Older cats and weight: why a slow slide is easy to miss
Cats are good at hiding change, and weight loss in a long-haired cat can be hard to see. Here is what the feline life stage guidelines say, and what is worth recording.
Underweight is common
The 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines say being underweight is a common problem in senior cats. They also note that senior cats may digest less well, which can lower body condition even when a cat eats normally.
Energy needs can rise
For cats older than 10, the guidelines say daily energy needs can be 10 to 20 percent above resting energy needs, and in some cases up to 25 percent. That is a vet calculation for your cat, not a feeding chart. Do not change amounts or diet without asking your vet.
Water matters too
The guidelines list factors that may affect how much a cat drinks: freshness, taste, moving water such as a fountain or dripping faucet, and the shape of the bowl, since some cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides. They also say bowls should be cleaned regularly and that diets with more water, such as canned food, may improve water intake.
What to write down
- Weight, if you weigh at home or at the clinic, with the date.
- Appetite changes: eating less, picking, or leaving food.
- Water bowl: how fast it empties, and any change.
- Anything new: vomiting, a change in the litter box, hiding, or sleeping in new places.
When to call
Weight loss or a clear drop in appetite in an older cat is worth a call to your vet. Do not wait for the next scheduled visit.
