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Question:

11 year old cat drastic weight loss and lethargy following ear infection

I'm really worried about my 11-year-old cat, Jasper. Over the past couple of weeks, he's lost a lot of weight, and it's breaking my heart to see how lethargic he's become. He's always been a pretty energetic kitty, despite his age, but now he just sleeps all day and barely has interest in playing or even grooming himself. This all seemed to start after he got an ear infection, which I had treated by the vet with some antibiotics. The ear issue seemed to clear up, but ever since then, he's just not himself. I’m feeding him the same food as always, but he just picks at it and then goes back to lying down. I'm really scared something else might be wrong. Has anyone else experienced something similar with their cats? I'm planning to take him back to the vet, but any advice in the meantime would be so appreciated. I'm just desperate to see my buddy back to his old self.

Answer:

Hello, I’m sorry to hear about your cat and understand how concerning these symptoms can be for you. Rapid weight loss and lethargy, especially following an ear infection, can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue.



There are several potential causes for these symptoms. It might be that the infection has not fully resolved and is impacting your cat's energy levels and appetite. Cats may also develop conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease, which can cause similar symptoms. At your cat’s age, it's important to consider these possibilities.



For home care, ensure your cat has a comfortable, quiet place to rest. Encourage her to eat by offering small amounts of her favorite food, and make sure she has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Monitor her for any changes in behavior, appetite, or elimination habits over the next few days.



Watch out for signs of a more serious problem, such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat or drink, or any difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms appear, it's essential to seek veterinary care immediately.



To get to the bottom of this issue and ensure your cat gets the care she needs, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals. They can provide more detailed guidance and help determine the next best steps for your cat's health.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 19, 2025

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The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
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What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

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