older cat losing weight and hair

Cats tend to lose the ability to digest and absorb fat as they grow old. Other Causes of Hair Loss in Cats.

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Other causes of cat hair and weight loss include.

. Rarely some older cats can get bald patches on bony areas like their ankles and on their ears as an age-related change. There are many forms of cancer that your senior kitty can suffer from including cancerous tumors or skin cancers. Diagnosis of Cat Alopecia.

Providing early diagnosis is made theres a good chance the disease can be managed. Diabetes is very common in cats and will require immediate veterinary care and ongoing treatment. Chronic kidney failure or CKD is very common in seniors and can be a reason for weight loss in older cats.

Various cancers can cause weight loss in cats. Weakness the cat may have difficulty standing walking accessing the litter tray or climbing stairs. From minor issues with digestion to more serious ailments theres a variety of reasons why your cat might lose weight.

In addition to vomiting and weight loss cats suffering from food allergies may be. Your vet will do a physical exam first. A cat losing hair may have hyperthyroidism an overactive thyroid which causes weight loss and other symptoms.

Although obesity does occur in middle-aged cats feline seniors more often lose weight and take on a distinctively boney old cat feel. Help with gentle grooming if your cat will let you. Geriatric cats are at increased risk for metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism diabetes and chronic renal failure.

There are other less common causes for hair loss in cats such as auto-immune diseases thyroid issues hyperthyroidism Cushings disease hyperadrenocorticism hormonal imbalance and some kinds of cancer. Weight Loss This is common among cats with hyperthyroidism and it can happen rapidly. Many cats at this age have developed diabetes kidney or liver disease or urinary tract problems.

Excessive thirst urination and weight loss in a 15- year-old cat is definitely cause for concern. Vomiting This is a side effect of excessive eating but can be be a symptom of a primary disorder. Common causes of weight loss and vomiting in cats.

Other Causes of Cat Losing Weight. Weight loss caused by chronic disease in cats can result in additional symptoms. Up to 25 cash back When cats are hungry and eating all the time but still losing weight then there is usually one of two things going on.

Older cats may have a hard time grooming themselves and paired with a declining appetite may lose weight or become dehydrated. Nervous disorders Nerve damage underneath the skin and anxiety due to stress can lead to over-grooming. Cats 13 years and older.

First your veterinarian will examine the characteristics of the hair loss. She will likely check for. Hyperthyroidism occurs with a wide variety of symptoms.

Lack of appetite Abdominal pain. Cat alopecia is common in older cats that are diagnosed with some types of cancer. As its a slow progressing disease your kittys weight loss will be gradual.

Up to 4 cash back A. The veterinarian will do blood work urine analysis X-rays and ultrasound. Overtime without treatment diabetes is a fatal condition.

It sounds like the thyroid disease has been ruled out so my guess would be he has cancer somewhere in the body most likely lymphoma of the GI tract. Dental problems like inflamed gums and tooth decay can cause weight loss in cats as it hurts when the cat chews. Chewing on one side of the mouth.

Outside of the thyroid if cats have a hormonal imbalance and an increased level. Many cats experience weight loss in the final weeks or months due to loss of appetite. Fortunately these disorders are relatively easy to diagnose via simple blood and urine tests.

95 of hyperthyroid cats are over ten years old and most cats are over 6 years old when they are diagnosed with diabetes. Normally they affect older cats. Next lab tests andor x-rays or imaging may be needed to determine the problem.

You may try and encourage your cat to eat by giving him wide shallow and easily accessible food and water dishes. Hormonal imbalances specifically too much thyroid or increased levels of steroids in the body may lead to cat hair loss. It is explained in more detail but the most important of them is weight loss.

If you notice your cat is losing weight your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. Signs of feline dental disease are. Hyperactivity Meowing pacing around padding paws into the ground repeatedly.

This can give your cat an unkempt or scruffy appearance. Your veterinarian will also take time to examine the quality and sheen of your cats coat among other things. A marked decrease in urine output.

All of these conditions can require medical treatment and diet modifications. Kidney Failure in Older Cats. Hyperthyroidism An overactive thyroid is a sign of a non-cancerous tumor in the thyroid gland.

Your felines fur might appear dull brittle and may even fall out. Its always very rewarding for veterinarians to see the spring return to the cats step and the smile to return to your face. Poor Coat Cats with hyperthyroidism often develop a shabby disheveled coat.

Up to 4 cash back We expect these older cats to gain the lost weight back have a normal heart rate and blood pressure and ultimately enjoy life again. Based on the findings your vet may recommend medication diet change surgery or other treatment. Many forms of cancer affect older cats resulting in weight loss.

Extreme lethargy the cat spends most of his or her day sleeping and doesnt have much energy. In addition to unexplained weight loss diabetic cats typically drink an abnormally large amount of water and urinate large volumes as well. Another less common factor is heredity.

Lets take a look at potential reasons why your cat may be losing weight and throwing up. Changes in diet can help some older cats retain normal body weight though so speak to your vet if your cat is losing weight. Cancers that affect your cats internal organs can lead to gastrointestinal issues that result in vomiting loss of appetite or diarrhea according to VetInfo.

A senior cat throwing up can be a symptom of kidney failure. Dental disease is extremely common to older cats and may make eating difficult or even painful causing your cat to loose weight. Other signs include drinking and urinating excessively.

Additional symptoms may also be noted depending on which chronic disease is causing the weight loss in the feline.

Is Your Cat Losing Hair 13 Possible Causes Lovetoknow