5 reasons why a cat is thin but eats well

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When an animal is eating consistently but not gaining weight, pet owners sound the alarm. Many people believe that if a cat eats, then weight gain is a natural process. This is not entirely true. Animals, like people, are active and dynamic, which burns extra calories and helps the pet lose weight. When a cat loses weight but eats well, this is normal. With active life, weight loss is ensured by normal metabolism. The situation is different with sedentary cats.

Don't expect your kitten to actively gain fat. During the first 9-11 months, kittens develop their skeleton and posture, and the baby gets fat and loses weight. Young cats and female cats become soft and plump 1-2 years after birth.

When is it time to sound the alarm?

Cats begin to worry about being thin if:

the cat eats a lot and often, but does not gain weight, it is too light and small for its breed (thin cats do not gain weight);
the spine can be traced visually (the ridge literally protrudes outward);
the pelvic bones and ribs protrude, their movement is clearly noticeable when the cat moves;
the cat’s breath smells unpleasant (obviously, the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, the kidneys and liver are not functioning properly, plaque or caries may have formed on the teeth);
there is no fat layer on the chest and back area, only bone;
the cat does not show usual attention to toys, sleeps constantly;
the animal has loose stools (if mucus, blood, or undigested parts of food are found in the stool, consult a doctor);
yellowness or excessive pallor of the mucous membranes is observed, they become gray in color (most likely, weight loss is due to problems with the liver and kidneys);
more fluid is released from the eyes, nose and mouth than usual, especially when an unpleasant odor appears, a change in the color of the animal’s tears and saliva;
the temperature rises (hot nose, the cat is lethargic, to check the temperature it is enough to use a regular thermometer);
the stomach is sunken, hard, tense.

The silhouette of an emaciated cat resembles an hourglass.

When the described signs appear, the animal is weighed (to do this, just place it in a bag and use a steelyard or in a cardboard box, cover the top with something and put it on a regular floor scale).

If the cat always eats well, but is very thin, weighs 1 kg or more less than it should, contact a veterinarian. It is first necessary to take weight measurements for several weeks in a row to make sure that there really is a reason for concern (cats are thin and do not gain weight for various reasons, but most often due to illness).

Other diseases

What other diseases can threaten the health and life of a cat in its declining years? Oddly enough, many breeders completely forget about regularly checking the condition of their pet’s teeth and oral cavity at this time, but in vain. Periodontal diseases are very common among “old people.” If you notice that your cat, even when very hungry, eats its food very carefully and in small pieces, often giving up this thankless task and meowing hoarsely, it would not hurt to show it to the veterinary dentist.

Firstly, the cat may have simple caries. Although quite rare, it still occurs in pets. The animal may also suffer from pulpitis, that is, inflammation of the internal tissues of the tooth. The pain is monstrous, and the cat has no time to eat during attacks. More “harmless” gingivitis or stomatitis (inflammation of the gums and oral cavity, respectively) is also possible.

Tartar often leads to such painful outcomes. If there is a lot of it and it completely covers the cat’s teeth, the stone serves as an excellent substrate for the development of pathogenic microflora. Signs of the disease are:

Extremely unpleasant odor from the animal's mouth. Of course, in ordinary cases there is no smell of roses from there, but the “aroma” with advanced tartar is more similar to that of a cat that has eaten rotten meat.

If you look at the teeth, they are completely covered with a greenish-brown coating; the gums at the places of “transition” into the cat’s fangs have a rich red color, indicating their severe inflammation.

If the cause of pain is only tartar, it is removed in a clinic. Methods for this can be used both mechanical and chemical, as well as physical. In the first case (if there is relatively little stone), the petrified plaque is simply erased. Physical methods involve its destruction using ultrasound, chemical methods - using special reagents.

Alas, in the case of cats, treatment for caries and pulpitis has not been developed (in our country, at least), and therefore the diseased tooth is simply removed. Mild stomatitis and gingivitis are treated by regular irrigation of the oral cavity with antiseptic solutions and even herbal decoctions (chamomile, sage). A decoction of oak bark has proven itself well. In severe cases of the pathological process, injections of broad-spectrum antibiotics are added to the rinses.

Diseases of the digestive system. Digestive problems are very common in older animals. This is largely due to the poor condition of the teeth, which is why the cat cannot properly grind pieces of food. In the gastrointestinal tract, they simply begin to rot, which causes inflammatory diseases (gastritis, enteritis and colitis, as well as pathologies of mixed etiology), as well as liver and kidney diseases.

