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You know something strange is happening to your cat, he looks thin and may even lose weight, but his appetite has never been better! What could cause this? Should you be worried? This article looks at some of the more common reasons why this can happen and what you should do. But one thing is clear: weight loss can be a sign of a health problem and should be taken seriously.
My Cat Is Losing Weight But Still Eating
This is one of the most common reasons why cats continue to overeat and lose weight. If your cat is constantly crying for food but seems to be underweight, here are some reasons:
Why Is My Cat Always Hungry And Meowing?
This condition is mostly seen in older cats and is perhaps the most obvious example of a skinny and hungry cat. These cats can often lose a lot of weight, but have an excessive appetite. Other symptoms such as upset stomach, changes in temperament/activity, increased thirst and increased heart rate are sometimes also seen.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in the production of thyroxine, a hormone that regulates metabolism. This happens because the thyroid gland has an enlargement; Most of the time it is benign, but in very rare cases these symptoms can be caused by a cancerous tumor (thyroid adenocarcinoma).
Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination and blood samples. Your vet may suspect this condition after examining your cat. Sometimes they can feel an enlarged gland in the throat and hear heart problems, such as increased heart rate and rhythm changes. A blood test is recommended to detect other diseases and to measure the cat’s thyroxine levels (called T4).
Hyperthyroidism can be controlled in most cats, resulting in an improved quality of life after diagnosis. If left untreated, your cat can develop high blood pressure (which causes eye problems), digestive problems, and heart problems. Untreated hyperthyroidism can become fatal after a few months.
A Pet’s Guide To Weight Loss
Diabetes mellitus (diabetes mellitus) can cause weight loss in cats. They also tend to be thirsty and urinate more often, and some of these cats have an increased appetite (called “polyphagia”).
Diabetes is caused by a reduced ability to produce insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. It can be a type I autoimmune disease (common in humans but rare in cats) or a type II disease caused by abnormalities in the pancreas and insulin resistance in body tissues. This is much more common in overweight and inactive cats.
The diagnosis is usually made after a physical examination and blood tests that show high levels of glucose (sugar). Urine samples can also be useful, as this can also detect elevated glucose levels.
Treatment often involves supplementing the cat with insulin, which is done through regular daily injections. Dietary control can also be of great help in some cases. If diabetes is not treated properly, it can lead to complications such as problems with your cat’s nervous system, vision problems, and a serious condition called ketoacidosis, which can be fatal.
How To Transition Your Cat Onto A New Food
Your cat’s weight loss may be due to a poor diet, such as a mismatch between energy and activity. This can happen if a very energetic cat is not getting enough food. Be sure to check the package directions and feed according to your cat’s ideal body weight. Also keep in mind that some cats will need a little more than indicated (if they are very active) and some will need a little less.
This helps ensure that your cat is getting a quality whole food that is appropriate for its life stage (kitten, adult, senior). Home diets can be very difficult to achieve and require the advice of a certified veterinary dietitian.
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A high number of parasites can cause weight loss. Worms that live in your cat’s digestive tract, such as roundworms and tapeworms, can absorb some of the nutrients it has ingested, causing your cat to lose weight.
Ways To Get Your Cat To Eat
Cats with parasites may also have other symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent this from happening, you should ensure that your cat is regularly treated for worms, especially if it hunts or goes outside a lot.
Some cats may eat more due to stress, but they may also burn out due to nervous energy. Stress induced vomiting can also mean you are not eating.
Other signs of stress in cats include hiding more than usual, accidents around the house (urine and feces), and changes in temperament. Cats can be stressed by things like moving house, a new baby in the house, new pets coming into the house, and new cats in the neighborhood. Before attributing your cat’s lean weight to stress, it’s important to rule out other medical conditions.
There are several digestive disorders that can mean your cat still has a strong appetite but is not processing its food properly. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and some cancers can cause vomiting or diarrhea. This can lead to weight loss because your cat cannot digest its food efficiently. If your cat shows signs of poor digestion, consult your veterinarian.
Symptoms Of Worms In Cats
If you are concerned about your cat’s weight and appetite, you should take your pet to the vet for a check-up. If your cat poops frequently, you may not notice any vomiting or diarrhea, so don’t assume that’s not the case. Weight loss may be the only sign you notice.
Your vet will initially check your pet, but may also recommend further tests. Blood tests can evaluate your cat’s overall health, including liver, kidney, blood sugar and thyroid hormones. Urine samples can detect infections and high sugar levels, while stool samples can detect parasites or bacterial infections. Sometimes an X-ray or ultrasound may be needed to make a diagnosis.
Your veterinarian will explain the step-by-step process and formulate the recommended diagnosis or treatment for your cat.
Weight loss can indicate an underlying medical condition, so you should take seriously any changes in your cat’s appetite and body condition. Being underweight can also make your cat weak and prone to infections and stress. The sooner you get your pet to the vet, the sooner the problem can be identified and resolved, so don’t delay!
Helping A Cat Gain Weight
Rebecca is an animal veterinarian who has always had a passion for writing and customer relations. After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009, he gained extensive experience in small animal practice, both in clinical and management roles. He currently works in the South West dealing with a variety of routine and urgent appointments, but is particularly fond of medical cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her hyperactive flat-haired retriever, George! It is natural for cat owners to worry when their cat starts to lose weight. This article will discuss the various causes of weight loss in cats, ranging from mild to serious medical conditions. Prompt veterinary evaluation is important for the diagnosis and treatment of weight loss in cats.
For a consultation, comprehensive testing, and treatment of undiagnosed feline weight loss, please consider making an appointment with one of our board-certified internal medicine specialists: Call the Veterinary Internal Medicine of Atlantic in Annapolis at (410) 224-0121, Towson at (410) . 828-0911 or Annapolis at (410) 441-3304.
Animals tend to eat less food when they are anxious or stressed, and your cat may lose weight due to chronic stress. Here are some common signs of high stress and anxiety to look for in your cat:
Ideally, you should reduce or eliminate the stimuli that trigger your cat’s stress response. When this is not possible, the most important thing is that your cat feels comfortable and safe. You would probably benefit from a visit too
Cat Food For All Ages: How And What To Feed Your Cat At Every Life Stage
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