Why is my cat loosing weight and drinking more water?
Hi Dr. Debra, I have two 14-year-old cats. But the boy seems too be sicker that the girl cat. He is old and losing weight. I can tell because they both are VERY BIG cats. I can now feel his spine. They both seem to be drinking a lot of water.
What are the symptoms of weight loss in cats?
Other symptoms may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. As you can see, there are far too many possibilities for you to guess about the problem. Your cat should be taken to a veterinarian for testing to determine the cause of any unplanned weight loss.
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.
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.
Hi Dr. Debra, I have two 14-year-old cats. But the boy seems too be sicker that the girl cat. He is old and losing weight. I can tell because they both are VERY BIG cats. I can now feel his spine. They both seem to be drinking a lot of water.
What causes a cat to stop eating and losing weight?
Other symptoms tend to include loss of appetite, lethargy, and hiding. On the other end of the “scary spectrum,” sore teeth may cause a cat to stop eating, resulting in weight loss. Other signs of tooth problems include drooling and pawing at the mouth. A tooth extraction may be all that’s needed to get your kitty back to their old self.
Is it normal for a feline to lose weight?
Feline weight loss is the symptom that worries me the most of any warning signs you may see at home. It is the one cat illness symptom that most often has something serious associated with it. What are the Causes of Feline Weight Loss?
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.
Why did my Cat stop eating and drinking?
My cat has stopped eating food but still drinks water and a bit of milk. He also has kidney failure. My cat is 16 and a half and in the last few weeks, he lost a lot of weight. We took him to the veterinarian. They told us that my cat’s kidney had stopped working and that he couldn’t pass urine. They unblocked his bladder and he was relatively ok.
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.
How old is my cat and how much water does he drink?
My cat is almost 15 years old. For the last few months, he has been drinking a lot more water and is urinating over the edge of his litterbox. We moved to a new house just under two years ago and he has lost weight since the move.
What causes a cat to stop eating and drinking?
Other symptoms include increased drinking and urination, increased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle wasting. Stress affects everybody differently. In cats, stress can cause them to stop eating.
What should I do if my cat is losing weight but still eating?
What should I do if my cat is losing weight? Try increasing their calorie intake and, if this does not help, then it is best to seek veterinary advice. If your cat is so skinny that you can feel their bones, it is best to see a vet straight away before changing their diet.
Why is my senior cat losing by still eating?
1 Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is one of the more common reasons that a cat will lose weight especially when they get into their senior years. 2 Diabetes. Another cause for an older cat to lose weight is feline diabetes. 3 Dental Problems. Bad teeth can lead to all sorts of problems in cats. 4 Organ Failure. 5 Cancer. …
Can a 15 year old cat lose weight?
A 15 year old cat otherwise happy who is eating but losing weight may just be preparing to die. Maybe that isthe best thing. Are there any home remedies to make them comfortable or signs When the end is near?
What to do if your cat is losing weight?
If you notice that your cat is losing weight, you need to call the vet. Make the appointment now. Your vet should have a documented weight from the last visit and can confirm the weight loss. They will take a thorough history and do a complete physical exam.
1 Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is one of the more common reasons that a cat will lose weight especially when they get into their senior years. 2 Diabetes. Another cause for an older cat to lose weight is feline diabetes. 3 Dental Problems. Bad teeth can lead to all sorts of problems in cats. 4 Organ Failure. 5 Cancer.
What to do if your cat is drinking a lot of water?
For all the above reasons, when the first symptom in your cat is detected, be it an increase in water consumption, an increase in urine, vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss…, go to the veterinarian immediately, since the pathologies mentioned in previous sections must be treated as soon as possible.
Other symptoms include increased drinking and urination, increased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle wasting. Stress affects everybody differently. In cats, stress can cause them to stop eating.
Why is my cat drinking out of the toilet?
