Cats Losing Weight in Boynton Beach, FL: Causes and What to Do
Have you noticed that your cat is losing weight but are wondering what is causing it? When your cat starts to lose weight, it can be quite concerning and as a pet owner you may not know what to do next. There are many reasons why a cat may start to lose weight after being at the same weight for a while. Cats may even shed pounds when they are still eating just as much as before, which can be even more confusing for owners. In this article, you will learn all the common causes of why a cat may be losing weight as well as what to do about it. Read on to learn more.
Common Causes of Cat Weight Loss
Listed below are the common causes of why your feline is losing weight, as well as tips on how to help them when they are struggling with this.
Parasites
Many times, cats may be losing weight due to internal parasites such as worms. In this case, cats’ eating habits may not have changed at all. Cats can eat the same amount as before, or sometimes may even have an increase in appetite when internal parasites are present. Weight loss can be a symptom of internal parasites, because no matter how much your cat eats, these internal parasites will leech the nutrients coming in for themselves. If your cat does have worms, it is essential to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to get them treatment.
Issues in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Your cat’s gastrointestinal tract has everything to do with how they process food, and this can be a factor in why a cat may lose or gain weight. Common problems the gastrointestinal tract may have are conditions like: inflammatory bowel disease, GI tract infections, or even food allergies. It’s important to note that any of these conditions can develop at any time in a cat’s life.
Symptoms other than weight loss that are associated with gastrointestinal tract issues include vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing these symptoms, it’s very likely they are experiencing problems in their gastrointestinal tract. There are some more severe conditions that can be associated with these signs, so it’s essential to have your cat checked out by a veterinarian near Boynton Beach, FL to determine the exact cause. If the gastrointestinal tract is the issue, you can work with your vet to determine what treatments will work for your cat to get their health and weight back on track.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can be another common cause of weight loss in cats. This condition usually is associated with elder cats, and it is very uncommon in cats younger than six years. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where a benign tumor is attached to the thyroid or can simply be an overactive thyroid gland causing it to function incorrectly.
Cats with hyperthyroidism usually eat much more than usual and still experience noticeable weight loss. Another symptom of this condition in cats is drinking much more water than usual and, as a result, urinating more than average. Cats with hyperthyroidism may be in a perpetual state of starvation. No matter how much they eat, their thyroid gland is not allowing them to get the proper nutrition into their body. When this condition is untreated, it can lead to much more severe issues such as heart issues and high blood pressure. Working with your vet, you can develop a successful treatment plan to get your cat and their weight back on track, typically through thyroid medication.
Dental Issues
Sometimes cats may lose weight because they aren’t eating enough. If you haven’t recently changed their cat food or environment, a change in eating habits is likely caused by tooth problems. If a cat has a toothache, they may choose not to eat as they usually would because of the pain they feel from eating their food.
Cats with a toothache may do better eating wet food instead of dry food, but when a toothache is severe, they still may have an issue eating even the softest food. Cats with dental problems may also have excessive drooling as a symptom. They may even paw at their face and mouth, often due to the pain. If your cat is showing these signs, it’s essential to pay attention to their behavior. If you suspect your cat may have a problem tooth, you should take them to the vet clinic as soon as possible before the problem and pain get worse.
Contact a Veterinarian in Boynton Beach, FL if Your Cat is Losing Weight
If your pet cat is losing weight, you have a right to be concerned. Usually, there is an underlying problem causing the weight loss that might need attention from a veterinarian. As a pet owner, you can keep track of any other symptoms you’ve noticed to help your vet narrow down what the cause can be. Together you and your vet can develop an effective treatment plan to get your pet back at their optimal weight.
If you have any additional questions about your cat’s weight loss, contact Colonial Animal Hospital or Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center in Boynton Beach, FL. Our animal hospitals are staffed with compassionate and highly trained veterinarians that will implement the best treatment plan for your precious cat.