Sarcopenia in cats

You may notice a thinner back or hind limbs, reluctance to jump, less grooming, slower movement or trouble reaching food and the litter tray. These signs are not specific to sarcopenia. Dental disease, arthritis, kidney disease, thyroid disease, poor appetite and other problems can cause weight or muscle loss. A veterinarian will consider the cat’s age, diet, behaviour, examination findings and any change in drinking, urination or toileting.

Book a veterinary examination rather than trying human supplements or exercise programmes. Offer the recommended complete diet, make food and water easy to reach, and use a low-entry litter tray if movement is difficult. Gentle play may help an able cat stay active, but stop if it causes pain, hiding, limping or distress. Keep a record of appetite, body shape, activity and toileting to share with the veterinarian.

Seek prompt veterinary care if a cat stops eating, becomes markedly weak, cannot walk normally, has repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain or sudden hind-limb problems. A rapid change is especially concerning and should not be attributed to normal ageing without an examination.

Ask whether the change is muscle loss, weight loss or both; which tests may identify an underlying illness; whether the diet suits the cat’s age and health; and how to adapt the home environment. Ask how activity should be limited or increased while pain is being assessed.