Kitties venturing outdoors are more prone to developing infections and diseases, contracting parasites, and losing weight because they hunt, kill, and feed on prey (often rodents). This is precisely why keeping your furball inside the home is a great idea.
Also, gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, vomits, and food allergies can lead to sudden weight loss in cats. A well-fed and hydrated furball is less likely to lose weight unless it suffers from an underlying medical condition.
Consider being prepared with pet insurance for cats, so you don’t have to take on the entire financial stress during unanticipated health scenarios like the ones mentioned above and many others. Cheap pet insurance covers a munchkin’s medical care just in case it falls sick or suffers an injury and requires timely medical assistance.
Contemplate purchasing a policy so providing health care need not be financially burdening during needy times of health. Meanwhile, read this article to learn when your feline’s weight loss is unrelated to health issues odisha discom.
When your cat’s weight loss isn’t health-related
Sometimes your cat’s weight loss may not be due to medical concerns. Instead, it can be related to specific external factors that might be impacting your furry pet’s feeding habits and, eventually, weight.
#1 It is advisable to store your cat’s dry food in air-tight containers or sealable packs or retain it in the food package itself to prevent spoiling. Also, this way, the food remains fresh for longer, and your cat most likely sniffs and eats the food too. Don’t forget to discard leftovers and wash the dish after every meal containing wet food. Cats don’t like to eat from dirty bowls, so keep them clean to ensure your four paws eats until its belly is full.
#2 Do you want to eat your dinner near your toilet? No, right? So, it shouldn’t be surprising if your kitty cat is outrightly refusing meals when fed near its litter box. The scents emanating from the litter box can be repelling, so it is best to maintain a safe distance between the food and water bowls and the litter box. Note that they shouldn’t be in a shared space.
#3 Feline fur babies like to eat peacefully in private areas with little distractions. For instance, loud noises, other pets running around, new faces, and places can stress your cat immensely. So, select a quiet place devoid of stressors to feed your cat. This way, your cat can complete its meal and stay happy and healthy.
#4 In a multi-cat household or when you feed a litter of kittens, ensure every baby cat is getting its share of meals. Often certain aggressive babies finish their food and the contents of their sibling’s bowl too. Monitor them during mealtime because you wouldn’t want one kitten to gain weight and the other to stay malnourished and fragile, right?
#5 Kitties often get bored of eating the same flavor and brand of cat food daily. In a case like this, they may not finish their meals or deny them altogether, causing them to lose weight. Should you suspect this to be the issue, talk to your vet about cat food alternatives and discuss transitioning to new cat food gradually.
Learn the root cause of your cat losing weight so resolving the issue can be easier. While picky palate, dirty bowls, feeding location, and stress play a vital role in your cat’s eating behavior, health reasons can also affect its feeding habits and, consequently, weight.
When unsure, consult your veterinarian for a thorough physical examination. At the same time consider being prepared with pet insurance for cats so handling unexpected health expenses is much easier. Contemplate purchasing a cheap cat insurance policy at least so your furball can get the medical care it deserves during testing times of health and emergencies.