The symptoms of all these ailments are quite typical: diarrhea, interspersed with periods of constipation, frequent flatulence accompanied by the release of gases, poor condition of the animal’s coat and skin, progressive exhaustion and lack of appetite. Therapy in all these cases often consists of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pathological causes of weight loss in cats

Changes in a pet's appearance may begin due to illness. Most often, loss of appetite and thinness are caused by the following diseases:

Helminthiasis (worms in cats).
Diseases of the digestive system.
Stomatitis and dental problems.
Diabetes.
Infections of a viral, fungal and bacterial nature.
Chronic inflammation.
Nervous system lesions.
Diseases of the endocrine system.
Oncology.

The listed diseases are accompanied by other symptoms:

Lethargy, drowsiness, decreased activity.
Abnormal stool (diarrhea, constipation, mucus, blood in the stool).
Vomiting, frequent belching.
The appearance of a bad odor from the mouth.
Paleness of the mucous membranes.
An increase or, conversely, a decrease in body temperature.

Signs of an Aging Cat

Some cats begin to show physical signs associated with aging as early as seven years of age, while others are as playful as kittens at ten years of age. Generally, a cat is considered “senior” if it is over 11 years old.

If you are the owner of an older cat, you need to watch for changes in his behavior that may indicate an underlying problem. Here are six of the most common symptoms and illnesses you may notice in your aging pet:

Sleeping all the time... or not sleeping at all While it's normal for cats to slow down as they age, sleep disturbances can indicate more serious health problems. If you notice that your cat is constantly sleeping and sleeping deeper than usual, or, conversely, is becoming more active at night, this may indicate age-related changes. Tree House Humane Society in Chicago also notes that an older male or female cat that suddenly has a lot more energy may be suffering from hyperthyroidism. If you have any doubts about the general health of your pet, please consult a veterinarian.
Confusion If your cat becomes confused by common tasks or objects she is used to navigating through, such as having trouble finding her bed, she may be approaching her golden years. This can also be a sign of cognitive problems, so if you notice this behavior in your pet, you should contact your veterinarian.
Problems climbing stairs or jumping Arthritis is common in older cats. Although she may not limp or show other obvious signs of joint problems, she may find it increasingly difficult to jump into the litter box, climb stairs, or climb on furniture.
Unintentional weight loss or gain According to the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine, weight loss in an older cat can be a sign of health problems ranging from heart and kidney disease to diabetes. Some pets' food and energy needs may increase as they age, and cats may lose weight faster than they replace it with food. On the other hand, as cats age, their metabolism slows down, so they don't need as many calories as they used to. If you notice that your cat is starting to gain weight, it may be worth switching to a senior cat food that is better suited to meet her biological needs.
Behavioral Changes Is your pet experiencing involuntary urination that never happened before? Does she avoid human contact? This could be a symptom of kidney failure, but it could also be a sign that she is in pain or has a mental disorder, conditions that are most common in older cats. A veterinarian will help you understand your pet's behavioral changes.
Dull or oily coat A cat that has stopped grooming itself may be in pain due to arthritis or dental problems.

Older cats should be seen by a veterinarian every six months. But if you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance, you shouldn’t hesitate and it’s better to immediately visit a veterinarian who knows all the signs of aging in cats.

Puberty

Cats reach sexual maturity at about one year of age and this period is accompanied by a hormonal surge. The consequence is often a change in the pet’s behavior: it becomes more aggressive, excited, its inviting meow ceases to be gentle and rather resembles a howl. He begins to mark territory, games have sexual overtones. A decrease in appetite during this period is normal. Cats become uninterested in food - they push it into the background, putting their reproductive instincts at the forefront.

Cats sometimes do not show such obvious signs. But their sense of smell is incredibly developed, and even while in an apartment, through an open window, they are able to smell a cat in heat at a distance of several kilometers. The animal loses peace and along with it its appetite.

If you don't take action, your pet will lose weight and look unhealthy. If the breeder does not have breeding plans, the animal must be castrated. This will significantly improve the quality of the relationship between the owner and his pet. After some time, the cat will calm down, return to a normal lifestyle, and then you will need to monitor not that he has lost weight, but then that he does not gain weight. If we are talking about a rural way of life and the owner is not in the mood to castrate the pet, then the cat can be released outside, where he will solve his physiological problems himself.

When should you not panic?

An animal's activity is the best evidence of health. A cat that constantly plays, runs, sleeps little and constantly asks for food is not at risk and periodically loses weight. The morning amount of food is burned in a matter of hours and therefore in the afternoon the pet will ask for more. But you should not overfeed your cat.

