My Cat Is So Skinny I Can Feel Her Bones. Medical problems, diet, and age usually cause skinny cats. A cat can become malnourished for a number of reasons.
Cancer, diabetes, and thyroid problems are all common causes. Some other health conditions can also be the culprit including gastrointestinal disease, dental issues, and parasites that attack the stomach such as roundworms.
Skinny cats that have ailments related to their teeth or bones can lose weight from issues related to digestion.
My Cat Is So Skinny I Can Feel Her Bones
If you have noticed that your cat has been acting differently than usual and can’t seem to put on weight, this should be the first thing on your mind. Cat obesity can predispose to one of many health problems. If you do find that they have begun losing a lot of weight quickly then it is important to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible and immediately make all the necessary steps in order to get your cat back up and running.
Dental Issues
Cats can experience a variety of oral diseases. Just one example is feline calicivirus, an infectious viral condition that produces not only respiratory symptoms but also oral disease.
While many adult cats can recover from the effects of this virus, some will experience recurrence down the road due to conditions like periodontal disease or gingivitis – two relatively common diseases that are easily preventable with annual dental cleanings and regular tooth brushing at home. Speaking of dental care.
Diet
Not all cat foods are equal, so be sure to read the label before making a purchase.
While most cat foods offer nutritional deficiency, choosing one with plenty of protein is important for both weight maintenance and healthy hairball creation.
Old Age
My cat is thin, but she’s 13 years old. It’s normal for cats to become thin as they age, especially if their mobility becomes limited or if they develop any dental damage that affects their ability to consume food normally.
As cats grow older and become more sedentary, they also lose muscle mass, which further contributes to the appearance of being thinner.
The best thing you can do is make sure your cat is healthy enough to not be affected by its weight loss.
Parasites
No matter the species they may be, internal parasites can make a cat lose weight as they rob nutrients from its hosts. If your cat goes outdoors on a regular basis, make sure to deworm it regularly.
Some vets recommend deworming cats every three to six months just to be on the safe side of things.
Food Allergies
Sure, just as with humans, cats can have allergies and intolerances to foods which make it hard for them to maintain their weight. To test whether your cat has allergies, a simple allergy test can be performed by your veterinarian.
Once you know what you are looking out for from a food perspective, choosing a new food that does not contain the things your cat is allergic to will help them get the most nutrition they need while also keeping their sensitive stomach in check.
Final Words
It’s important to first determine whether your cat that is looking to lose weight is actually underweight. Because losing weight and being too thin are two different things entirely. You or a vet can perform this test on your cat before you decide on how best to proceed with helping her shed the pounds. Shedding weight is something that should never be done on a whim so always consult a professional beforehand.