Is my cat losing weight or growing older?
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Asked By: Rudy Painter
Date created: Sat, Oct 1, 2022 8:05 AM
Date updated: Sat, Apr 27, 2024 16:47 PM
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Video answer: Why is My Cat Losing Weight - the Top 9 Causes
Best answer to the question «Is my cat losing weight or growing older?»
Because cats tend to stay the same weight year after year or they gain weight, it is ALWAYS of concern if you notice your cat losing weight. There are some myths associated with feline weight loss as well. I have been asked or told many times by cat owners that their cat's weight loss must be due to growing older. Wrong! Old age is not a disease!
Video answer: Why Your Older Cat May Be Losing Weight
We've handpicked 20 related questions for you, similar to «Is my cat losing weight or growing older?» so you can surely find the answer!
How can I help my older cat lose weight?These quickly growing felines need higher calorie food, which can also benefit your older cat losing weight. There are also high-calorie supplements that can quickly boost your cat's daily calorie count. Many come in gel form and are formulated to be tasty with a high concentration of minerals, vitamins, and protein.
Why is my senior cat losing weight and not eating?
Your cat may be losing weight (despite eating) because of thyroid issues. Hyperthyroidism is a disease common in senior cats, and itâs usually characterized by rapid weight loss. Other chronic illnesses associated with weight loss in older cats include: Feline weight loss can usually be attributed to gastrointestinal issues.
Why is my cat losing weight?
Many health problems can cause weight loss in cats, some more serious than others. Hyperthyroidism is a relatively common illness that most often affects older cats.
What should I feed an older cat that is losing weight?
Hereâs what you should feed an older cat that is losing weight: Senior cats require a specialist diet to meet their nutritional needs. This will contain more protein, as well as supplements to boost their vitamin intake. Senior-specific food is usually cut into smaller pieces and made softer.
Video answer: Why Is My Cat Losing Weight Even Though It's Eating?
What are the signs of an older cat losing weight?
Body Temperature and Appearance. Older cats may have a hard time grooming themselves, and paired with a declining appetite, may lose weight or become dehydrated. This can give your cat an unkempt or scruffy appearance.
Is it normal for an older cat to gain weight?
And Rotman adds that even for older cats, significant weight gain is not normal: âCats do not ânaturallyâ lose weight as they get older.â In addition to making sure your cat, even an aging cat, isnât losing lots of weight, be on the lookout for these signs your pet could be overweight.
Why is my cat losing hair and not growing back?
4. Endocrine Disorders. A cat losing hair may have hyperthyroidism â an overactive thyroid, which causes weight loss and other symptoms. Outside of the thyroid, if cats have a hormonal imbalance and an increased level of steroids in the body, the hair follicles may die; and with abnormal hormone levels, new hair may not grow back.
Why is my old cat losing weight so fast?
In addition to slowing down, digestion becomes harder, especially of fat â and because of this, older cats tend to lose weight. A lot of time, switching a catâs diet from large meals to more frequent smaller meals can help reduce the weight loss.
Why your older cat may be losing weight?
Weight loss is a common feline problem, particularly in senior kitties. Figuring out if your kitty is losing weight may be reliant on what you feel (rather than what you see). This is because a plush feline hair coat can readily mask how svelte or thin your cat is becoming.
Why is my cat losing weight but not eating?
Various medical problems can cause severe feline weight loss, and these must be ruled out or treated in a malnourished cat. Older cats, especially, may appear malnourished, even if they receive regular meals. Aged cats often have trouble digesting nutrients in their food.
Video answer: Why is your cat losing weight? The three most common reasons for weight loss in the cat.
What should I do if my senior cat is losing weight?
Give your elderly kitty the best food you can afford, and avoid cheap, low grade foods as most have little nutritional value. Chronic kidney failure or CKD is very common in seniors, and can be a reason for weight loss in older cats. As itâs a slow progressing disease, your kittyâs weight loss will be gradual.
Why is my cat losing weight but not hungry?
Hyperthyroidism results in an increased metabolic state, with cats losing weight despite normal or often increased appetites. Diabetes can cause rapid weight loss and blood sugar imbalances and is more common in overweight cats, writes the Cornell Feline Health Center.
Why is my cat drinking so much water and losing weight?
Conditions that can cause excessive thirst might also cause changes in your catâs appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, vocalization, or even breathing problems. If your feline friend is drinking more and losing weight, it might mean that they have hyperthyroidism.
Why is my cat losing weight and not eating?
Lethargic and Losing Weight âA poor appetite can lead to weight loss, but so can diseases like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, even if your cat is eating well. Lethargic and Wobbly âCats who are wobbly could be suffering from a neurologic problem or metabolic disease, or they could simply be very weak.
Why is my senior cat losing weight?
Many elderly cats exhibit weight loss, and it can be difficult to determine the precise cause of the problem, especially because metabolism changes with age. Conditions such as kidney disease become more common as cats get older. Your veterinarian can identify these problems with simple blood and urine tests.
Why is my kitten losing weight but not eating?
However, not giving them anything to eat for an entire day doesnât account for the skinny back. Hunger has to be a lengthy situation to cause weight loss and thinning. If the kitten eats regularly but is still losing weight, it could be due to appetite loss or digestion issues.
How do I know if my catâs collar is right for her?
If you have a growing kitten or a cat whoâs actively gaining or losing weight, regularly check the fit of the collar to make sure itâs still the right size. Plus, some collars can lose elasticity over time, even if your cat stays the same size. In addition to prioritizing your catâs safety, youâll also want to prioritize her health.
Why is my cat Skinny or losing weight?
However, it doesnât necessarily mean that itâs sickly or dying. Here are the most common reasons why your cat is skinny or losing weight: 1. Your cat may be getting old. A cat may be skinny and boney because sheâs getting old. Senior cats tend to lose the ability to digest and absorb their food well resulting in weight loss.
Why is my cat losing weight but still eating?
- Not Getting Proper Diet. Have you recently changed the brand of your catâs food? ...
- Hyperthyroidism. Is your cat eating more than usual but still losing weight? ...
- Intestinal Parasites. Is your cat eating but losing weight? ...
- Diabetes. ...
- Kidney Disease. ...
- Viral Disease. ...
- Gastrointestinal Problems. ...
- Cancer. ...
- Other Causes of Cat Losing Weight. ...
- Hyperthyroidism occurs with a wide variety of symptoms. ... - Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed by palpation of the enlarged thyroid gland. ... - Another typical case of a happy cat that begins to lose weight is diabetic cats. ... - Actually, these cats do not lose fat. ... - If you suspect that your cat may have an endocrine problem, do not delay going to the veterinarian. ...
Video answer: How to take care of your aging cat || Aging cat losing weight || Aging cat problems