Old cats are already losing interest in games, losing weight, and it’s not a matter of illness. With age, the cat moves and studies less and less, and observes and evaluates more often. The fewer movements, the less energy is burned, and, accordingly, the minimum amount of food will be needed.

Mild poisoning for cats is a common situation, especially if the pet eats the same food as the owner. Diarrhea for two to three days does not indicate a serious illness. If the problem persists for more than a week, it is wise to contact a specialist.

Animals experience stressful situations more difficult than humans, but faster.

The appearance of a kitten, puppy, child, scary cat plush toy or new person in the house can completely destroy the appetite and lead to the animal losing weight. There is no need to panic: within a couple of days the cat will return to its usual feeding schedule.

When should you contact a veterinarian?

A consultation with a veterinarian is needed if the cat has suddenly lost weight and becomes lethargic, but is still eating normally. A pregnant cat that refuses food for more than three days must be seen by a doctor. Signs of infectious infection or intoxication of the body (diarrhea, vomiting, fever, convulsions, tachycardia) require immediate veterinary attention.

Out of love for affectionate animals, owners often overfeed them rather than underfeed them. Therefore, there are still more well-fed cats than emaciated ones. But sometimes owners notice that their animal is losing weight. Is this normal or not? Why can an animal lose weight and when is it dangerous?

You only need to worry when your cat is actively losing weight and becomes malnourished. In order to determine the degree of thinness of a cat, a special condition scale was developed.

It consists of 5 stages and describes the cat’s condition from obesity to emaciation:

Emaciation: in adult animals, the abdomen is strongly retracted, the figure has the appearance of an hourglass. The tail is bony to the touch, without palpable muscle and fat tissue, the ribs are clearly palpable and visible, there is no layer of fat on them. The cat's waist is so narrow that its figure resembles an hourglass.
Lack of weight is characterized by maintaining an hourglass figure, all bones are clearly palpable, the stomach is retracted. The amount of fat on the ribs is extremely small.
With normal weight indicators, the animal looks slender, the stomach looks toned, and the waist is clearly defined. The ribs can be felt through the thin layer of fat covering them. The subcutaneous fat layer is thin.
If the animal is overweight, the waist is not visible, and the stomach no longer looks toned. The fat layer is quite thick, bone structures are difficult to palpate.
Obesity: the ribs under thick fat deposits are practically not palpable, the stomach hangs unattractively due to the massive fat layer, the back looks very wide. Fat is deposited even in the neck, muzzle, and paws.

At stage 2, you need to pay attention to the general condition of the animal, its age and consult a specialist. If this stage is missed and the cat is already exhausted, she needs serious treatment

Determination of the degree of fatness

You should not talk about weight loss without first determining whether the animal has really lost weight. This is done as follows:

The first and most common sign of exhaustion is “fence” ribs. This means that the ribs protrude strongly from under the skin, and therefore can be easily felt even after a light touch, not to mention palpation.
When you palpate the base of the tail, you can feel its “bone” structure; you can easily find the sacral bone and the first caudal vertebrae.

If you look at a cat from above, it is easy to notice that its figure is very similar to an hourglass. However, their back part will be greatly narrowed, while the back of the animal is clearly pointed, it is awl-shaped.
When palpating the paws (especially the front ones), even an inexperienced person can determine the shape and structure of the bones. Simply put, the limbs resemble pieces of a skeleton covered in skin. The muscles are flabby and jelly-like to the touch.

A little about cat physiology

At different periods of life, a cat moves differently. All the little kitten’s calories are used for the growth of bones and muscles, the rest are spent on games.

In older cats, the body dries out due to old age and some other reasons:

Stress and illness.
Weakness and tooth loss.
Lack of vitamins.
Parasites.

Owners of an elderly pet should carefully monitor its condition and, if there is any deterioration, show the animal to a doctor. If the origins of poor appetite are teeth, the owner needs to purchase suitable food. For vitamin deficiency - a vitamin-mineral complex.

It is necessary to periodically treat your cat for helminths.

Nursing mother

If a cat has given birth to kittens and is nursing her offspring, then she will lose weight, since she physically will not be able to eat as much food as would be enough to satiate her and her children.
In this case, there is no need to worry about the animal; after the kittens stop sucking milk, the cat’s weight will be restored. After this, it is recommended to worm the animal, and this procedure should be performed every month.

If in this case the animal does not gain weight, then it may lack nutrients; for this, it will have to drink a complex of vitamins.

