When should I be concerned about my cat losing weight?
Intentional weight loss that is part of a planned weight reduction program for an overweight pet is not a reason for concern. As long as your cat is losing at a rate that has been established by your veterinarian as acceptable. Usually a loss of no more than one percent of body weight per week is perfectly fine.
Should I worry about rapid weight loss?
Unexplained weight loss, or losing weight without trying, can be a cause for concern. It might indicate an underlying condition. A good rule of thumb is to see your doctor if you’ve lost a significant amount — more than 5 percent of your weight — within 6 to 12 months.
What causes extreme weight loss in cats?
Causes of Cat Weight Loss. Anxiety, stress, or depression. Cats under psychological stress may go off their food, which can result in weight loss. Situations that may upset your cat include excessive noise, other animals in the feeding area, dirty food dishes, or proximity of the food dish to the litter box.
What happens when a cat’s kidneys shut down?
Symptoms of end stage kidney failure in cats include dull sunken eyes, inability to walk, body odour, incontinence in bladder or bowels, refusal to eat or drink, seizures, confusion, pacing and restlessness, withdrawing, hiding and running away.
What causes a cat to loose so much weight?
Causes of Cat Weight Loss 1 Cancer. Although not all cat weight loss is caused by cancer, it is a relatively common culprit. 2 Diabetes. This disease, which may be caused by a failure to produce the hormone insulin or an impaired ability to respond to it, commonly causes weight loss in cats, often 3 Feline infectious peritonitis.
What should I do if my cat is losing weight?
Depending on the reason for your cat’s weight loss, a variety of treatments and dietary changes to treat the underlying condition and restore weight may be prescribed. Fortunately, even in older cats, weight loss can often be treated, if not cured.
What causes a cat to stop eating food?
These psychological problems may cause cats to stop eating, resulting in sudden weight loss. Try to identify situations in your home that may cause your cat distress, such as loud noises.
What kind of cancer does a cat have?
Many forms of cancer affect older cats resulting in weight loss. Cancers that affect your cat’s internal organs can lead to gastrointestinal issues that result in vomiting, loss of appetite or diarrhea, according to VetInfo. There are many forms of cancer that your senior kitty can suffer from, including cancerous tumors or skin cancers.