My boy cat suddenly started drinking from the toilet and claiming into the shower after we get out looking for water. I can’t figure it out. I leave plenty of clean water out for them. He also suddenly became very picky about his favorite food. And he seems to sleep more offend.
Why is your cat drinking more water than usual?
Sickness fuels the drive to increase the intake of more fluids than the body requires under normal circumstances. You may see your cat drinking more water than the required amount of water merely to attract more attention from their human parents.
Why is my cat eating more than usual?
When a cat eats more than normal or has an increase in appetite, there are several conditions associated with this like hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid), diabetes, sometimes kidney or liver disease, etc. But, the most common is having an over active thyroid as your sister suspected.
Why cat drinks excessive water?
One common reason why your cat is drinking too much water could be the warm weather . Just like humans, cats also feel thirsty in the summer season and drink a lot of water. This is completely natural and good for the health of your kitty. As aforementioned above, sometimes the cause of cats drinking too much water is due to their food diet.
Why is my cat losing weight but still eating?
If your cat is eating more than usual but still losing weight, hyperthyroidism is a likely culprit. It’s the result of a benign hormone-producing tumor on the thyroid gland, which elevates levels of the thyroid hormone.
Usually in summer if the cat drinking lots of water then it will be common, even if your cat drinks in the other seasons also then it is a issue in your cats health that must be diagnosed immediately. If the cat not eating or drinking then you must take your pet to veterinarian.
Other symptoms tend to include loss of appetite, lethargy, and hiding. On the other end of the “scary spectrum,” sore teeth may cause a cat to stop eating, resulting in weight loss. Other signs of tooth problems include drooling and pawing at the mouth. A tooth extraction may be all that’s needed to get your kitty back to their old self.
How can you tell if your cat is losing weight?
It’s not always easy to detect weight loss in your cat. The fluff of fur covering most cats can serve as camouflage for weight loss until there is a big change. Unintentional weight loss in cats can be a cause for concern.
How often does a 10 pound cat Pee?
One study, reported by DVM 360, indicated that cats produced an average of 28 ml/kg of urine every 24 hours. That equals about one half cup of urine a day for the average 10 pound cat. In general, what goes in must come out.
What does it mean when a cat is drinking and peeing?
When cats are drinking and urinating excessively, their urine tends to be dilute, with a pale appearance. If your cat truly has dark urine, it could be due to the presence of a substance called bilirubin in the urine. If so, this is often an indicator of a liver disorder.
What can I do about my cat’s increased urination?
The treatment for increased urination and thirst in cats depends on the cause of the condition. If your cat is healthy in all other aspects, he may just be experiencing the natural effects of aging. Cats diagnosed with diabetes may require insulin injections and a special diet to control their blood sugar.
My cat has stopped eating food but still drinks water and a bit of milk. He also has kidney failure. My cat is 16 and a half and in the last few weeks, he lost a lot of weight. We took him to the veterinarian. They told us that my cat’s kidney had stopped working and that he couldn’t pass urine. They unblocked his bladder and he was relatively ok.
My boy cat suddenly started drinking from the toilet and claiming into the shower after we get out looking for water. I can’t figure it out. I leave plenty of clean water out for them. He also suddenly became very picky about his favorite food. And he seems to sleep more offend.
My cat is almost 15 years old. For the last few months, he has been drinking a lot more water and is urinating over the edge of his litterbox. We moved to a new house just under two years ago and he has lost weight since the move.
What causes diarrhea and weight loss in cats?
Otherwise known as worms, intestinal parasites can cause weight loss. Symptoms may not be present, but worms can cause diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, and trouble breathing.
How old do cats have to be to lose weight?
It is a glandular disorder and the most common symptoms are weight loss and increased appetite. The average age of cats diagnosed with the hypothyroidism is 12 to 13 years old. Many cats with overactive thyroids will also experience vomiting, increased drinking and urination can also be symptoms of this disorder.