Treatment methods

When a cat suddenly begins to eat a lot, it may be expecting a replenishment. Her body requires more food for the babies growing inside. Before treatment, you should make sure that the individual is not carrying kittens. In case of severe illnesses, the doctor prescribes a course of necessary medications, IVs, and injections. If there are infestations, then it is necessary to eliminate the unwanted inhabitants with the help of medications. In the absence of the opportunity to purchase special cat medications, you can use the human drug - Pirantel. As cats get older, their appetite may either increase or decrease. To maintain the health of your pet, it is recommended to undergo regular examination of the animal at the veterinary clinic. If necessary, urgently take measures to treat your beloved four-legged friend.

How to properly feed a cat natural food?

The menu consists of two types of dishes. These are meat and dairy products.

The basis of the meat diet is lean beef, cut into small pieces. Next you need to provide the dish with vitamins. This can be done using vegetables or special additives . Veterinary stores sell vitamin powders that contain everything your pet needs. The compositions are not cheap, but it saves the housewife time.

The fermented milk set consists of low-fat cottage cheese and one percent kefir. On average, cottage cheese is served “on the table” to the cat 1-2 times a week.

Symptomatic treatment

Not every slender cat is emaciated and has pathological weight loss. The body weight of a healthy animal can range from 2 to 7 kilograms. Unsterilized animals that move a lot, are very curious and playful, are usually thin and cheerful. Minor weight loss in this case should not be scary.

In general, physiological causes usually do not require correction. They require monitoring of the animal’s condition by the breeder, possibly revising the diet. But you shouldn’t overfeed your cat or offer her food when she doesn’t want it.

If the reason for sudden thinness is mild intestinal infections, then there is no need to panic either. As a rule, even special treatment is not required. The cat's body is able to overcome a mild illness. If the cat’s condition does not cause concern, the symptoms of the disease do not increase, then the animal should be monitored. Do not pick up your pet again. Perhaps everything will go away on its own in 2-3 days.

If the cat gets worse or the symptoms do not go away, and sluggish weight loss and diarrhea continue, then you should consult a veterinarian. If the owner notices tumors or blisters on the body, areas of baldness or the appearance of a scab, or any changes in the cat’s health, then he also needs urgent help from a specialist.

In addition, you should be wary of:

lethargy, desire to hide;
severe diarrhea that leads to dehydration, blood in the feces;
bloating, while the cat rapidly loses weight, and the stomach becomes disproportionately large and round compared to the rest of the body.

To establish a diagnosis, your veterinarian will perform the necessary tests. After diagnosis, treatment will be prescribed and, if necessary, surgery will be performed (for example, in the case of tumors).

What is the optimal weight for an adult cat?

Depending on the breed, the pet’s weight varies from 3 to 7 kg. Mature animals are usually fit and lean, especially if it is a male, who is losing weight and gaining weight constantly. The lifestyle of a healthy cat is active and dynamic. After “playing”, the pet wants to drink a lot, the animal eats abundantly, which has a positive effect on the digestive processes.

Dangerous symptoms of weight loss include

Lethargy, apathy
. Sudden mood changes are evidence of anxiety. The cat feels bad and cannot find a place for itself, does not play and refuses food.
Blood, frequent diarrhea
. If the cat has lost weight and foreign inclusions are observed in the urine and diarrhea, you need to go to the clinic and have tests done.
Bloating
. Do not confuse high weight with a bloated stomach. The cat may become worse and worse due to internal swelling, infection, infection, which is why he does not eat.

Non-dangerous causes of loss of appetite

There are many reasons that can cause a cat to eat poorly. Some of them are completely harmless, while others are quite worrying. They range from just a pet’s bad mood to serious health problems.

Why does a cat eat poorly and what affects this:

suffered stress;
weather change;
change of environment or food;
exacerbation of the instinct to procreate.

These reasons are not serious and are quite easy to overcome. There are other factors as well, but they are not as common. To understand how to restore your pet’s appetite, you need to consider each point in more detail.

Past stress

The mood of cats can be very changeable, and anything can affect it. If the animal has gone through a move, a bath or, for example, a haircut, it is not surprising that stress has fallen on it. In such a situation, the furry friend sleeps a lot and refuses to eat. Don't worry too much about this. After some time, the pet will return to its normal rhythm of life, but if the owner wants to speed up this process, it is better for him to pay more attention to the cat. Any creature feels better from affection, so it is recommended to surround your pet with warmth, play with it or treat it with an unusual delicacy.

