Table of Contents
Introduction: What Causes a Weight Loss in Cats?
Many people today are always asking why is my cat losing weight and it seems like a common and very confusing question.
Cats often lose weight without any warning, but they might be suffering from an illness.
It’s important to know their body language and how to treat them to provide proper care for your cat.
The reasons for a cat’s weight loss are the same as the reasons for a person to lose weight. This can be due to many different factors, from poor diet, health issues to lack of exercise.
The most common reason is diet change, whether it is from a move to a different food or from switching foods due to allergies. Other causes could be illness, environmental changes, toxins in the environment, or age-related changes in metabolism.
What Are the Early Signs of a Cat Losing Weight?
There are certain signs that indicate when your cat is losing weight. These are just some of the early signs that you should take note of if your cat has this.
Early signs of a cat losing weight
– Frequent trips to the litter box
– Eating less food
– Vomiting
– Increase in activity
Why Is My Cat Losing Weight?
Poor Diets
Cats love to eat and they like to be surrounded by food all the time. Due to the lack of exercise, most cats end up eating too much and gaining weight.
Cats are very imaginative animals who will make any situation their own. Many cats will eat anything, but this is not healthy for them.
They can develop diabetes, arthritis, or other serious health problems if they continue to overeat.
Age Issue
Aging impacts your cat’s appetite. If you notice your cat is losing weight, it might be time to take them to the vet.
As more cats age, some individuals may lose their appetite and even experience vomiting and diarrhea, which could lead to malnourishment among older cats.
You need to take care of your aging cat by offering food that meets their nutritional needs or feeding them with wet food that helps lower the risk of dehydration.
Health Issue
They maybe lose weight because they are having a health issue
Despite what you may think, your cat is not trying to lose weight for attention or because it is depressed. It may be losing weight because of a health issue.
Here are some signs of health issues that your kitty may be having:
1) Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It can lead to several complications including nerve damage, blindness, and kidney failure.
Cats are one of the more common breeds with diabetes, but it’s not always easy to determine whether your cat has diabetes or not.
Your cat may be having diabetes, which is why your cat is having a weight issue.
More Detail: Cat Diabetes Symptoms: What to Watch For
2) Kidney Disease
Kidney disease could make your cat lose weight. When cats do not consume enough water or food, they can become dehydrated and gain weight.
They may also develop an irregular heartbeat; to prevent this, it is important to increase the water and food intake of your cat when you notice the symptoms.
3) Dental Issue
Many cats are suffering from dental issues in recent years. These problems could be the result of poor diet, malnutrition, and bad oral hygiene. The condition is quite painful for the animal.
They might also cause discomfort when eating or drinking. If you believe your cat has this issue, they need to be taken to the vet immediately for treatment.
4) Stress Issue
The shift to a new home, or even just a sudden change of routine can cause your cat to lose weight. The reasons for this are multifaceted, but some of the most common include loss of appetite and stress.
5) Cancer
Cats are susceptible to a wide range of medical conditions and diseases. Some of these diseases include cancer, keratitis, seborrhea, mange, and more. If your cat appears to have a loss in appetite or weight, you should take them to a vet for a check-up.
6) Hyperthyroidism Issue
Hyperthyroidism can be a real challenge for cat owners. Cats get extremely hyper and their thyroid will often get overactive leading to weight loss, difficulty breathing and higher than normal body temperature.
What Should I Do if My Cat is Losing Weight?
If your cat is losing weight, you should take him to the vet. This could be a sign that he has a health condition that needs to be treated right away.
You must take note of any changes in his behavior and appearance and monitor how the weight loss evolves.
If your cat is not losing weight and appears healthy, then there might just be something wrong with his food or water intake or environment.
You can talk to your vet about it and they might be able to recommend an appropriate diet for your pet, as well as address any environmental issues like bugs or chemicals in the house.
Why is My Older Cat Losing Weight?
Older cats, especially those with chronic health conditions, often lose weight if they have been spayed or neutered too early.
In some cases, the cat may be having trouble digesting food because of its age or other underlying health issues that affect appetite.
Why is My Cat Losing Weight But Still Eating
Another possible cause of weight loss in cats is intestinal parasites. Cats can be exposed to intestinal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms. This can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting, and even death.
Symptoms of intestinal parasites in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. If you think your cat may be infected with intestinal parasites, speak to your vet.
