That's how it started with my Black Stuff, about 3 years ago: slow weight loss, disregard of grooming, deafness, stiff joints, etc. I do believe both Brandy and Black Stuff ultimately succombed to kidney failure. Quite a common ailment in the greatly aged, I believe. Hope your kitty holds up for a while. They do become such a part of our lives, don't they?
Newly