Change of weather

As surprising as it may sound, cats are very sensitive to weather changes. As soon as a cloud covers the sun, the animal immediately stops having fun, becomes lethargic and eats poorly. Changes in weather due to season also affect a cat's appetite.

For example, in cold times, in autumn and more often in winter, cats constantly sit near something warm. Fat reserves also help them keep warm, so pets eat every now and then. In the summer, when it gets hot, cats begin to eat much less. This is due to the fact that a large amount of food is digested and gives energy, and in order to spend it, you need to move. The animal is hot from the weather, and unnecessary movements will bring even more discomfort. Therefore, you should not be surprised that your pet eats little and drinks much more in the summer, because he is simply trying to regulate his body temperature.

Change of environment or food

As mentioned above, any changes in a cat’s life can be stressful for him. This also includes a change of environment. It's not just about moving. Even the slightest rearrangement of things or furniture becomes something new and unknown for the animal, which you have to get used to again.

Also, the appearance of a stranger at home can be a reason for a sharp change in the mood of a mustachioed friend. This could be a new person or a pet. If it seems to the cat that the stranger is dangerous, vying for food or affection, then the animal may temporarily close itself off from everyone and refuse to eat until it gets used to the newcomer.

What can we say about drastic changes, if even a new bowl can cause a furry friend to eat poorly. What's in her bowl has a particularly strong influence on a cat's appetite. Often, food becomes the main factor influencing the animal’s appetite. If the food is not to his taste or is of poor quality, the pet may try to express this by refusing.

If the owner is forced to change food for any reason, it is better to do it gradually. You can mix the new food with the old one, so the cat will not notice the catch, and in the end it will completely switch to the new food. It is better to make any changes gradually so as not to shock your pet.

Increased procreation instinct

There come periods when cats put on whole shows. Then they not only eat poorly, but also have strange habits. You don’t need to think long to guess that your pet’s sexual instinct has activated. During estrus, cats almost completely lose their appetite. Hunger strikes can last up to a week, and the animal can lose a lot of weight. However, there is no reason to worry, because when the natural instinct weakens, the pet will have an appetite again.

Cases of diseases and their symptoms

Older pets suffer from a wide range of illnesses. Here are some of them:

Diabetes

Have you noticed that your cat is drinking more and urinating more often? Has your pet started to lose weight, but still eats its usual portion or has its appetite increased? These symptoms may indicate that your cat has diabetes or problems with the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

Kidney problems in cats

If kidney problems occur in older cats, they may have similar symptoms, but they will be accompanied by poor appetite or a complete absence of it. It is not at all necessary that these symptoms will appear suddenly. Often, symptoms are likely to be quite mild in the early stages of the disease and will develop gradually over several months before you realize that your pet has a problem, and this is not just age-related changes and it is time to contact a veterinarian.

In case of late calls (often the animal is already excessively exhausted and has not eaten for a long time), doctors have to prescribe supportive or palliative therapy, since there is no other way out. This mainly applies to those animals diagnosed with chronic renal failure, treatment of which is more effective in the early stages of the disease.

I would also like to draw the attention of owners who attribute their pets’ poor appetite to dental problems (tartar, gingivitis, periodontal disease) to the fact that it is extremely undesirable to carry out sanitation on a cat under general anesthesia without first examining the animal (biochemistry and general blood and urine tests , ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, etc.). Without these tests, you can end up with clean teeth in your pet, but end-stage renal failure

Without these tests, you can end up with clean teeth in your pet, but end-stage renal failure.

Problems of "fat people"

For elderly cats and cats who are obese, there is a fairly high risk of developing lipidosis, which clinically manifests itself with sudden weight loss and temporary starvation. External symptoms of this disease are changed color of urine, yellowness of the mucous membranes and skin, lethargic and depressed state of the animal, the cat is capricious or completely refuses to eat.

Reproductive system

For unsterilized cats at this age, there is a high risk of diseases of the reproductive system - endometritis/pyometra (purulent inflammation of the uterus). Its main symptoms:

Lethargy;
Oppression;
Partial or complete refusal of the cat to eat;
Purulent or hemorrhagic discharge from the genital tract.

In the closed stage (large) pyometra, there may be no discharge, which makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis without additional examination (for example, ultrasound). Symptoms of this extremely dangerous disease of old cats also include an enlarged abdomen, high temperature and changes in the blood formula.

