Have you noticed your loving cat losing hair and weight?
Because cats can’t tell when they’re not feeling well, it can be difficult to understand that they need help.
Sudden changes in weight or hairiness can be warning signs and symptoms of something deeper.
Of course, don’t despair and panic – sometimes that’s not the case. It would be best to consult with your veterinarian who will give an accurate diagnosis and adequate therapy.
Below we explain the possible reasons for these health issues, as well as products that can help them start feeling healthy again.
Cat losing hair and weight
Hair loss or shedding, to which all pets are subject, is a process that takes place due to various external factors.
Factors that affect hair loss are skin diseases, fleas, regular seasonal shedding, or even excessive use of shampoo.
If pets don’t lose hair in the seals, then it is mostly a physiological change of hair. What affects hair loss?
Throughout the year, both long-haired and short-haired pets shed and thus shed dead hair. It is a normal process that you do not need to worry about.
Pets that live in apartments are especially susceptible to this.
The reason is the environment temperature that is uniform throughout the year.
Pets that live in the outdoor environment lose slightly more old hair twice a year.
This is mainly due to the change of seasons. If pets have completely lost their hair in some places due to scratching and licking, that is an alarm to go to the vet.
Flea infestation is the most common reason why a cat loses its hair. Due to scratching and skin damages made with its claws, her hair starts falling out.
Fungal diseases and diet
In addition to fleas, there are fungal diseases of hair and hair follicles, the so-called dermatophytosis due to which hair loss is inevitable.
These fungal diseases occur as a result of a decline in the immune system after treatment with antibiotics.
Bacterial infections or allergic reactions to things from the outside world (or food) can also cause hair loss.
In that case, the pets are constantly scratching and changes in the skin are visible.
Stress, an inadequate diet that is poor in vitamins and minerals with lot of sugars, hormonal imbalance of the thyroid, and gonads also accelerate hair loss.
Hair loss largely depends on the diet, so a balanced diet rich in vitamin A, omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids, zinc, biotin, etc. is recommended.
The daily meal should include ready-made food from reputable manufacturers.
This type of food contains the necessary ingredients that will help her get rid of a hairball, and will also reduce hair loss.
For any doubts and treatment of the cat, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.
- Seasonal cats molting
When it comes to seasonal molting, cats will help themselves by licking to remove hair and undercoat.
There is a danger that these pets will swallow a larger amount of hair due to licking it with their rough tongue.
This can lead to the formation of hairballs, ie balls of hair, which can get stuck in the intestines and thus endanger their work.
If something like this happens pets can undergo surgery.
To avoid this situation the best solution is regular brushing. Also, don’t forget to pick hair with pet hair vacuum cleaner.
Beside that, you can use some type of cat food which helps to expel the accumulated hair in the digestive tract.
- Weight loss in cats
Weight loss in cats is not an independent disease and is usually a sign of an existing health problem.
In general, there are two reasons for weight loss in cats: stress or illness.
When it comes to diseases, malnutrition most often occurs as a result of invasion by intestinal parasites, acute or chronic kidney disease, tumors, oral problems, diabetes, FIV virus infection, feline leukemia virus, and others.
In addition to these diseases, stress can be caused by one of the following causes: relocation, loss or departure of a person or other pet.
The arrival of a new person or pet in the household, hospitalization and many other changes in a daily routine that often go unnoticed can case weight loss too.
- Increased activity
Weight loss can occur with preserved, normal appetite or even when consuming larger amounts of food. What can cause that?
Firstly increased activity, dehydration, reduced food quality, pregnancy, lactation or the increasing body needs, etc.
Symptoms of weight loss in cats are often accompanied by food refusal, bad breath, behavioral changes, increased appetite, increased water intake, frequent urination, diarrhea, vomiting, poor hair condition (dry, brittle hair, dry skin, etc.).
Weight loss in a cat is a symptom that should not be taken lightly and that’s why you should seek the help of a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Treatment depends primarily on the cause; it includes the primary therapy and the use of appropriate quality food.
- Stress
The stressful environment of your apartment can significantly reduce her appetite.
Noise, new family member, relocation, new animals – the list can go on. All this can spoil their appetite.
Provide her with a quiet corner for a meal that no one will enter until she eats everything you intended for her.
If it doesn’t help to improve her well-being and she keeps on with refusing food be sure to visit a veterinarian.
The loss of appetite is the first sign of the deeper problem or disease in animals.
- Problems with the digestive tract
The digestive system in cats can easily succumb to various diseases. That is why it is important to control it regularly and react to every change in your pet.
Damage to the gastric mucosa, indigestion, allergies to certain types of food, can cause poor absorption of nutrients.
This can be the main cause of weight loss even though the cat eats regularly. Parasites in your cat’s intestines can also have the same effect and can be obtained in different ways.
The roundworm is the most common “enemy” of the cat’s intestines, and it is easily transmitted. Kittens can get it through breast milk, and in adult cats, it gets through bad food.
- Age
With age, kittens change their body weight. While some gain weight, others lose weight even though they eat the same.
Changes in metabolism, as well as weakening of the receptors of the senses of smell and taste, can cause such problems.
Consult a veterinarian to make the best menu for your longtime friend.
That way, he will not lack any necessary groceries. Also, you need to visit the vet more often to react in time.
- Tooth diseases
Sore and damaged teeth make it difficult to chew food and also reduce the desire to eat.
This is a common occurrence in cats, but it is not a terrible thing.
By extracting a sore tooth and changing the type of food, the kitten will easily return to his old habits, so you don’t have to worry.
You should just pay attention to notice the problem in time.
- Difficult diagnoses
If you have ruled out all the previous causes, unfortunately, a common cause of weight loss in cats is severe diseases such as cancer.
Be sure to visit a veterinarian to rule out tests or diagnose such diseases at least in time. This way, you can help her overcome the illness.
Solutions for a cat losing hair and weight
Below we will present products that can help your pet fight hair or weight loss.
Of course, consultation with a veterinarian is important to provide her with healthy and secure treatment.
The following products can be perceived as a first-aid help.
- Synergy Labs Spray
This is an antiseptic and antifungal spray that helps heal and soothe their skin. Also, it helps fight against bacterial and fungal infections.
Take a closer look at it benefits and check everything you need to know about it.
- Burt’s bees spray
This is an easy-to-use cat spray for all cat breeds. It is made with nature’s finest ingredients which can help your cat reducing hair loss.
- Blue Buffalo Weight Control
Keep your feline weight healthy with the help of Blue Buffalo Weight Control Natural Adult Dry Cat food. It is affordable food that is filled with vitamins, antioxidants, proteins, and other important ingredients.
Even picky cats will like it! 100%. Also, this is a perfect meal for those cats with a sensitive stomach. Includes Blue exclusive LifeSource bits to help support immune system health. Sounds like a perfect solution to your cat needs, right?
- Instict – The raw brand
This is a good option for all cat owners, no matter their age or breed. Raw is natural, made from real meat & whole food ingredients, protein-packed & minimally processed. If you are looking for complete and balanced nutrition for your four-legged friend, you can choose from the wide range of – The raw brand.
Read Also: Can Cats Eat Vienna Sausage
Bottom Line
As you can see, the reasons for losing hair and weight in cats are different. Sometimes, the cat eating problems can be easily solved, yet often they are signs of a bigger issue.
In that case, stay calm and give support to your beloved friend. We hope this article can help your cat overcome problems and become healthy again.
Take care of them so they can take care of you. Good luck!
