Obesity in cats in a serious issue and can signify an underlying health issue but underweight cats are at risk too. If your cat has suddenly lost weight it could be a sign that something is seriously wrong. Today we’ll look at some health issues that may cause your furry feline to slim down.
Gastrointestinal Issues. If your cat is losing weight but is also have bouts of diarrhea, vomiting and displays a loss in appetite, he might be suffering from an illness of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory bowel disease, allergies and other infections can cause gastrointestinal upset and should be addressed to avoid further exacerbation of the issue.
Hperthyroidism. If your senior cat is displaying a healthy appetite but still losing weight, he may be suffering from hyperthyroidism. If you notice that his muscles are wasting away and any signs of vomiting and diarrhea, he should be checked out. Cats with hyperthyroidism are also at risk of developing heart problems.
Nausea. Cats are finicky anyway but if they are feeling nauseous or experiencing tummy trouble, they will steer clear of eating. A little nausea here and there is normal for everyone but nausea could signal that your cat has an illness such as pancreatitis. Don’t dismiss changes in diet or weight. Your cat may be in serious need of help.
Worms. Intestinal parasites are serious business. They rob your cat of the nutrition he takes in while eating. Pale mucous membranes, coughing up worms, bloated tummy, diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea are just some symptoms that may be associated with intestinal parasites. Round worms, tape worms, whip worms and hook worms are all examples of intestinal parasites. These symptoms should not be ignored.
Cancer. The word we all hate. Cancer. If your cat has lost weight, he may have cancer. Along with 
weight loss, he may show signs of decreased appetite, loss of energy and even tumors. All lumps and bumps should be taken serious, even if no other symptoms are present. Prompt treatment of cancer is imperative for the best prognosis.
Kidney Disease. Metabolic diseases such as Kidney disease causes rapid weight loss. Again, your cat may be eating and drinking as usual but still dramatically losing weight.
Dental Disease. Is your cat drooling or pawing at his mouth and head? If so, he could be suffering from a toothache or other more serious dental issues. If he’s in pain from a toothache or suffering from dental disease he would definitely shed some weight too.
As you can see, weight loss is not always a good thing especially if it’s sudden and dramatic. Weight loss is often a symptom of a more serious underlying issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of our pets. Rapid weight loss can lead your cat depleted of nutrients and energy which may have an impact on his prognosis. At the first sign of weight loss, consult your veterinary clinic.
Tiana says
March 25, 2019 at 4:49 pmImportant article, coz even if the cat is no having any of those health problem at the moment is always good to know, so we can be ready if something happens in a future. Thank for sharing.
Lauren_Peterson says
October 1, 2020 at 8:30 pmWeight loss in senior cats is a common finding that is often overlooked, but that is a poor prognostic sign for continued good health. Dr. David Williams, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, in collaboration with colleagues at Nestle-Purina, is investigating the underlying cause, useful diagnostic tests, and treatments that may help arrest or reverse weight loss in otherwise apparently healthy geriatric cats that is commonly followed by death within one or two years. Weight loss in older cats is often readily attributed to chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems. However, in many cases aging cats lose weight without evidence of organic disease using readily available standard diagnostic methods.