Seals on a pet's skin

And, of course, it is very important to pay attention to the appearance of various kinds of “bumps”, “balls” and other types of compactions in your pets in the area of the mammary glands and abdomen. These lumps and subcutaneous formations may indicate oncological processes, such as mammary cancer (a disease that affects not only cats, but also cats). Often, a puncture biopsy from such a formation may not be informative, since when taking material for examination, it is possible to miss the tumor site, and thereby not provide the owner with reliable information about the health status of his pet

Often, a puncture biopsy from such a formation may not be informative, since when taking material for examination, one may not get to the tumor site, and thereby not provide the owner with reliable information about the health status of his pet.

If you notice these formations on your pet’s body (bumps and various lumps), a consultation with an oncologist is recommended. Purulent or hemorrhagic discharge on the mucous membranes, especially one-sided, can also be considered as a possible oncological process.

Why does a cat lose weight with a good appetite: possible reasons

Many breeders panic if they see that a cat is losing weight with a normal and balanced diet.

In most cases there is no concern

, if, for example, your pet leads an active lifestyle and is often on the move. He simply has a normal metabolism and burns all the calories.

A skinny kitten is not always a cause for concern.

The kitten may not gain weight yet.

Up to approximately 8–10 months

their skeleton, spine, and posture are formed. During this period, the animal is still, so to speak, “stretched” to the required size, and after formation it can begin to gain weight.

If you have an adult animal, and it loses weight with a healthy diet, then the reasons may be the following.

Worm infestation

Helminths, or worms

.
This is one of the most common reasons. With this disease, the animal eats regular portions or maybe even more, but still looks thin. Under no circumstances should the situation be ignored
! Give your pet deworming medication immediately. There are many of them in specialized veterinary pharmacies at affordable prices.

A common cause of helminths is unwashed hands, dirty shoes from the street, and a poorly washed litter tray.

It is important to keep the house clean, wash the litter tray thoroughly and promptly, and immediately wash your shoes after going outside, especially during warm periods. Otherwise, there is a high probability of transmitting worm eggs to the animal.

To avoid worms in the future, it is better to give a healthy pet prophylaxis - give an anti-worm drug every six months.

Internal diseases

The structure of a cat.

Serious illnesses, as a rule, reduce appetite, and, consequently, the animal loses weight

Pay special attention to the color and consistency of the stool, and the presence of impurities in the urine. If there are deviations from the norm, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If weight loss is observed with normal nutrition, then the reasons lie in the disruption of food digestion and absorption systems.

Stress

Cats can begin to lose weight due to extreme stress. Everything is like people!

Stressful situations

. Yes, an animal can also experience depression, while eating normally, but not gaining weight. There are many reasons: moving, guests, the appearance of another pet in the house. In addition, changing the diet can also affect the animal’s figure.

Summer period

In the summer, cats in nature may simply not have time to eat well due to active games.

As a rule, during the warm season, many animals lose not only their fur, but also their weight. In the heat, the cat is not very hungry, his food intake is reduced, which is why he may lose weight.

Old age

If your pet is already at an advanced age, then do not expect that he will eat the same portions as a young one. Older animals spend less energy, sleep more, and therefore eat less.

Old age is not a joy; if you sit down, you won’t get up.

Tumors

Neoplasms

. Unfortunately, the cat’s body can also suffer from tumor diseases. At the beginning of the development of a dangerous disease, the animal may eat normally, but be lethargic. He may experience changes in his stool and urine. Contact your veterinarian immediately!

Safe and Relatively Safe Reasons for Cats to Lose Weight

However, there are other relatively safe reasons for weight loss in a cat:

Pregnancy. Surprisingly, in the first half of pregnancy, the mother’s body weight may well decrease. This is due to the rapid growth of fruit bodies and the large amount of nutrients consumed for this. Plus, we must not forget about the strong hormonal stress experienced by the cat’s body at this time.
Feeding the young. Firstly, at this time the cat’s body consumes a colossal amount of nutrients. Secondly, during the same period the animal experiences repeated hormonal stress associated with the “departure” of pregnancy. All this greatly affects the weight of the pet.

Stress. Experienced breeders know that when traveling to exhibitions, vaccinations, moving, long trips and other similar cases, the animal may well lose weight. True, in such situations it begins to eat much worse, so there is no need to guess about the reasons for weight loss.

Flora

Flora's cat transformation happened twice. At the beginning, Flora transformed from a skinny cat into a clone of Garfield, and with the next owners - back.

The new owners put Flora on a diet: the cat was allowed to eat only 1 can of cat food a day and exercise on the fence next to the house. As a result, Flora lost more than twice her weight. Now her weight is only about 2 kg, which corresponds to the cat norm.

