Major Weight Loss in a Hungry Cat

As your cat's caregiver, you are the person responsible for ensuring its needs are met. It can be alarming to note a sudden change in your cat's physique and overall well-being. There are a number of reasons your cat might suddenly drop weight and still remain hungry. Whether your cat has stopped eating entirely or eats but is constantly hungry, intervention is needed.

Causes

Improper nutrition stemming from feeding your cat a nutritionally incomplete food is a possible cause for weight loss and hunger. If the cat is receiving food that meets the American Association of Feed Control Officials' nutrition guidelines, there may be a problem with the cat's ability to absorb the proper amount of nutrition from the food. Infestation with one or more intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms causes cats to lose weight but still be nutritionally deprived. Untreated diabetes and thyroid disorders can also cause a cat to remain hungry and lose weight even if given proper nutrition.

Diagnosis

Examine the nutrition information for your cat's food to determine whether or not it is a nutritionally complete food that provides the correct nutrients and the correct number of calories to sustain a feline. Visually examine your cat's feces and anus for signs of intestinal parasites. Not all parasites are visible to the naked eye, but you may be able to find segments of adult parasites passed through the bowels. A visual examination can also determine whether your cat suffers from an injury that precludes eating. A veterinarian is able to test the cat's feces to find parasite eggs and make a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment options depend upon the cause of the symptoms. Switching to a better cat food is sufficient treatment for cats suffering from a nutritional deficiency. Parasites are cleared up with medications and the type of medication depends upon the parasites present. Over-the-counter and prescription broad spectrum wormers clear up parasitic infestations. Diabetes is regulated through diet and the administration of insulin. Insulin helps the body metabolize and utilize nutrients properly. Cats suffering from hyperthyroidism are treated with medication, surgery or an intensive therapy with radioactive iodine.

Considerations

Speak to a licensed veterinary professional any time your cat undergoes rapid or significant changes in weight. In addition to diagnosing and treating the problem, a trip to your veterinarian can circumvent potentially life-threatening problems caused by rapid weight loss. Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver syndrome, is a condition that presents itself when a cat receives inadequate nutrition and starts breaking down stores of body fat for use as energy. Feline livers don't process fat easily and the influx of fat through the liver can quickly lead to seizure, coma or death if left untreated.