5 Surprising Reasons Your Cat May Be Losing Weight

If you're like most cat owners, you probably take great pride in keeping your feline friend healthy and fit. But what if you've been doing everything right and your cat is still losing weight? Don't worry - you're not alone. Here are five surprising reasons why your cat may be losing weight despite a good diet and regular exercise.

People who have cats as pets should know about the causes of unexplained weight loss in cats. This is important because it can help them to keep their cat healthy. There are 5 reasons why a cat may lose weight and they are: inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. This article will cover these 5 common reasons why a cat may lose weight. It will explore how each of these diseases can cause a cat to lose weight and what cat owners can do to help their cats maintain a healthy weight.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause cats to lose weight because it impairs their ability to digest food and absorb nutrients. IBD can also lead to inflammation and bleeding in the intestinal tract. IBD is a serious condition and cat owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms of IBD so they can get their cats the treatment they need.

If you suspect your cat may have IBD, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will run tests to diagnose the condition and will prescribe medication to help your cat recover. With proper treatment, most cats with IBD will eventually regain their health and return to a normal weight.

Other signs of IBD in cats: In addition to weight loss, your cat may also have changes to their appetite which can be more or less than normal. Frequent vomiting, including hairballs, is another very common symptom of IBD in cats. Some cats can have diarrhea with IBD but this is a variable symptom.

Kidney disease

Cats with kidney disease often lose weight because they have trouble digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Kidney problems also cause cats to drink more water so their bodies expel additional fluids through urine. As the kidneys become less functional, there is a build-up of uremic toxins that affect your cat's appetite and metabolic state. This leads to further weight loss and can make it harder for cats with kidney disease to recover. A cat who loses 10% of his body weight will usually notice significant changes in how he feels. If you suspect your cat has kidney disease, take him to the veterinarian immediately so he can get the treatment he needs.

Other signs of kidney disease in cats: Another very common symptom in cats with kidney disease is increased water consumption and urination. We also will see a decreased appetite as the toxins build up in the bloodstream, as well as vomiting and dehydration. As the disease progresses, cats may also experience weakness, lethargy, and changes in behavior.

Hyperthyroidism

Cats with hyperthyroidism are exposed to high levels of thyroid hormones. These hormones tell the body to speed up its metabolism, which causes cats to burn calories at a faster rate than normal. Cats who have hyperthyroidism may lose weight because they're constantly hungry and have an increased metabolic rate. Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition that can cause rapid weight loss. Cat owners should watch for the symptoms of hyperthyroidism so they can get their cat's help as soon as possible. If you suspect your cat has hyperthyroidism, take him to the veterinarian immediately. The vet can perform blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe medication that will lower your cat's thyroid hormone levels.

Other signs of hyperthyroidism in cats: Along with increased appetite and weight loss, cats with hyperthyroidism may also display other symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, restlessness, increased energy levels, rapid heart rate, and vomiting.

Diabetes mellitus

Cats with diabetes mellitus are unable to regulate their blood sugar levels effectively because their bodies don't produce enough insulin or the cells in their bodies fail to react to insulin properly. This leads to excess glucose building up in the blood. When a cat has diabetes mellitus, it will lose weight because it's constantly thirsty and hungry since its body is breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose. Diabetes mellitus is a serious condition that can be fatal if it's not treated. Cat owners should watch for the symptoms of diabetes mellitus so they can get their cat's help as soon as possible. If you suspect your cat has diabetes mellitus, take it to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian can test your cat's blood to confirm the diagnosis and will prescribe insulin injections to regulate his blood sugar levels.

Other signs your cat may have diabetes: Along with weight loss and increased thirst and hunger, cats with diabetes may also display symptoms such as increased urination, lethargy, poor coat condition (often with excessive dandruff), and a plantigrade stance where they walk on their ankles (hocks).

Cancer

There are a variety of mechanisms as to how cancer causes weight loss in cats. In some cases, cancer will cause a reduction in appetite that leads to progressive weight loss. Cancer cachexia is when a cat's body slowly starts breaking down its muscles and fat reserves and cancer will impair the body's ability to digest nutrients so it loses weight unintentionally. As a result, cats will lose weight rapidly and progressively. Cancer is a terrible illness and it can be fatal if it's not treated. Since cancer is such a complicated disease that usually requires extensive treatment, cat owners should take their cats to the veterinarian as soon as they suspect he has cancer so treatment can begin as quickly as possible. The earlier a cat is diagnosed with cancer, the better his chances of survival are. If you're worried your cat may have cancer, take him to the veterinarian immediately for a checkup.

Other signs that your cat may have cancer: Along with weight loss, cats with cancer may also display symptoms such as decreased energy levels, decreased appetite, lethargy, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in behavior or mood. This is highly variable as different cancers have different symptoms.

There are a number of possible causes for weight loss in cats, including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. If your cat is losing weight, it's important to take him to the veterinarian so he can be diagnosed and treated. Cats need their owners' help and support so that they can be diagnosed with an illness as soon as possible. If we know what is causing our cats’ weight loss, then we can develop a treatment plan for it!