Why Is My Cat Getting Thin?
Most cats experience the weight loss issue, especially in older cats. Determining whether your precious cat is quickly losing weight is often reliant on how the cat feels in your hand instead of the cat’s appearance. That is because the plush coat of fur can easily mask the thinness of your cat. Ensure you take note of whether your cat feels a bit bonier during petting or grooming and also if your previously hefty friend is now feeling very light when you lift her or him.
Although your cat’s behavior and appetite may seem normal, an unexplained loss of weight is something that your veterinarian should address. Here are some of the come reasons for cat weight loss.
Lack of Sufficient Food
When your cat is not consuming enough calories, then weight loss will occur. A few common reasons for cutting back on food intake may include:
• Competition or distress at the eating bowl, especially when several cats are feeding simultaneously
• Painful mouth problems like dental disease or a growth
• Lack of access to the feeding bowl
• Lack of interest in the brand or type of food that you serve
• Anxiety or stress associated with a new home or a new human or pet in their lives
Diabetes
Diabetic cats typically seem like they are starving while in the middle of plenty of food. Despite their voracious appetite, such cats can shed weight very quickly. That is because their diabetic condition causes them to be unable to utilize or process the calories that they consume correctly.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal diseases may prevent proper digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, which leads to weight loss. Even though many cats have tapeworms, they rarely cause weight loss. Some typical cat gastrointestinal issues include:
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Intestinal parasites
• Pancreatitis
• Cancerous processes
Hyperthyroidism
Most older cats will develop the hyperthyroidism issue, where thyroid glands start producing excess amounts of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroid cats will typically have a range of symptoms, including weight loss. The excessive levels of thyroid in the body increase the metabolic rates in the cat’s body, thus burning more calories.
Tumor
Some forms of malignant and benign tumors may also cause weight loss. The reason for this is that specific cancerous cells consume all the calories, which robs the cat of any nutrition.
Organ failure
The final reason weight loss occurs in cats is due to poorly function essential internal organs like the heart, kidneys or liver. This type of weight loss also comes because of a lack of appetite or interest in food.
Conclusion
If your cat is losing weight drastically, make sure your visit your veterinarian for help.
References: Pet Health Network, E Wiskers, WebMD
