Why Is My Cat Losing Weight?

Cancer

Like people, cats can get cancer just about anywhere in their body. Cancer may or may not be seen in the form of a tumor. Lymphoma is one of the common cancers seen in cats and it can live in the GI tract, mouth, lymphatic system, and more. Most forms of cancer will eventually cause general malaise, lethargy, pain, muscle wasting, appetite loss, and overall weight loss.6

Stress

Cats can be very sensitive to changes in their home. Because they are often excellent at hiding outward signs of stress, they can experience bigger symptoms later on. Any environmental stressors can lead to anxiety and stress in your cat. Reduced appetite is a common sign of stress and will eventually lead to weight loss.

There are a number of other health issues that can lead to weight loss. If your cat has an underlying health issue, you may or may not notice other signs of illness. In addition, many diseases have similar symptoms, so diagnosis requires a veterinarian.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Losing Weight

First, determine if your cat is actually losing weight. It is hard to tell if your cat is really losing weight if it happens gradually. If your cat has a lot of hair or used to be slightly overweight, then it can be harder to tell when weight loss has occurred. Sometimes, owners notice a cat has lost weight when they pick them up and they feel lighter. Other times they have pictures they can look at our can feel that they have lost weight when petting them.

To assess your cat's body condition, start by looking at your cat's body from above. At an ideal weight, there should be a tuck at the waist that is noticeable but not extreme. Next, run your hands along your cat's sides. The ribs should be palpable with a thin covering of fat. If the ribs feel very prominent and are visible, your cat is likely underweight.

If you notice your cat is losing weight, contact your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.