Like all domestic cats who have lost weight, Kato lost weight thanks to his owner. To prevent Kato from being haunted by hunger pangs, the owner resorted to a trick. He gradually reduced the amount of food in the bowl until he settled on the desired amount. So the cat lost almost half of its own weight without noticing any changes in its diet.

Attention! All the cats we talked about lost weight under the supervision of veterinarians. We do not recommend limiting your cat's food without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to serious liver diseases.

Why does a cat need grass?

Constantly monitoring the weight and whether the cat is losing weight or getting fat is the right decision. This is an indicator of the development of the body, the appearance of symptoms of diseases and other problems. A well-formulated diet will help protect an adult cat and keep a kitten safe.

Fattening a cat if it is losing weight is deliberately dangerous. A fat and fluffy animal looks cute and even adorable, but for the animal it is an extra burden, decreased activity and the risk of various diseases that occur in a passive form and may not be noticeable at the initial stage.

In adulthood, the weight of a healthy individual reaches 7-8 kg. This is the norm for pets. Outdoor cats weigh less: even in old age, wild cats are forced to move and hunt. If an old cat has lost a lot of weight at home, this may indicate the appearance of diseases.

In what cases should you contact a veterinarian?

There are situations when the owner should not hesitate to visit the veterinary clinic. Sometimes a cat constantly asks for food because it is suffering from serious illnesses, and hunger is just one of the symptoms. Other warning signs include:

vomit;
temperature increase;
digestive disorders;
weight loss;
apathetic state;
dulling of fur;
discharge from the eyes or nose.

A sick pet often seeks solitude and tries to dodge the caresses of its owner. Sometimes a suffering mustachioer cannot stand being in bright rooms, trying to crawl under a table or bed. Such signs, along with a feeling of excessive hunger, are symptoms of health problems.

Grass

If a cat is losing weight, its diet must include green grass. It is necessary to normalize the functioning of the digestive system. The herb contains manganese, zinc, pantothenic acid, and various vitamins that help the body get rid of parasites and strengthen the immune system.

Forcing your cat to intentionally eat more food can be dangerous. Excess weight increases the load, reduces the pet's activity and leads to the development of various diseases.

If you constantly monitor changes in your pet, you can notice the symptoms of the disease in time.

IMPORTANT! Monitor the animal’s weight and lifestyle, feed it the right food. This will not only improve your well-being, but also prolong its life.

Why does a cat lose weight with a good appetite: possible reasons

Many breeders panic if they see that a cat is losing weight with a normal and balanced diet.

In most cases, there is no concern if, for example, your pet leads an active lifestyle and is often on the move. He simply has a normal metabolism and burns all the calories.

A skinny kitten is not always a cause for concern.

The kitten may not gain weight yet.

It is useless to expect a baby or teenage kitten to gain weight and become round.

By about 8–10 months, their skeleton, spine, and posture are formed. During this period, the animal is still, so to speak, “stretched” to the required size, and after formation it can begin to gain weight.

If you have an adult animal, and it loses weight with a healthy diet, then the reasons may be the following.

Worm infestation

Helminths, or worms. This is one of the most common reasons. With this disease, the animal eats regular portions or maybe even more, but still looks thin. Under no circumstances should the situation be ignored! Give your pet deworming medication immediately. There are many of them in specialized veterinary pharmacies at affordable prices.

The corresponding drug is given in the indicated dose in the instructions at intervals of 10 days.

A common cause of helminths is unwashed hands, dirty shoes from the street, and a poorly washed litter tray.

To avoid worms in the future, it is better to give a healthy pet prophylaxis - give an anti-worm drug every six months.

Internal diseases

The structure of a cat.

They can be in various organs - stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, etc.

Serious illnesses, as a rule, reduce appetite, and, consequently, the animal loses weight

Pay special attention to the color and consistency of the stool, and the presence of impurities in the urine. If there are deviations from the norm, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If weight loss is observed with normal nutrition, then the reasons lie in the disruption of food digestion and absorption systems.

Stress

Cats can begin to lose weight due to extreme stress. Everything is like people!

Stressful situations. Yes, an animal can also experience depression, while eating normally, but not gaining weight. There are many reasons: moving, guests, the arrival of a newborn in the family, the appearance of another pet in the house. In addition, changing the diet can also affect the animal’s figure.

Summer period

In the summer, cats in nature may simply not have time to eat well due to active games.

As a rule, during the warm season, many animals lose not only their fur, but also their weight. In the heat, the cat is not very hungry, his food intake is reduced, which is why he may lose weight.

