Cats lose weight and become underweight for several reasons. Unintentional weight loss frequently indicates an underlying health issue. Many owners believe that weight loss in senior cats is normal, but this is untrue. If you see unexpected weight loss in the cat, you must act quickly. Learn more about the root causes of why cats lose weight, how this disorder is diagnosed, and possible treatments.
Possible Reasons for Cat Weight Loss
1 - Getting Insufficient Food
Your cat may occasionally eat less than you realize. Do you live with another dog or cat? It's possible that other animals in your home are stealing food from your cat or preventing it from getting to its bowl. Or have you lately switched food brands? A cup of food can have a wide range of calories, depending on the brand. Is the serving dish elevated on a counter? Your cat may find it difficult to climb up to wherever the food dish is because of arthritis pain. Your veterinarian can assist you in figuring out whether your home contains any barriers that prevent your cat from eating enough.
2 - Parasites
Your cat may be extremely underweight due to parasitic illnesses such as hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. Your pet might become sick by consuming wild animals, ingesting fleas, nursing from a sick mother, or even consuming an infected animal's feces.
The signs of a parasite infection can include lethargy, a dull coat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody feces. In some instances, you might find complete or partial worms in the cat's feces. In an effort to reduce the agony brought on by a worm infestation, some felines drag their bottoms across the ground.
3 - Hyperthyroidism
A benign thyroid tumor that is responsible for hyperthyroidism can also increase urine production and drinking. If left untreated, this ailment may result in death or more serious heart issues.
4 - Cancer
Sadly, cancer can sometimes lead to weight loss in cats, particularly in older ones. As in people, cancer can develop anywhere in the body; lymphoma is the most prevalent type in cats. Other symptoms, such as an absence of hunger, tiredness, pain, and concealing habits, may also be present in addition to weight loss.
5 - Diabetes
Another prevalent disease that may impact cats is diabetes mellitus. The capacity of the pancreas to generate insulin, a hormone required to control blood sugar, is impacted by this endocrine condition. Lethargy, weight loss, and an increase in appetite, thirst, and urine are all indicators of diabetes. Insulin and dietary changes are frequently used to treat diabetes. Other drugs might be taken. After receiving medication for several months, certain cats may even go back to being normal.
6 - Kidney Disease
Cats with kittens' renal illnesses may lose weight as well. Your veterinarian will perform blood work or a urinalysis to evaluate whether renal illness is to blame for your cat's weight loss. Treatment options could include sterile fluids, prescription food, and even medication, all of which your veterinarian can show you how to regularly administer at home.
7 - Stress
Cats have a high threshold for changes in their environment. They are frequently quite good at masking stress-related physical symptoms, which can lead to more severe symptoms later. Your cat may get anxious and stressed as a result of any environmental stimuli. Stress is frequently accompanied by decreased appetite, which will eventually cause weight loss.
There are also other medical conditions that might cause weight loss. You might or might not observe further symptoms of disease if your cat has an underlying medical condition. Additionally, a veterinarian is needed for diagnosis because many diseases have identical symptoms.
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