Cat losing weight in hindquarters

Is your cat losing weight? Weight loss that is unintentional is usually a sign of an underlying health problem Owners often think that weight loss is normal for senior cats but this is not the case If your cat has lost weight without any change in their eating or exercise habits it's important to take action

Cat losing weight in hindquarters

How to Tell if Your Cat is Losing Weight

It can be hard to detect gradual weight loss in cats If your cat has a lot of fur or used to be mildly overweight it can be more difficult to notice weight loss Sometimes owners will notice that their cat is losing weight after picking them up and feeling lighter Other times they have pictures or can feel the weight loss when petting them

To assess your cat’s body condition start by looking at your cat’s body from above At an ideal weight there should be a tuck at the waist that is noticeable but not extreme Next run your hands along your cat’s sides The ribs should be palpable and there should be a thin covering of fat around them If the ribs are not palpable and you can feel fat around them then your cat is overweight Your cat is feeling very prominent and is visible if it's likely underweight ## Rewrite The Following Paragraph in a friendly tone I feel like I am going to puke in my mouth My heart feels like it will beat out of my chest My ears are ringing and I cannot hear anything over the blood rushing in my head I can't see anything There is a dull ache at the back of my skull but it feels like there is something wrong with my eyes My throat burns and feels scratchy as if I had a fever or something My stomach cramps up and then everything goes black

What Causes Cats to Lose Weight?
In many cases cats will lose weight when they aren't indulging in their usual meals However some diseases can cause weight loss even when there is plenty of food available for the cat Depending on the cause weight loss may or may not accompany other signs of illness Many health complications in cats can cause weight loss to varying degrees Some are more serious than others

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a relatively common illness that most often affects older cats Hyperthyroidism in cats occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones due to enlargement of the gland This enlargement is usually caused by a benign tumor that grows on the gland

In some cases hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss increased appetite and thirst urinary retention and vomiting Some cats also experience diarrhea and hyperactivity Some may vocalize and act restless Cats with hyperthyroidism may have coats that appear unkempt and greasy Hyperthyroidism is treated with radioactive iodine or oral medications

Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common illnesses seen in senior cats The kidneys produce important hormones to filter out wastes from the blood help regulate blood pressure and facilitate the production of new red blood cells when they stop working When a cat’s kidneys stop functioning properly it leads to a number of adverse effects There are other issues involved in the use of this product

More thirst and urination are among the first signs noticed when a cat has kidney issues followed by loss of appetite weight loss and lethargy.2 Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured often be medically managed with medications diet changes and fluid supplementation

Diabetes

Diabetes is another common health condition that can affect cats This endocrine disorder affects the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin which is needed to regulate blood glucose levels

Gastrointestinal Problems
The pancreas and other body parts of the digestive tract may be at risk of developing pancreatitis cancer and other types of issues

GI issues may cause weight loss vomiting diarrhea lethargy and more; Treatment of GI parasites may be as simple as deworming the cat; Other GI issues typically require medications and supportive care

Dental Problems
Oral and dental issues can cause extreme pain decreasing appetite and leading to weight loss Common dental problems in cats include periodontal disease and tooth fractures Some cats develop stomatitis an inflammation of a cat's mouth and gums that may be painful immune-mediated

Signs of dental issues in your cat include bad breath drooling pawing at the mouth or even oral bleeding The first step to treatment is for the vet to put your cat under anesthesia and do a professional dental cleaning exam and treatment as necessary Some cats will need oral surgery and/or teeth pulled extractions

Cancer
Like people cats can get cancer just about anywhere in their body In some cases a tumor may be seen in the form of a tumor and this is one of the most common forms of cancer that cats have Lymphoma is one of the many forms of cancer that cats may encounter and it can also live in their mouth lymphatic system and more Most forms of cancer will eventually cause general malaise in cats lethargy pain muscle wasting loss of appetite and weight loss

Stress
Because cats are often excellent at hiding outward signs of anxiety they may experience symptoms later on Cats can suffer from stress in different ways and reduced appetite is a common symptom Any environmental stressors can lead to an increased amount of anxiety and stress in your cat Eventually lead to weight loss

There are a number of other health issues that can lead to weight loss Some of these include underlying health problems which will often not be noticed by pet owners In addition many diseases have similar symptoms and diagnosis requires a vet

Treatment for Weight Loss in Cats
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 an appointment with a veterinarian Your vet will do a physical examination first and lab tests may be needed before imaging or x-rays can be done Based on the findings the treatment will vary Your vet may recommend medication diet change surgery or other treatment

If your vet gives you the green light to take your cat for a walk then it may be due to inadequate food intake or some unknown or undetectable condition If you can identify a cause of stress for your cat start by making changes in their diet and environment If you’re in the dark about what could be causing weight loss ask your veterinarian for suggestions on feeding and enrichment Your veterinarian can also recommend a diet that is right in nutrients and calories potentially helping your cat gain weight

If your cat continues to lose weight despite changes you make then check-in with your vet to make sure that it's not an issue Your vet may refer you to a veterinary specialist for further diagnostics if needed

How to Prevent Weight Loss in Cats

You can prevent weight loss in your cat by regularly visiting your vet for check-ups and monitoring body condition Cats are very good at hiding illness but you may be able to detect a problem before it becomes serious Be sure to report any changes in your cat’s health to your vet It’s much easier to treat a health issue early in your cat’s life than it is to wait until your cat becomes very ill