Cat Losing Weight? Reasons Why & What You Can Try

Uh-oh, is your cat losing weight all of a sudden? Unexplained weight loss can be troubling for many cat owners, especially if their feline friends seem perfectly fine. But the issue doesn't need to remain a mystery for long. You see, cats can lose weight for different reasons, from little issues to bigger health problems.

 

Finding the cause of your cat's weight loss is key. We'll explore why your kitty might be shedding pounds unexpectedly. Plus, we'll give you some tips to get them back to their ideal weight. Let's begin!

 

 

Why Is My Cat Losing Weight?

Cats get skinny for many reasons. Some are no big deal, while others are more serious. Figuring out the reason why is crucial for maintaining peak cat health. In the following sections, we'll look at the different causes of weight loss in cats, from minor matters like picky eaters to major problems like serious health problems.

 

 

Mild Concerning Causes

Weight loss in cats isn't always serious, but this doesn't mean cat owners should be blind to what's happening. A cat's body can shrink for minor reasons like diet, environment, or body condition. Let's look at some common mild reasons an average cat might lose weight.

 

Disliking Food Option

 

Is your cat a finicky eater? It might be the reason they're losing weight. Food pickiness is a common sign to watch for. If cats don't like their food's taste, texture, or smell, they may eat less or skip meals altogether. Fussy eaters usually consume fewer calories and are more prone to weight loss.

Related Post: Cat Not Eating [Reasons + Feeding Suggestions]

 

Respiratory Issues or Allergies

Food allergies make breathing harder and mess with cats' sense of smell. This effect can make food less interesting to our feline friends, causing unintentional weight loss. Other symptoms include tummy aches, itchy skin, watery eyes, and coughing.

 

Hot Outdoor Temperatures

When it's scorching outside, cats just want to snooze indoors. They may eat less and move even less. Their reduced appetite and activity levels can lead to muscle wasting and weight loss over time. The heat can also cause increased thirst, and drinking can further decrease appetite.

 

Related Post: Why Is My Cat Panting 

 

Moderate Concerning Causes

We've discussed the simpler reasons for cat weight loss. Now, let's examine the other signs that things could be more serious. These reasons often involve underlying health issues. While things might not be scary right now, getting your pet checked out is still important so they can feel better.

 

Dental Pain

Eating can be a real pain if your cat has dental problems, such as tooth fractures, gum disease, or infections. Watch for signs like drooling, bad breath, or pawing at the mouth. Over time, these dental issues in your cat's mouth can make them lose weight and feel even worse.

 

Stomach and Digestive Problems

Inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal problems, intestinal parasites, and other tummy issues can lead to reduced appetite and poor nutrition. All these can make cats feel uncomfortable and make eating a chore. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in their stool. These, along with eating less, can cause rapid weight loss.

 

Physical Pain

Especially for older cats, sore joints or muscle injuries can make moving and eating super uncomfortable. If your cat is in pain, they might move less, have an impaired ability to jump or climb, and meow more than usual. All that lounging and not feeling like eating can make them drop in weight.

 

Anxiety and Stress

 

Moving to a new home, a new pet joining the family, or even a switch-up in their routine can make cats feel anxious or stressed. When they're feeling grumpy, they might not want to eat as much, which can lead to weight loss. If you're making big changes in your cat's environment or routine, try to do it slowly. Watch for other signs of distress like hiding, lots of licking, or even hissing.

 

Side Effects From Medication

Sometimes, medicine, like antibiotics or pain relievers, can give cats a tummy ache. This can make it hard for them to eat enough and stay at an ideal weight. Some meds can even change the taste of food or make your cat feel queasy, making them want to skip meals altogether. If your cat starts losing weight after getting new medicine, pay your vet a visit.

 

 

Highly Concerning Causes

Some reasons for weight loss in cats can be pretty scary and require immediate vet help. These problems can greatly affect their overall health and well-being. Let's look at some big health issues that can cause felines to shed pounds and what they might mean.

 

Severe Disease or Illness

Serious conditions like kidney disease, liver failure, heart disease, thyroid gland disorders, and cancer can cause loss of appetite, muscle wasting, weakness, and rapid weight loss. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and behavioral changes. If you think your cat might have one of these big problems, you must see a vet immediately.

 

 

When to Contact a Vet Regarding Cat Weight Loss

If your cat is losing weight and you have no idea why, take them to the vet right away. This is especially true if they're throwing up, having diarrhea, or acting tired. These signs, along with weight loss, can mean a bigger problem.

 

The vet might perform a physical examination and run tests to figure out why your cat is shrinking. Depending on what they find, they can recommend a weight loss program or prescribe medicines to make your feline buddy feel better.

 

 

Feeding Tips for Cats Experiencing Unwanted Weight Loss

How can you get your kitty chunky again? These tips can help if your cat's losing weight and you want to help them get healthy again. But first, you need to figure out why they're shrinking in the first place. We'll explore ways to get your cat's appetite back on track and help them gain weight healthily.

 

First, Understand Why Your Cat Is Losing Weight

Before implementing a diet change, figure out the root cause of your cat losing weight first. Is it picky eating, a health problem, or something about their surroundings? Talking to a vet can help here. They can figure out exactly what's going on and formulate a plan with you.

 

Try Switching up Food Options

Maybe your kitty doesn't like their current cat food. Try offering them different flavors and textures, like wet food, crunchy kibble, or a mix of both. Some cats have preferences, and something different might change their appetite. Just make sure to switch their food slowly to avoid tummy troubles.

 

Gently Warm Wet Food

Heating wet food can make it smell more appealing to cats. Just zap it in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to make it too hot. This trick is especially helpful for older cats with reduced senses of smell and taste.

 

Try CBD Cat Options

 

While CBD (cannabidiol) isn't a magic bullet to make cats eat more, it might help with some reasons why they might be skipping meals. CBD can help ease aches and pains, calm nerves, and even make digestion easier, all of which can make eating more enjoyable for your cat.

 

Good news: HolistaPet has all sorts of CBD goodies for cats. We have all-natural hard treats, calming chews, capsules, and oils. These products might help your cat feel better overall, which could lead to them eating more regularly. Always check with your vet before giving your cat anything new, including CBD.

 

Add Tuna Juice to Kitty Kibble

Adding a splash of tuna juice to your cat's kibble can make it more interesting. Tuna juice's yummy smell and taste can perk up your cat's appetite. Remember to use tuna packed in water and drain all the juice first. Don't add any leftover juice with salt or oil in it, because that's not good for your cat.

 

Provide a Stress-Free Environment

To help your kitty feel safe, happy, and excited to eat, try to keep things calm and quiet around the house. Give them a cozy hiding spot where they can feel secure, and try to stick to a routine for meals and playtime. Playing with fun toys can take their mind off things and make them feel better.

 

Try Adding Nutritional Supplements to Your Cat's Diet

Sometimes, supplementation can help cats gain weight back. Supplements like fish oil, for example, can make them want to eat more and feel better overall. For cats with conditions like feline diabetes, nutritional support is particularly important. As always, talk to your vet first to pick the right supplements for your kitty.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Cat Losing Weight

Figuring out why your cat is losing weight is the first step. Then, you can follow our tips and help them return to a healthy size. Partner up with your vet; they can give you the best advice for your feline friend.

 

You can also enlist our help. At HolistaPet, we have all sorts of things to help your cat feel good, like our quality CBD products. Remember, the sooner you figure out why your cat is losing weight, the faster they can feel better and live a thriving life. Click here to browse all cat care blogs.