Old age

If your pet is already at an advanced age, then do not expect that he will eat the same portions as a young one. Older animals spend less energy, sleep more, and therefore eat less.

Old age is not a joy; if you sit down, you won’t get up.

It’s another matter if a cat is rapidly losing weight for unknown reasons - this is a compelling argument to have it checked by a veterinarian for the presence of chronic diseases.

Tumors

Neoplasms. Unfortunately, the cat’s body can also suffer from tumor diseases. At the beginning of the development of a dangerous disease, the animal may eat normally, but be lethargic. He may experience changes in his stool and urine. Contact your veterinarian immediately!

How to feed a cat correctly?

If the cat has lost a lot of weight, the owner may have incorrectly compiled the daily diet and menu for the pet. There are a number of rules thanks to which you can maintain a stable weight of the animal and protect your family pet from threats:

It is important to choose only one food option, otherwise the cat will not only lose weight, but may also get sick. This is a branded industrial feed or natural food. You can find branded food by the labels holistic, premium and supreme. These are classes that confirm compliance with high production standards.

Do not mix natural food and industrial feed. A cat develops one type of digestion, aimed at “artificial” or natural food. Your cat will need more moisture to digest the crackers. With constant changes in diet, the digestive system cannot adapt in a timely manner, which is why the stomach and intestines suffer.

Don't trust advertising. The brand names Whiskas and Kitiket, which have already become household names, do not become a sign of quality . These are affordable feeds to which attractive agents are mixed. These are components that act like a drug and are addictive. This is a serious burden for a pet’s gastrointestinal tract. A cat will live a long time if you feed it food that is sold in specialized stores, and not on supermarket displays.

What to do if the cat becomes thin

If the owner has changed several types of food and given the animal an anti-worm medication, and the kitten is thin and continues to lose weight, contact a veterinarian. He will conduct the appropriate diagnostics (the animal’s blood and feces are taken for analysis, the cat is given an ultrasound, its organs are x-rayed, a laparotomy is performed) and will advise how exactly the pet should be treated.

Treatment

The animal is treated based on the diagnostic results. To begin with, in order to restore normal body weight and support the body, the following are prescribed:

infusion therapy. Its essence boils down to the artificial introduction into the body of an animal of a medicinal solution or biological fluid - blood, plasma. Method of administration: intravenous or subcutaneous. Treatment allows you to replenish the loss of plasma or blood, the lack of individual elements, restore the balance of electrolytes and maintain the acid-base balance. This type of therapy is prescribed to animals whose kidney function is impaired, blood poisoning has been detected, and there are all signs of severe shock. During treatment, the cat's weight is measured regularly;
intravenous nutrition. Nutrients are administered intravenously if the animal is unable to eat food on its own. The mixtures used completely replace natural food, preventing the cat’s body from weakening. Food is also administered through a nasogastric tube.

Simultaneously with maintenance therapy, measures are taken to eliminate the problem. So, if the cause lies in an upset stomach, then the cat is given medications that help eliminate inflammation of the mucous membranes and relieve pain. If the reason for thinness is that there is a foreign object in the animal’s mouth, surgery is performed. If the cause of exhaustion is worms, then the specialist will prescribe a course of medications to remove them from the body as carefully as possible.

Important! You should not try to cure a cat on your own, since even a specialist with modern equipment at his disposal is not always able to make an accurate diagnosis. If a cat’s body is heavily infected with worms, then using an anti-parasite drug can cause its death.

To prevent this from happening, the animal is placed in a hospital and given only dosed medications.

Change of feed

One of the reasons for weight loss in a cat is a change in food. This is due to the fact that the animal does not accept new food and because of this loses weight. This is especially noticeable when the owner suddenly tries to switch his pet from homemade food to dry food. If you want to change your animal's diet, then it should be done gradually.

If a cat’s weight loss is directly related to nutrition, then you need to choose food for the animal that it will eat with pleasure. When switching a cat to another food, you need to monitor its condition. If there are any deviations, she will need to be shown to a doctor. It is also worth monitoring weight gain while introducing new foods.

Anorexia in a cat (the cat refuses to eat)

Anorexia in a cat.

A cat's loss of appetite is called anorexia.

The desire to eat arises in an animal if it receives positive emotions, the absence of illnesses, or as a result of building an associative series, for example, packaging food will make the cat remember about food. Loss of appetite in animals is associated, first of all, with the appearance of a negative factor - a disease that requires immediate intervention from specialists .

Important! You cannot self-medicate or test various techniques on an animal, since the lack of desire to eat can be caused by various diseases.