Weight Loss In Elderly Cats

This is potentially the scariest thing on the list so let s get it out of the way first.

Weight loss in elderly cats. Hyperthyroidism occurs with a wide variety of symptoms. It is important to monitor your senior cat s weight as even the slightest change in weight can be significant. Rapid weight loss is easy to spot but gradual weight loss can be tricky especially if your cat is fluffy.

Hyperthyroidism is a common cause of polyphagic weight loss particularly in cats over eight years of age. Excessive thirst urination and weight loss in a 15 year old cat is definitely cause for concern. This list is by no means complete.

However depending on the illness your cat may have it could be a fairly easy and inexpensive fix. For example cats with small intestinal disease may lose weight before exhibiting anorexia vomiting or diarrhea. Weight loss commonly afflicts middle aged and older cats.

Only the vet can determine the reason for your cat s unexpected weight loss but here are 8 common causes of weight loss in cats. Conditions such as kidney disease become more common as cats get older. Fortunately these disorders are relatively easy to diagnose via simple blood and urine tests.

Many elderly cats exhibit weight loss and it can be difficult to determine the precise cause of the problem especially because metabolism changes with age. Normally they affect older cats. Weight loss can be further split into polyphagic which means a progressive decrease in body weight in the presence of an increased appetite.

Not all cat weight loss is caused by cancer but it is a fairly common diagnosis. It may be a sign of a developing heath problem or the progression of a pre existing condition if your cat begins to lose weight. Your veterinarian can identify these problems with simple blood and urine tests.