Bless his heart, my two 1/2 year old cat just recently dropped at least 5 pounds, quite quickly, and that worries me because he's always been a big butterball. He's still eating, still playing, no fevers, and no respiratory probs. Is this normal?
2007-03-07 08:37:58 · 11 answers · asked by cxboobersxt 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
If he's an outside cat, I'd get him tested regardless. I had a 15 year old male fixed cat suddenly drop 10 pounds, he was 20 pounds, and he tested positive for FeLV.
2007-03-07 08:45:25 · answer #1 · answered by wolfinator25840 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many reasons for loss of weight. Some of these include:
1. Dietary causes
2. Lack of appetite (anorexia)
3. Disorders related to poor absorption of nutrients
4. Disorders related to poor digestion
5. Metabolic disorders
6. Excessive nutrient loss
7. Neuromuscular diseases
8. Excessive use of calories
9. Cancer
10. Heart disease
Sudden weight loss like that IS a cause for concern. But you need to take him to the vet for a proper diagnosis as to what could be the problem. At a guess, I am thinking of metabollic disorder ike hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) which can be treated with several options.
2007-03-07 19:34:49 · answer #2 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No Hon, this much weight loss is NEVER normal.
It certainly could be leukemia, since cancer, tumors, etc. would be rare at your cat's relatively young age. But there are a whole host of problems that could cause this. Your kitty needs the vet ASAP; he or she will give a thorough exam, probably starting with a FeLeuk test. Best of luck to you.
2007-03-07 16:43:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any change in a cats weight more than a few ounces is cause for alarm. It could be anything from worms to hyperthyroidism (more common in older cats) or diabetes or worse. He needs to see a vet. THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
2007-03-07 16:48:50 · answer #4 · answered by Heather S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not normal at all, but it doesn't necessarily mean leukemia. It could be lots of other things. Take him in for an exam though. Good luck
2007-03-07 16:52:03 · answer #5 · answered by katie d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should call a vet. He might have an ulcer in his mouth causing him pain when he eats. That happened to my cat. He needed medicine for it.
2007-03-07 16:43:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not normal and he needs to see a vet. It could be worms. It could be diabetes. It could be a tumor. It could be a lot of things. Only your vet will be able to determine if it's something treatable or not.
2007-03-07 19:21:55 · answer #7 · answered by Inundated in SF 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take it to a vet instead of being on the computer
2007-03-07 16:42:14 · answer #8 · answered by carriekemmer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet. It is very abnormal.
2007-03-07 16:42:09 · answer #9 · answered by erinn83bis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why ask us,,call a vet!
2007-03-07 16:41:11 · answer #10 · answered by xxxkaibabesxxx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