16 year old suddenly skinny cat

[aud725]

My 16 year old  tiny cat disappeared for two days, then came back.We were worried that she had been trapped somewhere. She will not eat and is very skinny but still drinking a bit of water.  I had noticed a week or so ago that she way swaying slightly whilst sitting up and eyes looking a bit old (if that makes sense)?
Her appetite was very good up until the time that she disappeared. She has obviously had lots of love and cuddles on her return, and where normally she would be a lap cat, she keeps going off on her own again :-( .
I feel that something could be very wrong, someone suggested that it could be her kidney's giving up? Her breathing is also quite laboured, but I put that down to the stress of her perhaps being locked in somewhere? She has been wormed etc...
Do you think that this could just be old age, really not sure what to do.
I have also been told that they will sometimes go off to die.
Could someone please advise me of what they think?
Many thanks

[zodiacqueen]

I have to agree w/ the other poster, and seriously hope that you get your kitty to the vet ASAP.  The labored breathing is an emergency, and your description of her swaying is something to worry about, too.

Hope things turn out alright for you and your kitty.

[opus88]

anytime something such as the symptoms you describe come on suddenly it is not due to old age or stress, kitty may have eaten something poisonous.
It is very important that you get kitty to a Vet asap....please don't waste any time.

please keep us posted
♥Opus