The treatment for weight loss in cats depends on the cause. If you notice your cat is losing weight, your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. Your vet will do a physical exam first. Next, lab tests and/or x-rays may be needed to determine the problem.
What to do if your kitten is drinking a lot of water?
If you have just adopted a kitten and have noticed that they drink a lot of water and also urinate too much, check with your vet for the possibility of any of the above mentioned problems, as well as for urinary tract infections. If the problem is detected early on, the animal will take the whole treatment process better.
What to do if your cat is not eating or drinking?
If the cat not eating or drinking then you must take your pet to veterinarian. The diseases that affect the urinary system of cats are the most common that veterinarians usually treat. Changes in a cat’s thirst are almost always a sign that can indicate that something is not right.
Why does my Cat stop eating and losing weight?
If your cat suddenly stops eating and begins to lose weight, but seems otherwise healthy, it could be something as simple as a sore tooth causing the problem. Drooling and pawing at the mouth may be other signs of a tooth issue.
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 old is my 18 year old cat?
18 or 19 year old cat and she’s wasting away before our eyes. Very thin compared to her younger chunky physique, drinking lots of water, trouble getting on the couch but can make it (fell off once as far as we are aware) purrs away when stroked, which we find encouraging, but not eating a lot.
What to do if your cat won’t eat or drink?
Let’s go over 8 common signs of illness in cats. If a cat refuses to eat or drink, this often means the cat is in pain or is otherwise feeling poorly. Contrary to popular belief, most cats are not finicky eaters. Watch for changes, such as an increase or decrease, in a cat’s food intake.
Why does my cat drink a lot of water?
If you notice any changes in your cat’s eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. This can be a sign of pain and various other serious medical issues including, kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Your Cat Seems Disorientated
18 or 19 year old cat and she’s wasting away before our eyes. Very thin compared to her younger chunky physique, drinking lots of water, trouble getting on the couch but can make it (fell off once as far as we are aware) purrs away when stroked, which we find encouraging, but not eating a lot.
How long can a cat go without eating or drinking?
How long can a cat go without eating or drinking? No bowel movement for five days. Will see vet only if in pain. No howling, just lethargic. She is going to pass away — but how many days longer? No water, just dips her nose in it and gets startled. Help! People with terminally sick cats often ask me whether their pet is in pain.
How to tell if your cat is dying of old age?
Telltale Signs an Old Cat Is Dying 1 Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine,… 2 Signs of Death for Specific Diseases. Geriatric cats can die from several types… 3 Treatment Considerations. The severity of your cat’s symptoms will increase during… 4 The Aging Cat. When a cat ages,…
What happens if a cat doesn’t eat enough?
Dramatic weight loss will use up all the cats protein and then the liver may be overwhelmed by all the fat. This can result in a life threatening condition called hepatic lipidosis, one of the most common forms of liver disease in cats. It can lead to liver failure if left untreated.
1 Provide a calm, safe and stress free environment. 2 Opt for a cat water fountain. Some cats will only drink running water. 3 Call the vet if all else fails.
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.
Can a cat with diabetes lose its appetite?
Without treatment, your cat can experience weight loss and loss of appetite. Vomiting, dehydration and depression can also by symptoms of diabetes. Once diagnosed, feline diabetes is treatable.
Is it possible for a senior cat to lose weight?
Cats of all ages can lose weight. They do not necessarily have to be senior cats. While several of the above conditions can cause weight loss even though your cat eats regularly. The below list can cause weight loss in cats of any age.
How much water does a cat drink per kilogram?
“Cats don’t drink as much per kilogram of body weight as do dogs,” explains the Committee on Nutritient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Therefore, the amount of water your cat needs varies with the food she eats and her environment. The committee notes that cats usually drink about an ounce of water for every half ounce of dry food they eat.
What should I do if my cat is not drinking water?
