Expert: Jessica - 3/5/2011

Question
my older cat 16 - 18 yr old cat has loud stomach growling even after eating. noticeable weight loss. over last 6 months. pooping outside her box she still plays and runs around very affectionate as always .. my other cat 11 yrs old is fine no changes in him

Answer
Hi Abbella,

You should get your kitty to the vet.  If your kitty has diarrhea, bring in a stool sample.  If not, the vets will want to do some blood tests for diseases that older cats get than can cause weight loss, namely kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.  Females are at higher risk for thyroid disease than males, whereas males are slightly more prone to kidney disease and diabetes.  However, both sexes can get all three of these diseases.  One blood test can check for all of these illnesses.  Fortunately, thyroid disease can be treated with a daily medication.

If the blood tests come back fine, your older cat may need to be switched to a special senior diet that provides more calories.  Some seniors become unable to absorb energy from food ingredients the way they did when they were young, and the result is weight loss.  So some senior cats need a higher calorie diet.  However, don't use senior foods you find in a pet store.  These foods actually have LESS protein and fat, since most seniors are less active and require fewer calories.  This is the exact opposite of what your cat may need.  If it's found your cat is healthy aside from her weight loss, I would recommend going with a prescription diet especially geared toward her needs, or trying her on a grain-free diet from a pet store, which will be high in protein and fat.

As for her not using the litter box, you might want to try a different style of box and litter, as well as adding a different box in another location.  Most cats prefer unscented clumping litter in an uncovered litter box.  You might want to look into a litter called Cat Attract, which is money-back guaranteed to have your cat using the litter box 100% of the time, using an herbal attractant.  See www.preciouscat.com.  Also, try placing the new box in a different location.  It should be a quiet location, but convenient (not in a basement or up a flight of stairs, for example), and preferably not in a corner.  Cats don't like to feel cornered when they're using the litter box, especially for number 2.

Good luck!

Jessica