Weight loss in cats can be beneficial for overweight felines. On the other hand, rapid weight loss can be a sign of underlying health issues with your little friends.
We all know that cats love to take long naps for large portions of the day, which makes them fatter easily.
But when their feline friend rapidly loses weight, the cat owner doesn’t always consider it a problem.
In fact, weight loss in felines can be one of the symptoms that the feline is having health issues.
Unintentional weight loss in pets is caused by a wide variety of health problems, from depression to fever to cancer.
If you notice your feline has lost weight recently, it would be best to make an appointment with the local veterinarian to identify the true problem.
Causes of Weight Loss in Cats
Before having an appointment with the veterinarian, let’s find out the following causes of weight loss in cats:
1. Gastrointestinal problems
One of the causes of weight loss in cats may be that they are having problems with the gastrointestinal system.
These problems may stem from inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, or other issues.
2. Diabetes
The failure of insulin production or impaired ability to respond to it also causes rapid weight loss in felines.
Other symptoms of diabetes include a change of appetite, excessive consumption of water, and excessive urination.
3. Organ Failure
Elderly cats are susceptible to weight loss as a side effect of organ failure. To identify this problem, you must visit a veterinarian to get blood and urine tests.
4. Stress and Depression
Cats are similar to humans. They can experience anxiety, stress, and depression.
These psychological problems may cause cats to stop eating and become inactive, resulting in sudden weight loss.
Pet owners can easily identify this problem by their changes in behavior.
To make your cat less depressed, you must identify the situations in your home that may cause their distress.
5. Dental Problems
One of the causes of weight loss in cats is a dental problem.
You can identify this when they are unintendedly dropping food, chewing strangely, or drooling.
These are the common signs that your cat is having dental problems, such as inflamed gums or decay on its teeth.
6. Intestinal Parasites
Another possible reason for weight loss could be intestinal worms or parasites. Moreover, worms can induce vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea.
7. Hyperthyroidism
A benign thyroid tumor causes hyperthyroidism, which results in increased drinking and urination. If left untreated, this illness may result in more serious cardiac issues or even death.
8. Cancer
Same as human, cancer is one of the most common causes of rapid weight loss in felines.
Cancer-related weight loss frequently comes with tiredness, appetite loss, and your cat hiding.
Conclusion
As a pet owner, you should never ignore the rapid weight loss in cats, because these symptoms can be a sign of a serious health condition.
To ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy, you should regularly have veterinary visits and attentive care. This is the only way to maintain your cat’s optimal health.
