Is it normal for indoor cats to lose weight in the summer?
Whether you feed your cat on a set meal routine or allow her free-choice feeding (or a combination of both), you may have noticed that she tends to eat less in summer. This is normal. Recent research shows that most cats will eat approximately 15% less in the warmer months, even if they are predominantly indoor cats.
Do cats coats get thinner in summer?
This is also completely normal. Cats who shed in the spring lose their heavy winter undercoat to keep cool in summer. In the fall, they’ll grow a new coat in preparation for winter. If your cat is shedding more than the yearly usual, or if you notice bald patches or a very thin coat, take a trip to the vet.
Why does my cat lose so much weight?
In many cases, cats lose weight when they are not eating enough. However, some diseases cause weight loss despite adequate food intake. Depending on the cause, weight loss may or may not accompany other signs of illness. Many health problems can cause weight loss in cats, some more serious than others.
When to take your cat to the vet for weight loss?
A problem that many cat owners don’t always consider, though, is their feline friend rapidly losing weight. Sudden, unintentional weight loss in cats is usually indicative of a larger problem that requires the assistance of a cat vet in Alexandria, VA to diagnose.
How can I prevent my cat from losing weight?
You can prevent weight loss in your cat by regularly monitoring body condition and visiting the vet regularly for wellness examinations. Cats are experts at hiding illness and injuries, but your vet may be able to detect a problem before it gets out of hand.
Why does my cat not want to eat or drink?
Intestinal parasites: Intestinal parasites, or worms, may also be the cause of weight loss. Worms also cause diarrhea, bloating and vomiting. Dental problems: If your cat has inflamed gums, bad breath and signs of decay on its teeth, it may have a painful dental disease that is causing it to not want to eat.
In many cases, cats lose weight when they are not eating enough. However, some diseases cause weight loss despite adequate food intake. Depending on the cause, weight loss may or may not accompany other signs of illness. Many health problems can cause weight loss in cats, some more serious than others.
Is it normal for senior cats to lose weight?
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. It is hard to tell if your cat is really losing weight if it happens gradually.
How much weight can a 10 pound cat lose?
But a pound weight loss in a 10 pound cat is loss of 10% of the cat’s body weight. That is significant. Too often, I have seen cats brought in for an examination only after they look like the cat to the left and this is MUCH too late! Unfortunately, when you look at your cat, you may not notice early weight loss.
You can prevent weight loss in your cat by regularly monitoring body condition and visiting the vet regularly for wellness examinations. Cats are experts at hiding illness and injuries, but your vet may be able to detect a problem before it gets out of hand.