Weight Loss in Senior Cats
Your cat is nothing less than part of the family. If your cat is in her "Golden Years," you need to pay particular attention to her health, including monitoring her weight. The reality is that weight loss in a senior cat can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, ailment or disease.
There are some fairly common diseases that afflict older cats. Many of these diseases are treatable, provided that they are detected and treated in a timely manner. By paying close attention to the weight of your senior cat, you will be in the best position to obtain a timely diagnosis of any health related issue and to obtain appropriate treatment for your furry friend.
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Monitoring Weight
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As the owner of a senior cat, you have the responsibility to pay close attention to such matters as your cat's appetite, litter box habits and weight. The fact is that changes in a cat's appetite, litter box habits and weight can be signs of an underlying ailment or disease. A number of health conditions that afflict senior cats have the same or similar symptoms. Therefore, seeking professional attention for your cat when one or another of these symptoms occur is vital.
Leukemia/Cancer
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One of the most common diseases afflicting cats, including older ones, is feline leukemia. Additionally, other types of cancer are fairly common among cats as well.
An early, tell-tale sign that an older cat might be suffering from leukemia or another form of cancer is a more rapid weight loss. If you witness your cat's weight drop quickly, you must ensure that you get her to a veterinarian with all deliberate speed.
Provided that leukemia or another type of cancer is detected promptly, the prospects for successful treatment significantly are improved.
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Diabetes
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Cats, like their human friends, are also prone to developing diabetes. Diabetes can be debilitating and ultimately fatal for a cat. Prompt medical intervention and treatment is necessary to lessen the impact that diabetes ultimately has on the health and well-being of a feline, including an older cat.
Weight loss is a symptom of diabetes among cats of all ages. Weight loss may not occur as rapidly in the case of diabetes as happens with other diseases and conditions. However, medical attention is important if you do see your older cat's weight dropping.
Hyperthyroidism
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Another disorder that includes weight loss as a symptom is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is relatively common among older cats. Indeed, the onset of hyperthyroidism tends to occur in cats that are approximately 13 years of age. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can result in damage to a cat's heart and death.
Chronic Kidney Disease
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Weight loss in a senior cat is also a sign of chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease is a very common malady among older cats. In many cases, kidney disease effectively can be treated provided early detection and intervention by a vet are obtained. Once again, by monitoring your senior cat's weight you will be in the best possible position to detect and treat a serious disease or malady.
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