Weight loss in cats – causes, symptoms, and treatment in Dubai

What to do if your cat is losing weight

Both sudden and gradual weight loss in cats can indicate an underlying problem. Acting quickly gives the best chance of identifying and treating the cause.

• Book a full check-up with your vet as soon as possible.
• Keep a diary of your cat’s weight and note how quickly it is changing.
• Watch for other symptoms: such as vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in stools, drinking more than usual, or low energy/sleeping more.
• Record what and how much your cat eats, including brand and type of food, treats, and any changes.
• Allow your cat to rest in a cool, quiet area and avoid unnecessary stress.
• Monitor any changes in behaviour, such as hiding away, and passing urine (pee) or stools (poo) outside the litter tray.
• Look out for muscle loss as well as weight loss – these can point to different underlying conditions.

Unexplained weight loss in cats should always be taken seriously. Prompt diagnosis and treatment offer the best outlook.

Common causes of weight loss in cats

Weight loss in kittens

• Parasites such as worms or giardia (especially if they hunt or scavenge outdoors)
• Incorrect diet or malnutrition: some imported foods don’t always offer an appropriately balanced diet for kittens
• Congenital problems (birth defects), such as heart defects or liver shunts

Weight loss in adult cats

• Severe dental disease: makes eating painful
• Worms: particularly in outdoor or hunting cats
• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Heart problems
• Pancreatic problems affecting digestion
• Poor-quality diet or sudden diet changes (common in Dubai if a usual brand is unavailable)

Weight loss in elderly/senior cats

• Cancer
• Dental disease
• Heart disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Arthritis can reduce appetite or the ability to reach food bowls
• Advanced cognitive decline (dementia)
• Poor-quality or unbalanced diet

Weight loss at any age

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea: whether short-term or chronic
• Pain
• Stress: caused by multi-cat households, confined apartment living, and household disruption
• Heat stress
• Reduced appetite or food refusal
• Exposure to unsuitable food sources: scavenging outdoors

When to worry about weight loss in cats

Seek urgent veterinary attention if:

• Your cat suddenly loses a lot of weight in a short time.
• Your cat is losing weight and showing other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, or lethargy.
• Your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours: even this short period can be dangerous and lead to liver disease in cats.

Diagnosis of weight loss in cats

Your vet will begin with a physical examination and discussion of your cat’s symptoms and diet. They may then recommend further tests:

• Blood and urine tests: checking general health and organ function
• Stool (poo) tests: checking for intestinal parasites
• Imaging: as X-rays or ultrasound
• Advanced tests: biopsies of organs or tissues, if required, for complex cases

Vet treatment for weight loss in cats

Treatment for weight loss in cats depends on the underlying cause. Your vet may start with dietary changes while awaiting test results. Very unwell cats may need hospital care, including intravenous fluids (a drip), appetite stimulants, or tube feeding.

Your vet can also calculate your cat’s RER (resting energy requirement) and MER (maintenance energy requirement) to help you ensure they are getting the right calorie intake for recovery. You can use these calculations as a guide at home, but remember your cat’s nutritional requirements. These investigations help narrow down the cause so your cat can start effective treatment.

Home care for a cat who’s losing weight

Always start with a vet check-up before making major changes. Good home care will help support a steady recovery:

• Follow any advice from your vet about your cat’s diet. Special (prescription) diets may be advisable for conditions like kidney disease, cancer, or dental problems.
• Offer vet-recommended energy-dense foods if they are safe for your cat.
• Consider feeding cats separately in multi-cat households.
• Make sure your cat has a quiet, stress-free space to eat and rest.
• Give any medication your vet prescribes at the correct time and dose.

Weigh and photograph your cat regularly to track progress.

Cats at a higher risk of weight loss problems

• Kittens: lose weight quickly if they cannot absorb enough nutrients. They need higher levels of protein, calories, calcium, and phosphorus to support growth and energy requirements.
• Senior cats: are more likely to develop chronic diseases, like kidney or thyroid disease, which lead to weight loss.
• Thin or underweight cats: have weaker immune systems, poorer mobility and may struggle with wound healing.
• Pregnant and lactating cats: need more energy and should be fed high-quality, digestible kitten food to prevent weight loss.
• Outdoor or hunting cats are more prone to parasites, especially in warm climates like Dubai.
• Unneutered cats: have around 30% greater energy requirements than neutered cats.

Tips on preventing weight loss

• Keep your cat up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite preventatives. Hunting cats in Dubai may need worming more often. Talk to your vet for the best advice.
• Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to your cat’s age and lifestyle. Store food carefully in the heat to avoid spoilage.
• Look after your cat’s teeth: brush regularly, ideally from an early age, but it’s never too late to start.
• Arrange regular vet check-ups: at least one per year, more frequent checks for senior cats. Blood tests can help detect kidney, liver, or thyroid problems early.
• Provide a calm, safe eating space: In busy homes or multi-cat households, some cats may eat less due to stress or competition.
• Monitor for stress signs and create hiding or resting places: especially in apartments, where cats may feel confined.

Speak to your vet quickly if your cat shows reduced appetite, vomiting, or diarrhoea: These signs can quickly lead to weight loss.

Other causes of weight loss in cats

Other possible conditions linked to weight loss include:

• Arthritis
• Old age and frailty
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Pyometra (infection of the womb)
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: Failure to produce essential digestive juices
• Infections such as cat flu, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Feline Leukaemia virus (FeLV), or Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
• Allergies (food or environmental)

Worried about your cat’s weight loss? Book a consultation at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Their expert team provides thorough examinations, diagnostic testing, tailored nutritional advice, and emergency care where needed. From regular check-ups to advanced treatments, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted partner for compassionate feline care in Dubai.