Rapid Weight Loss in a Feline

Cats owners often consider their pets very resilient animals. However, when cats lose weight with no apparent cause it can be disturbing. Many issues can contribute to rapid weight loss in a feline of any age. Knowing the symptoms of the most common causes will help you determine when your furry friend needs to see the veterinarian.

  1. Diabetes

    • Diabetes, a common cause of weight loss in cats, occurs when the body cannot process insulin properly. Insulin helps control blood glucose. When the body lacks sufficient insulin it feeds off muscles instead of the food, causing rapid weight loss. Other symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes can be managed with changes in diet and medication, which can mean giving your cat daily shots of insulin. Your vet will demonstrate how to give to inject your cat.

    Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

    • This virus affects about 3 percent of healthy cats and up to 15 percent of cats that have compromised immune systems. FIV is usually spread through biting and results in a suppressed immune system that leaves them unable to fight off basic viruses and fungus that are found in their daily environment. The weight loss may be slow but it will show up, along with inflamed gums, bowel problems and chronic infections. Your vet will perform an FIV test and discuss options.

    Thyroid Problems

    • Thyroid problems are also common in cats. As cats age, their thyroid glands often become enlarged and will release too many hormones. This can cause the cat to lose weight rapidly, stress easily, vomit and create changes in their bowel habits. Medication can control this condition.

    Hookworms

    • Hookworm infestation is quite common in cats. The worms are only about a half an inch in size, but can affect cats in a big way, causing rapid weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy and anemia. Many owners will see worms in the cat's feces. If you suspect hookworms, have your vet perform a worming treatment on the cat. This treatment will also require you to give the cat pills.

    Inflammatory Bowel Disease

    • Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is another condition that causes rapid weight loss in cats. In IBD, the cat's immune system does not work properly. The intestine becomes inflamed and cannot absorb digested food from the intestine into the blood. The cat may then develop diarrhea, lethargy and anemia. If your cat has been losing weight and has these symptoms, take the animal to the vet. Antibiotics will often be prescribed along with anti-inflammatory medication.

    Cancer

    • The older the cat, the higher the chance of it developing cancer. Symptoms of cancer can differ, depending on the affected area. Changes in appetite, bleeding and difficulty urinating or defecating can be among the many red flags for cancer. Your vet will help you decide the best course of treatment.