Why does your cat suddenly lose weight despite having a normal appetite? Watch out for these 3 reasons and diseases
Your cat has a normal appetite, but why does it suddenly lose weight? There are many different factors that can affect weight loss, including the environment, nutritional intake, etc. Sudden weight loss can also be caused by disease, so it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian. This article lists 3 reasons why cats lose weight, as well as possible diseases that may be present in cats that suddenly lose weight, so that you can be aware of whether or not your cat is suffering from any of these symptoms.
Why do cats suddenly lose weight? Check out the top 3 reasons why cats lose weight
When your cat loses weight, you may notice a protruding spine and hips, or even hair loss; in more serious cases, this may affect your fur child’s health. But what are the causes of sudden weight loss? Here are the 3 main factors for your reference.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss 1: Inadequate Nutritional Intake
The amount of cat food should be calculated according to the weight and the amount of food eaten. If you give every meal according to your feelings, your cat may not be able to eat enough. In addition, don’t just give a single ingredient as your cat’s staple food. It is recommended that canned wet food be divided into canned staple food and canned side dishes, and that attention be paid to the intake of calories, protein, taurine, trace minerals and vitamins to maintain a balanced nutrition.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Reason 2: Stress and Anxiety Caused by the External Environment
If your cat is under long-term stress, the pressure of the environment will have a psychological impact on its physiology and may cause sudden weight loss. Especially when the cat is in contact with a new environment, the alertness is higher, so it is recommended that you accompany your cat to ease the tension.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Reason 3: Picky Eating Habits
If your cat eats too many snacks, it can lead to picky eating behavior, which may cause weight loss in the long run. It is recommended to let your cat eat snacks after the main meal in order to maintain a balanced nutritional intake.
Sudden Weight Loss in Cats｜Analysis of 6 Major Diseases and Symptoms
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Disease 1: Hyperthyroidism
According to doctors, excessive secretion of thyroid hormones increases the metabolic rate of internal organs, leading to increased urination and weight loss, which can lead to heart abnormalities and even death if not treated immediately. It is recommended that you seek professional veterinary help as soon as you notice that your cat has lost weight in order to avoid a more serious condition.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Disease 2: Diabetes
The biggest cause of diabetes is a long history of poor diet, and fat cats are four times more likely to develop the disease than normal cats. Once diabetes develops, even if you eat a lot, you will still lose weight. It is recommended that you take advantage of the golden time to treat diabetes and keep your blood sugar within a stable range in order to have a chance of recovery.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Disease 3: Intestinal Bacterial Inflammation
Inflammation of the intestinal tract in cats can lead to digestive abnormalities. If the inflammation lasts for several months and prevents the fur child from digesting and absorbing the food he or she eats, weight loss may occur; in severe cases, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, or dehydration may result.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Disease 4: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is caused by an imbalance in the immune system due to inflammation of the digestive system, resulting in chronic vomiting and diarrhea, and malabsorption of food even though the cat is able to eat, resulting in weight loss.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Disease 5: Intestinal Parasites
When parasites infect the gastrointestinal tract, they can cause stomach pain, intestinal obstruction, vomiting and malnutrition.
Cat Sudden Weight Loss Disease 6: Dental and Oral Problems
If your cat is suffering from periodontal disease, inflamed gums, or is teething, it may not want to eat due to toothache, resulting in weight loss. If you notice your cat dropping food, chewing in a strange way, or having bad breath, you may be experiencing oral problems, so it is recommended that you get treatment as soon as possible.