In order to stay hydrated, your cat needs around-the-clock access to fresh drinking water. Keep her bowl clean and fill it regularly, especially if it’s placed near her food dish, as she may drop a few food crumbs into her drinking bowl. But how much water per day does she actually need? Not as much as you might think.
It’s not always easy to detect weight loss in your cat. The fluff of fur covering most cats can serve as camouflage for weight loss until there is a big change. Unintentional weight loss in cats can be a cause for concern.
Otherwise known as worms, intestinal parasites can cause weight loss. Symptoms may not be present, but worms can cause diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, and trouble breathing.
Is it normal for cats to not drink water?
Many owners don’t see their cats drinking water and assume they are not sensitive to water loss, but they are-even though they may not drink fluids until they’ve lost as much as eight percent of their body’s water stores.
How much water should a 10 pound cat drink a day?
Your cat needs about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight every day. For instance, if you have a 10-pound cat, it should be drinking about half a bottle of water every day (between 7-9 ounces). If your cat eats wet food often, you may notice that it doesn’t drink as much water.
What can I do about my cat’s licking and chewing?
Eliminating parasites. Because it can be difficult to diagnose flea infestation in cats, some veterinarians recommend trying reliable flea control products purchased from a veterinary office for six to eight weeks to see if it reduces the incidence of licking, scratching, or chewing.
Why is my cat eating and drinking more than usual?
If your cat is eating and drinking more than usual, it may be a sign of diabetes (also loss of appetite in later stage) or hyperthyroidism—both are serious diseases that need to be treated.
If your cat suddenly stops eating and begins to lose weight, but seems otherwise healthy, it could be something as simple as a sore tooth causing the problem. Drooling and pawing at the mouth may be other signs of a tooth issue.
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.
Why does my cat eat so much but not gain weight?
If your cat is eating lots of food but not putting on extra weight, you’re bound to be concerned. We know that overindulging in food leads to weight gain, so it’s hard to understand how a cat could overeat but stay very lean. Parasitic worms (tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms) can mean that your cat eats a lot, yet loses weight.
Why is my cat eating so much and losing weight?
Why Is My Cat Eating So Much And Losing Weight? | Nova Cat Clinic Why Is My Cat Eating So Much And Losing Weight? Learn more about Feline Hyperthyroidism, and what your options are for treatment.
A 15 year old cat otherwise happy who is eating but losing weight may just be preparing to die. Maybe that isthe best thing. Are there any home remedies to make them comfortable or signs When the end is near?
What should I do if my cat is losing weight?
He also seems to sleep more. I’d recommend that you take him to your veterinarian for evaluation. They will probably want to run some basic blood work (complete blood count [CBC]), diagnostic profile, thyroid level (T4), and a urinalysis.
What can I do about my cat’s excessive thirst?
Chronic management may include a low-protein diet, frequent blood work, increasing water intake (e.g., with a water fountain or by feeding a grueled canned food), medications and even fluids under the skin (which many pet guardians do at home, once properly trained).
What do you feed a cat that is dying?
In late-stage disease, cats will lose their appetite. At this stage, hand-feeding will often be necessary. BBQ chicken slightly warmed up, baby food or some canned tuna may tempt the cat to eat, but at the very end, even this will often be refused as the body shuts down.
If you think that your cat is losing weight, then you should take them to your vet for a full check-up. Make sure your cat is weighed regularly – this will be done every year by your vet as part of their health check and vaccine booster but you can also weigh your cat at home.
Why does my senior cat keep losing weight?
Hyperthyroidism is one of the more common reasons that a cat will lose weight especially when they get into their senior years. What is hyperthyroidism? It is a glandular disorder and the most common symptoms are weight loss and increased appetite. The average age of cats diagnosed with the hypothyroidism is 12 to 13 years old.
What causes unintentional weight loss in cats?
Intestinal parasites. Also known as worms, intestinal parasites may be the cause of your cat’s unintentional weight loss. Although symptoms are not always present, these parasites also may cause diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, and trouble breathing.
