Why is my cat losing weight but still eating?

Why is my cat losing weight and what can I do?

If your vet suspects that a virus is the cause of your cat’s weight loss, they may perform blood tests and possibly more tests to determine if one of these viruses is the cause. If a diagnosis is made, management and treatment will be based on the symptoms your cat is showing. Feline kidney disease can also lead to weight loss in your cat.

Can a virus cause a cat to lose weight?

FIP, FeLV and FIV are viral diseases in cats. These viruses have different causes and possible therapies, but weight loss is a common symptom of all three. If your vet suspects that a virus is the cause of your cat’s weight loss, they may perform blood tests and possibly more tests to determine if one of these viruses is the cause.

Why is my cat not eating as much food anymore?

So, they might not go off their food completely. But, dental disease can definitely be a big cause of a cat losing weight, especially if they’re not really as enthusiastic about their meal times as they used to be. Pancreatitis is another cause of weight loss and again, in a cat who’s often not eating as well as they used to.

What should I do if my cat is losing weight?

The treatment for weight loss in cats depends on the cause. If you notice your cat is losing weight, your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. Your vet will do a physical exam first. Next, lab tests and/or x-rays may be needed to determine the problem.

How does a virus affect a cat?

A virus affects your cat by entering his system and altering his DNA, then replicating itself from within his body and returning to the atmosphere until it is picked up by a new host. Although feline viruses range from mild and inconsequential to very severe, there are a number of common symptoms associated with feline viruses of different types.

Is it normal for a cat to lose weight when sick?

Feline weight loss, when unplanned, is something to be concerned about at any age. Unfortunately, a cat losing weight is often a sick cat, and this key cat illness symptom is easy for many pet parents to miss. Your cat, when healthy, will normally weigh the same year after year, except for those who gain weight.

Why is my cat losing so much weight?

The underlying condition has to be determined and treated first. Some diseases, such as feline infectious peritonitis — which has neither a cure nor an effective treatment — feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus cause cats to lose weight. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, as far as illnesses that drain the weight away.

Why is my cat losing weight so fast?

Here are eight of the most common causes of rapid weight loss in cats: Gastrointestinal problems: Directly related to your cat’s nourishment, problems in the gastrointestinal tract may cause your cat to lose weight. These problems may stem from inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies or other issues.

Can cancer cause a cat to lose weight?

Although not all cat weight loss is caused by cancer, it is a relatively common culprit. Other symptoms that commonly appear include loss of appetite, lethargy, and hiding.

Can cancer cause weight loss in dogs?

Many different forms of cancer can cause weight loss. The diagnosis and treatment plan will vary depending on the kind and stage of cancer suspected. Your vet might do some or all of the following to confirm a diagnosis:

What are the symptoms of cancer in cats with cancer?

4. Different cancers have different symptoms. Depending on the type of cancer a cat has, you might see vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight loss. If you don’t weigh your cat regularly at home on a small scale, it can be hard to tell when your cat is losing weight — especially if your cat is very fluffy.

What happens to cats with cancer when they lose their appetite?

Cats with cancer may lose their appetite. The severe pain caused by the disease can cause your cat to lose weight. Cancer cells also steal a lot of energy for their own growth, which can cause muscle wasting and weight loss.

Why does my cat keep losing weight?

Cancer can also cause cats to lose weight while maintaining their regular appetite. If you notice your cat shedding pounds, either rapidly or slowly, make an appointment with your vet. This is why your cat loves your laptop so much.

How does cancer affect the body of a cat?

This takes energy away from the cat and gives it to the cancer. Cancers also convert amino acids, the building blocks of protein, into energy causing muscle wasting, poor immune function, and slow healing. On the other hand, cancerous cells do not appear to be very efficient at using fat as an energy source.

What are the symptoms of loss of appetite in cats?

Symptoms of Loss of Appetite in Cats. 1 Lethargy. 2 Excessive drooling. 3 Dehydration. 4 Vomiting. 5 Diarrhea. 6 Weight loss. 7 Change in behavior. 8 Labored breathing. 9 Signs of infection (e.g. pus discharge) 10 Bad breath.

Why is my cat losing weight but eating constantly?

Virtually every feline expert agrees that the combination of excessive hunger and weight loss in cats often indicate underlying diseases. Because of that, if you think ” my cat is losing weight but eats constantly “, it’s strongly recommended that you take a moment to assess the situation instead of just giving your kitty more food.

What kind of cancer does a cat have in its nose?

Common nasal carcinomas in cats include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These tumors can develop on the internal or the exterior surface of the nose. Cats can also develop sarcomas, such as fibrosarcoma, that affect the nose. Symptoms Of Nasal Cancer

Is it normal for a cat to lose its appetite?

Cat Loss of Appetite. Signs, causes and treatment. Cat Loss of Appetite. Signs, causes and treatment. Cat loss of appetite. Cats and kittens are well known to be less food orientated than dogs. They can be fussy or picky eaters but when they are not eating all together it can be a worry.

What causes a cat to lose its appetite?

There are several potential issues that can cause a cat to lose its appetite. The causes are usually grouped into two separate categories, psychological and medical. Due to the variety of causes of a cat’s loss of appetite, a veterinarian will want your pet to undergo a complete evaluation.

Why is my cat losing weight despite having a good appetite?

One of the most common conditions resulting in weight loss despite a good appetite is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is usually thought of as a disease in senior cats but can be diagnosed as early as 6 years, with an average patient age of 13 years old.

What kind of nasal cancer does a cat have?

Nasal Cancer in Cats. Nasal tumors are found in the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses and affect cats. Nasal tumors are less common in cats than in dogs, making up about 1% of tumors in cats. The most common types of nasal tumors in cats are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), lymphoma, and carcinoma. 1.

What kind of cancer does a cat have in its ear?

Two primary forms of cancer that affect the ears of cats are squamous cell carcinoma and ear canal tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly presents as a red, crusty areas around the pinna of the ears. The sores, or ulcers, may occur intermittently and are usually flat, irregularly shaped and scaly.

What is loss of appetite in cats?

What is Loss of Appetite? It is crucial to address the loss of your cat’s appetite, because 24 hours of avoiding food (as little as 12 hours for young kittens) can have considerable impact on your cat’s health. When a cat lacks the ability or desire to eat, the condition is typically referred to as anorexia.