The incidence of chronic gastrointestinal disease in cats is likely much higher than clinically suspected. A decreased appetite may often be the only clinical sign, which in older cats with co-morbidities can be difficult to attribute to the gut. Alimentary lymphoma and chronic enteropathy are the most common conditions, with an increasing incidence in cats over 10 years old- some reports suggesting 50% or cats in this age group are affected. A thorough diagnostic approach will allow for diagnosis and treatment to be achieved in a timely fashion.