The treatment for weight loss in cats depends on the cause. If you notice your cat is losing weight, your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. Your vet will do a physical exam first. Next, lab tests and/or x-rays may be needed to determine the problem.
How is my 15 year old cat losing weight?
He doesn’t eat dry cat food as much as he used to, so we have been feeding him wet food. He eats as much as he likes, but he still seems to be losing weight.
He doesn’t eat dry cat food as much as he used to, so we have been feeding him wet food. He eats as much as he likes, but he still seems to be losing 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.
Is it normal for an old cat to lose weight?
Old Cat Losing Weight: On this occasion, we are going to talk about some diseases that occur with weight loss and a good appetite. They are the most difficult to detect since everyone cares when the cat does not want to eat. But not everyone believes that a cat can be sick if it is weight and eats well.
Why is my 14 year old cat losing weight?
You wrote that your male 14-year-old cat is losing weight, seems to have increase thirst and a decreased appetite. He also seems to sleep more. I’d recommend that you take him to your veterinarian for evaluation.
It is a glandular disorder and the most common symptoms are weight loss and increased appetite. The average age of cats diagnosed with the hypothyroidism is 12 to 13 years old. Many cats with overactive thyroids will also experience vomiting, increased drinking and urination can also be symptoms of this disorder.
It can be hard to monitor your cat’s water intake as they often drink (unseen) from puddles, toilets or dripping taps. But if you notice your cat drinking more and showing other related signs of diabetes, do speak to your vet as soon as possible.
Can a diabetic cat drink a lot of water?
But for all cats, at every life stage, the risk lessens with good levels of activity (especially for indoor cats) and a complete, balanced diet. As well as drinking a lot, diabetic cats may also display increased hunger, lethargy, excessive weeing and weight loss.
Why does my senior cat drink a lot of water?
It is a two-story house with a lot more stairs (we used to live in a ranch home) and I assumed that the weight loss was due to the fact that there are a lot more stairs. I am concerned with the fact that he is urinating a lot (large quantity of urine) and drinking a lot more water. His urine is very yellow, too.
Why is my cat dehydrated all the time?
A cat can become dehydrated by not drinking enough water or urinating more than she’s ingesting, or, in extreme situations, because of vomiting or blood loss. Kidney disease, heat stroke and diabetes can all be related to dehydration, says Preventive Vet .
Why does my cat drink more water than litter box?
Answer: Cats can be private about their day-to-day habits – grooming, using the litter box, drinking – so if you’re noticing your cat is spending more time at the water bowl (or faucet, or your water glass), it’s likely a significant change.
Do you gain weight when you drink a lot of water?
Another important fact to keep in mind is that this extra water weight you’re carrying tends to be used up within 24 hours. After this period, your weight will return to normal. So, drinking water can make you gain weight. But it’s not the same kind of weight you gain the day after cheating on your diet and binge eating.
You wrote that your male 14-year-old cat is losing weight, seems to have increase thirst and a decreased appetite. He also seems to sleep more. I’d recommend that you take him to your veterinarian for evaluation.
What to feed an old cat that is dying?
Menu rice and blended steam white chicken, rice and people tuna, rice and blended steak, rice and 2 sardines, i give small amount of tuna because to much can give the cat loose stool. Plenty filter water and brush the cat every nights lots of petting and kisses my cat perfect now. Try the recipes My cats were having the same issues.
Normally they affect older cats: 95% of hyperthyroid cats are over ten years old and most cats are over 6 years old when they are diagnosed with diabetes. Hyperthyroidism occurs with a wide variety of symptoms. It is explained in more detail, but the most important of them is weight loss.
What causes a Happy Cat to lose weight?
Another typical case of a happy cat that begins to lose weight is diabetic cats. Diabetes is very associated with obesity, they are usually very fast and sedentary cats that begin to drink and urinate more than normal and lose weight despite continuing to eat well.