Why is my elderly cat losing weight but still eating?

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.

Why is my cat losing weight for no reason?

Causes of Cat Weight Loss. Anxiety, stress, or depression. Cats under psychological stress may go off their food, which can result in weight loss. Situations that may upset your cat include excessive noise, other animals in the feeding area, dirty food dishes, or proximity of the food dish to the litter box.

Do cats lose weight in old age?

Longitudinal data collected on 53 healthy cats over 11 years of age at the Waltham Centre indicates that for most cats, weight loss or weight maintenance rather than weight gain is a feature of old age. After 8 years of age, 50\% of cats in that report maintained weight and 30\% lost weight.

When should I be concerned about my cat losing weight?

Unintended weight loss is usually a sign of an underlying health problem. Many owners think that weight loss is normal for senior cats, but this is not the case. It’s important to take action if you notice unexplained weight loss in your cat.

Why is my 14 year old cat so skinny?

Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible.

Why is my cat gaining weight but not eating?

Sudden weight gain or excessive bloating are two more potential signs of cancer in your cat. A definite red flag is when your cat is eating less but seemingly gaining more weight. Again, be sure to stay knowledgeable of your cat’s normal eating habits, and visit your vet right away if you notice any alarming changes.

Why is my 17 year old cat so skinny?

Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems. Dental disease can contribute to weight loss in senior cats.

Why did my cat get fat all of a sudden?

There are two main reasons why obesity occurs in cats: availability of excess food and inadequate exercise. Either one of these situations, or a combination of both, will cause your cat to put on an excessive amount of weight.

Why is my cat suddenly losing weight and not eating?

Stress and depression: Similarly to humans, cats can experience severe anxiety, stress and depression. These psychological problems may cause cats to stop eating, resulting in sudden weight loss. Try to identify situations in your home that may cause your cat distress, such as loud noises.

What does it mean when a cat loses 10\% weight?

Cachexia in Cats. If your cat loses an excess of ten percent of its normal body weight (when it is not due to fluid loss), you should be concerned. There are many things that can cause weight loss, including anorexia, the cat’s quality of food, and/or chronic disease. It is important to understand a severe case of weight loss will affect many…

What causes a cat to lose weight with cancer?

Often, cancer-related weight loss is accompanied by a loss of appetite, lethargy and hiding by your cat. Intestinal parasites: Intestinal parasites, or worms, may also be the cause of weight loss.

Do Cats lose weight when they are happy?

Another typical case of a happy cat that begins to lose weight is diabetic cats. Diabetes is very associated with obesity, they are usually very fast and sedentary cats that begin to drink and urinate more than normal and lose weight despite continuing to eat well. Actually, these cats do not lose fat.