How to stop weight loss in cats?
Why cats loss weight?
Is your cat losing weight?
Unintentional weight loss is a sign of a serious problem. Many owners think that it is normal for senior cats to be underweight, but it is not. If you think your cat is losing weight, it's important to talk to your vet.
How to know your cat is losing weight?
It's hard to tell if your cat is losing weight. If your cat has a lot of hair or is slightly overweight, it can be difficult to tell when the weight has come off.
To assess your cat's body, start by looking at your cat's body from above. At an appropriate weight, there should be a tuck at the waist that is noticeable but not extreme. Next, run your hands along the sides of your cat. The ribs should be flexible with a thin covering of fat. If the ribs feel and appear very prominent, your cat is likely underweight.
What causes cats to lose weight?
In many cases, cats lose weight because they are not eating enough or healthy food. But, some diseases can cause weight loss despite having enough food. Depending on the cause, weight loss may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms of the disease.
Hyperthyroidism is a relatively common disease that most often affects big cats. Cats with hyperthyroidism produce too much thyroid hormone due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. The reason for its enlargement is a benign tumor that grows on the thyroid.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Include weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Some cats also experience vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity. Some will become restless by being vocal. Hyperthyroidism is treated with radioactive iodine or oral medications.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is the most common disease seen in senior cats. The kidneys produce important hormones, filter waste from the blood, help control blood pressure and facilitate the production of new red blood cells.
When a cat's kidneys stop working properly,
Symptoms
This leads to many other issues.
Increased thirst and urination are one of the first signs of a cat's kidney problem, followed by a loss of appetite.
Weight loss and lethargy.
Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured. Often managed medically with medication, dietary changes and fluid supplementation.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common disease that affects cats. This disorder affects the pancreas's ability to produce insulin, a hormone that is essential for controlling blood sugar.
Symptoms of diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes include weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst, urination and lethargy. Diabetes is usually managed with insulin and dietary changes.
Other drugs may be used. Some cats even return to normal after several months of treatment.
Gastrointestinal problems
Any problem in the GI tract reduces the appetite of the cat which leads to weight loss. Certain causes block the GI tract from properly digesting food and absorbing nutrients, leading to weight loss. Some of the GI problems seen in cats include intestinal parasites, pancreatitis and even cancers of the GI tract.
Symptoms of GI
GI issues can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and more. Treatment of GI parasites can be as simple as deworming the cat.
Other GI issues usually require medications and supportive care.
Dental problems in Cats.
Dental or Oral problems can cause more pain, loss of appetite and loss of weight. Common dental problems in cats include periodontal disease, regenerative wounds and tooth fractures. Some cats develop stomatitis.
A painful inflammation of the cat's mouth and gums.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dental problems include bad breath, drooling, paw or even oral bleeding in the mouth. The first step for treatment is for the vet to put your cat under anesthesia and have a professional dental cleaning, investigation and treatment as necessary.
Some cats will require oral surgery or tooth extraction.
Treatment for weight loss in cats.
Treatment of weight loss in cats depends on the cause.
First step should be to schedule a vet appointment. vet will first do a physical treatment. Next, laboratory tests or X-rays may be needed to determine the problem.
Depending on the findings, your vet may recommend medication, dietary changes, surgery, or other treatments.
If your vet gives your cat a clean bill of health, the weight loss may be due to insufficient feeding or an unknown or undetectable condition. Ask your veterinarian for advice about food and environmental enrichment. If you can determine the source of stress for your cat,
Start by working to reduce that stress. Your vet may also recommend a diet that is high in nutrients and calories.
Potentially helping your cat gain weight.
If your cat continues to lose weight despite the changes you have made, be sure to contact your veterinarian about it.
Your vet may refer you to a veterinary specialist for an advanced diagnosis.
How to stop weight loss in cats?
You can prevent weight loss in your cat by regularly monitoring its body condition and visiting the vet regularly for health checkups. Cats are experts at hiding illness and injuries, but your vet can spot problems before they get out of hand. Be sure to report any change in your cat's behavior to your veterinarian immediately.
It is much easier to treat a health problem at an early stage than to wait until your cat becomes very ill.
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