Why is my cat getting so skinny?

Why is my cat getting so skinny?

There are two main causes for a skinny cat: Either they aren’t eating enough, or they’re expending more calories than they are taking in. They may not be eating enough due to stress, dental disease, nausea or a host of other reasons. The other reason that a cat might be too skinny is a lack of access to food.

What should I do if my cat is losing weight?

If you notice your cat is losing weight, your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. Your vet will do a physical exam first. Next, lab tests and/or x-rays may be needed to determine the problem. Based on the findings, your vet may recommend medication, diet change, surgery, or other treatment.

When should I be concerned about my cat losing weight?

In a cat however, there are times when weight loss is a cause for concern. This is because weight loss can be one of the first signs of serious illness. Common causes of unexplained weight loss in a cat include conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism.

Why is my cat eating but still losing weight?

You may suspect that your cat is eating more than normally, but still continues to lose weight. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that can result from a tumor on the thyroid gland, or an overactive thyroid which elevates levels of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroid cats can eat, and eat, and eat and still lose weight.

Do cats get skinny as they age?

Actual weight may not change, but a cat can begin to lose muscle mass and tone. Their skin can become thinner, or their hair coat dulls. These are not “normal” changes and should not be dismissed because the cat is aging.

Do cats get bony as they age?

Cats tend to lose the ability to digest and absorb fat as they grow old. Although obesity does occur in middle-aged cats, feline seniors more often lose weight and take on a distinctively “boney old cat” feel.

Is it bad if you can feel your cat’s spine?

Feel around your cat’s spine Again, you should be able to feel the bones, but not excessively. If the vertebrae feel very knobbly or like there’s nothing on top of them, your cat is underweight. If they’re difficult to feel, you have an overweight cat.