Table of Contents
Understanding the reasons behind a cat's weight loss is essential for their overall health. While factors like dietary changes or increased activity might lead to a leaner feline, significant weight changes can also hint at underlying health issues.
In this article, we'll delve deep into the various causes of weight loss in cats. Let's explore each cause in detail.
1. Taking In Fewer Calories
One simple reason for your cat losing weight may be that their caloric intake is decreasing.
Be mindful of the food you give them. Cat parents often serve food their pets don't like. Maybe you've bought a new brand and your cat objects to the food's taste or texture. The addition of oral medications to the food is another good reason your cat may exhibit a reduced appetite.
As cats are obligate carnivores, they need at least 26-30% crude protein in their diet. Otherwise, their bodies will break down muscle proteins and they will lose weight. Check that your cat's diet contains an adequate protein level and is not too high in carbohydrate fillers.
To add more calories to your cat's diet, gradually increase the amount of food via more frequent meals. You can also drop some fish oil in their food. This will add to the calorie count, enhance the smell and taste, and provide rich nutrients.
2. Stress
When cats feel stressed, they tend to eat less. Stress may result from changes in their environment, such as moving to a new house or introducing another pet to the family. Or it could be that another cat has moved into the area and is encroaching on your cat's territory.
Cats that refuse to eat, act aggressively, frequently isolate themselves, or make excessively loud noises may be exhibiting signs of stress. If you're worried about your cat losing weight, look for any sources of stress in your cat's environment. You can also consult a cat behaviorist to discuss potential solutions.
3. Dental Problems
Cat appetite changes are often caused by dental issues. It's hard to eat when every bite you take is agony! Bad or broken teeth or gum disease may cause weight loss in cats simply because eating is painful.
Common dental problems include gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth fractures, and teeth lesions. These conditions require a rapid dental assessment by a veterinarian who can treat the pain and prevent further problems.
Related reading: Cat Dental Care: Keeping Your Cat's Teeth Clean
4. Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal issues are diseases that involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract which is the path from the mouth to the stomach and down to the anus. Cats' most common gastrointestinal issues are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gallstones.
Digestive problems may prevent proper digestion of food, causing fewer nutrients to be absorbed. Your cat may require medications and a special diet from your veterinarian to help manage GI issues.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Senior cats are at the most risk when it comes to hyperthyroidism, which results from excessive hormone production in the thyroid gland. These hormones regulate your cat's metabolism. Untreated hyperthyroidism will lead to weight loss, diarrhea, excessive urination, and high blood pressure.
Hyperthyroidism can cause sudden cat weight loss despite increased drinking and eating. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to check your cat's thyroid hormone levels.
6. Feline Diabetes
Weight loss caused by feline diabetes happens when the body lacks the ability to produce insulin. Less glucose is transported to cells, so blood glucose levels rise. Unable to access glucose, cells use other sources of energy, such as muscle and fat, resulting in weight loss.
Untreated diabetes can be fatal in cats, so ensure your cat is assessed quickly if you notice them losing weight while displaying an increase in thirst and urination.
Does My Cat/Dog Have Signs of Diabetes?
1. Has your dog experienced rapid weight loss?
2. Has your dog’s appetite increased or decreased?
3. Is your dog more thirsty than usual?
4. Is your dog urinating more frequently than usual?
5. Is your dog less active than usual?
6. Does your dog have cloudy eyes or is experiencing vision problems?
7. Is your dog experiencing frequent urinary tract infections?
8. Does your dog have sweet-smelling breath?
9. Does your dog seem more lethargic than usual?
10. Does your dog have a family history of diabetes?
11. Is your dog's coat dull or thinning?
12. Has your dog had frequent skin infections?
1. Is your cat urinating more frequently than usual?
2. Is your cat more thirsty than usual?
3. Has your cat experienced rapid weight loss?
4. Is your cat showing signs of muscle weakness?
5. Has your cat’s appetite increased or decreased?
6. Does your cat seem more lethargic than usual?
7. Is your cat vomiting more than usual?
View Results
Does My Cat/Dog Have Signs of Diabetes?
Share Quiz
7. Intestinal Parasites
Outdoor cats are more at risk for intestinal parasites. Worms inside your cat's body not only induce weight loss but can also affect organs, including the liver, lungs, intestines, and heart.
When worms enter a cat's body, they usually infect the intestinal lining. Without proper treatment, this can create long-term damage like inflammatory bowel disease and malnutrition.
If you notice your cat losing weight and suspect worms are to blame, ask your veterinarian to suggest a deworming schedule you can follow.
8. Kidney Disease
Around 30% of older cats suffer from chronic kidney disease and its accompanying weight loss. The cause is not always clear, but it can be aggravated by infection or high blood pressure.
The symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination, and changes in appetite. It's important to get kidney disease diagnosed and managed quickly to avoid organ failure.
9. Cancer
Cancer is relatively common in older cats and can lead to rapid weight loss. Some develop a benign tumor that is unproblematic. However, one of the more common types of cancer in cats is lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
To diagnose your cat, the veterinarian will conduct a physical exam, blood work, urine tests, X-rays, and an ultrasound.
When to See a Vet
Get your cat checked by a veterinarian if you notice your cat losing weight whether it's rapid or mild weight loss, along with other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
If you feel your cat is underweight, or even overweight, they will benefit from a veterinary assessment. Your cat may also need blood tests to check for underlying issues.
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
View Results
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
Share Quiz
Conclusion
Unexplained cat weight loss is rare. In most cases, the causes are easy to identify. The loss is typically due to a cat's normally changing appetite and activity levels or a medical problem. A thorough assessment by a licensed veterinarian is crucial to pinpoint the cause and ensure your cat's well-being.
Prioritize understanding the reasons behind the weight change and recognize the importance of timely veterinary intervention for optimal cat health.
Don't wait; if in doubt, schedule a pet wellness exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal weight for a cat?
The ideal weight for an average-sized cat is around 10 pounds, but it can vary based on the breed. For example, Norwegian Forest cats can weigh up to 25 pounds, while smaller breeds may be healthy at 5 pounds.
How much weight loss in a cat is concerning?
If your pet is on a weight loss program, a reduction in weight of about one percent per week is usually fine. However, the average cat losing weight at this rate is typically cause for concern. Their weight may vary by half a pound through normal fluctuations, but any more than that, and you should have your cat assessed by a veterinarian.
What are the signs of my cat being underweight?
Signs your cat is losing weight excessively include that:
- Their ribs or other bones start to show
- Their waistline becomes thinner
- Their spine is visible
- They have little to no body fat in the tummy area
What are the veterinary treatments for unexplained weight loss in cats?
Veterinarians may suggest a specific diet or prescribe medicines to treat the underlying issue.
How can I prevent rapid weight loss in cats?
To prevent rapid weight loss in cats, it's important you understand their food preferences and provide foods that stimulate their appetite. Being mindful of potential food allergies and supplementing meals with additional nutrients can also play a crucial role. Furthermore, it's essential to stay up to date with their deworming and vaccination schedules to prevent illness.
What should I do if my cat is losing weight?
See a veterinarian. They will advise you on nutrition and exercise, check for health issues, and treat any existing problems.
