younger cats are muscular and older cats often are bonier with extra skin; as they age, their shoulder bones may protrude more. A cat’s eyes: Young cats have very bright, clear eyes, usually without any discharge, depending on health and breed. As the cat ages, the cat’s irises may appear jagged.

When does a cat become a senior cat?

Cats are considered “senior” until age 14; from age 15 and on, the AAFP considers them “geriatric.”In general, helping your cat maintain a healthy diet, weight, and receive regular check-ups at the vet will help give them the best possible chance of living a long and healthy life!

How old is a 7 year old cat?

The old “seven year” rule is simple but not quite accurate because cats age more rapidly during the first two years of life. In a feline’s very first year, he or she reaches the human age equivalent of 15. By a feline’s second year, he or she is the equivalent of age 24. If we think like a cat, here’s how a cat’s age compares to a human’s age.

When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find:

This is common with a lot of senior cats, especilly as they advance to their mid and late teens. As a cat ages, into their teens they do tend to lose muscle and some weight, as muscle weighs more than fat.

Why is my 18 year old cat meowing all the time?

Thomas: The shaking limbs could be a symptom of arthritic pain. If your cat seems to move more slowly or carefully when she first wakes up, this may be another sign of discomfort. Dahlia: One of Mama’s friends has an 18-year-old cat that was crying a lot.

Why does my 18 year old cat shake all the time?

Thomas: The shaking limbs could be a symptom of arthritic pain. If your cat seems to move more slowly or carefully when she first wakes up, this may be another sign of discomfort. Dahlia: One of Mama’s friends has an 18-year-old cat that was crying a lot. He is hyperthyroid, but his condition is well controlled with medication.

What are the symptoms of a bone tumor in a cat?

If too much cortisol is produced then your cat is suffering from a problem in the adrenal or pituitary glands such as an adrenal gland tumor. Bone: Symptoms include a mass or swelling that often causes your cat to limp.

What kind of brain tumor does a feline have?

Brain (feline brain tumor): Very rare condition and is often caused by a tumor in another part of your cats body such as feline lymphosarcoma which has spread to the brain and caused a feline brain tumor. Ceruminous gland: These tumors are found in your cat’s ear and look like black spots (adenocarcionoma).

What kind of bones are in a cat’s neck?

Neck and spine (vertebrae) – These bones run along the upper part of the cat’s body from the skull to the tail. There are 7 neck bones, 13 backbone, 3 sacral bones and 20-23 tail bones.

Where do sebaceous cysts appear on a cat?

Sebaceous cysts can appear anywhere on the body of your cat, but most often occur on their trunk (chest and sides) or legs. These fluid-filled sacs are typically benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and do not cause much physical discomfort to your cat. Sebaceous cysts appear as raised bumps and are soft in feel.

What kind of skin problem does my cat have?

Eosinophilic Granuloma If your cat has raised ulcers or lesions on the nose or lips, they may be having a type of allergic reaction known as an eosinophilic granuloma. This reaction can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the face, pads of the feet, and thighs.

What do you call a lump under a cat’s skin?

Vesicle: This is a lump underneath the skin that is filled with an unusual amount of fluid (called edema). Wheal: A wheal is a raised area that tends to heal by itself in minutes or hours. It is an area with increased redness or has a pale color when compared to surrounding areas.

What kind of tumor is under my cat’s neck?

The following are several of the more common types of tumors that might be felt in or under a cat’s skin: Basal Cell Tumors are the most common type of skin tumor in middle-aged to older cats. Thankfully they are benign. These small, firm masses are usually found around a cat’s head and neck.

What are the different types of skin lesions in cats?

Skin allergy, food reaction, parasite problem, infection from a medical condition somewhere else in the body, polyp which is a raised skin tumor Acute moist dermatitis, or “hot spots,” are round, raw lesions that occur most often on the head, hips, and sides of the chest.

What kind of tumor is on my Persian cat?

Basal Cell Tumors are the most common type of skin tumor in middle-aged to older cats. Thankfully they are benign. These small, firm masses are usually found around a cat’s head and neck. Siamese, Himalayan, and Persian cats are most commonly affected.

What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia in cats?

Eventually, the hip joint becomes loose. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in cats include: Limping; Walking stiffly or awkwardly; Weakness in the back legs; Obvious discomfort when hips are touched; Reluctance to walk, play, or climb; Obsessive licking or chewing on the back legs or hip area

How old is my cat’s back bone or spine?

Reply to Lori’s Post: She is about 7 years old and her bony spine just started to get more bony in the last 3 to 4 months. This didn’t happen over a period of years. Cat Vet: Lori, Feline Healthcare replied 13 years ago Usually in these instances what is happening is that your kitty IS loosing body mass.

Eventually, the hip joint becomes loose. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in cats include: Limping; Walking stiffly or awkwardly; Weakness in the back legs; Obvious discomfort when hips are touched; Reluctance to walk, play, or climb; Obsessive licking or chewing on the back legs or hip area

Why does my cat’s back bone feel bony?

and her bony spine just started to get more bony in the last 3 to 4 months. This didn’t happen over a period of years. Cat Vet: Lori, Feline Healthcare replied 13 years ago Usually in these instances what is happening is that your kitty IS loosing body mass.

Your cat’s claws may also become dryer and more brittle with age, and your older cat might be less inclined to use his scratching post to maintain his manicures. Frequent nail trimming will keep his claws healthy and will alert you quickly to injuries to his claws or paws.

Why does my elderly cat have matted fur?

Diagnosis. While a lack of grooming sometimes is just part of old age, many times there may be a medical cause for it in your elderly feline. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur, and these conditions are common in older kitties.

What happens to a cat in old age?

As a cat approaches old age, age-related diseases become commonplace. While some cats may die very suddenly, many age-related diseases are slow and progressive and can be managed with veterinary care over a long period of time. Eventually, the cat will move into the late stages of the disease and pass into the dying phase.

Feline chronic renal failure (CRF) is another common disease in aging cats. The Feline CRF Information Center specifies this disease is progressive and terminal but partly manageable in the early stages.

How much weight can a 10 pound cat lose?

But a pound weight loss in a 10 pound cat is loss of 10% of the cat’s body weight. That is significant. Too often, I have seen cats brought in for an examination only after they look like the cat to the left and this is MUCH too late! Unfortunately, when you look at your cat, you may not notice early weight loss.

Can a 10 year old cat lose weight?

However, in many cases aging cats lose weight without evidence of organic disease using readily available standard diagnostic methods. Recent evidence has indicated that some 30 to 40 percent of cats aged 10 to 12 years have low fat and protein digestibility and subnormal serum cobalamin (vitamin B-12)…