If your cat is losing weight, it’s important to understand why. “Help! Why is My Cat Losing Weight?” delves into possible causes, from dietary issues to health concerns. This guide will help you identify signs and take the right steps to address the problem. By exploring “Help! Why is My Cat Losing Weight?”, you’ll gain insight into how to better support your pet. Taking prompt action can ensure your cat’s health and well-being. For answers, remember to refer back to “Help! Why is My Cat Losing Weight?” and seek veterinary advice.
Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
If you notice that your cat has stopped eating, the first thing to consider is if there have been any recent changes that could be messing up your cat’s mojo. Think about all the reasons a cat might refuse their food and see if you can alleviate your cat’s distress before you worry that it’s something more serious.
Dental Problems
Nobody wants to chow down on crunchy chips when they have a toothache, and cats are no exception. Tooth and gum issues, including gum disease, ulcers, and fractured teeth, can cause your cat to avoid their food bowl. Watch out for bad breath, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, and your cat starting to favor soft foods.
Intestinal Parasites
The idea of worms hitching a ride in your cat’s intestines is never pleasant, but thankfully it’s easy to treat and even easier to prevent with regular pest control treatment. Internal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and subsequent weight loss. This is common among outdoor cats who like to hunt, but indoor cats can be affected as well.
Gastrointestinal Issues
If your cat is vomiting or having irregular poops, a gastrointestinal problem may be the cause. Any problem that affects your cat’s digestion can affect their ability to absorb all the nutrients they need, leading to weight loss. Many things can affect the GI tract, including food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease.
Diabetes
Just like in humans, diabetes in cats affects their ability to produce or use insulin. This can cause your cat to lose or gain weight, as well as affect their appetite, drinking, urination, and energy levels. Sweet-smelling breath is another telltale sign of a diabetic cat.
Hyperthyroidism
This condition causes the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormone, which kicks your cat’s metabolism into high gear. They will most likely be starving and thirsty, but even if your cat is eating more, they’ll still be losing weight. Hyperthyroidism can also cause digestive upset and greasy fur.
Organ Failure
Various organ failures are a common issue for senior cats as they age. Symptoms vary depending on the affected organ, but most common organ issues, like kidney disease, can be detected with a simple blood test at the vet.
Cancer
Unfortunately, weight loss or loss of appetite are common symptoms of a variety of cancers in cats. Watch out for accompanying lethargy, unexplained pain, and your cat hiding more than usual. Cancers are especially common in older cats.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Losing Weight
If you notice any unexpected weight loss in your cat, call your vet. Even if your cat is losing weight but acting normal, it’s worth getting them checked out! Cats are notorious for hiding their symptoms, even when they’re suffering.
Your vet can run all the necessary tests to diagnose medical issues and help with emotional issues as well. Weight loss in cats with normal blood work might just come down to something that’s changed in the home, but your vet can help you think of issues that might never occur to you on your own, like your cat’s food being too close to their litter box (yeah, that’s a thing).
Those of you with senior cats might be wondering if cats lose weight as they age. Metabolism and appetite can certainly change as cats age, but those changes can be associated with sneaky medical conditions like organ failure or cancer.
Whether your older cat is losing weight but still eating or avoiding their food bowl entirely, it’s worth talking to your vet. If it’s not a medical issue, you can feed an older cat that is losing weight a more calorie-rich and tempting wet food to help them get their baby fat back.
With your vet on your side, you and your cat can get back to building their bodies and enjoying life to the fullest!
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