Weight Loss & Hair Loss in Cats

Just like their human counterparts, both weight loss and hair loss in cats can be a normal result of changes in season or living environment. Seasonal shedding or small fluctuations in weight are normal and not a cause for concern. However, if these two symptoms become extreme or chronic, the cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian in order to determine cause and treat the problems.

When to Worry

Since cats cannot tell us when something is wrong, weight loss and hair loss may be important signals of a possible health problem. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss. Hair loss should be a concern when the cat has bald patches, "hot spots" (red, inflamed areas that a cat excessively licks or scratches) and hair that is so sparse you can see the skin underneath.

Causes

There are many reasons for loss of weight. These include, but are not limited to: dietary causes (poor food quality or allergies to food), lack of appetite (anorexia), disorders relating to poor digestion or absorption of nutrients, neuromuscular diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer and heart disease.

Hair loss in cats also has a wide variety of possible causes. The reason could vary from a simple scar to skin fungus, mites, fleas or hormonal imbalances. The cat might also have one of many types of dermatitis or for some reason be dealing with emotional stress. A stressed cat tends to shed more, be anxious and tear out his/her own hair by excessive licking or chewing.

Many of the same health issues can cause both hair and weight loss. Having both symptoms will help the owner and vet narrow down what the root of the problem is.

Diagnosis

Confirmation of weight loss is a necessary first step in diagnosis. The vet should have a history of the cat's body weight which will help him/her determine both the amount and time period of the weight loss. After significant weight loss has been documented the vet will need to perform a thorough history and physical examination. He/she will probably also run several diagnostic tests to rule out and/or narrow down the possibilities. Initial diagnostic tests may include stool examination, blood count, urinalysis and X-rays.

Similar measures are taken when evaluating hair loss. Your veterinarian should perform a complete physical examination paying close attention to the location, size and shape of the hair loss. He/she should also obtain a medical history, documenting other symptoms.

Some diagnostic tests your veterinarian may wish to perform for hair loss include a trichogram (a microscopic examination of the hair root), fungus culture to look for ringworm, blood tests to rule out both Cushings disease and hyperthyroidism, skin scrapings and possibly a food elimination test to determine possible food allergies.

Treatment

Your veterinarian may make several recommendations for the treatment of both weight and hair loss prior to conducting a full exam and diagnostic workup. These suggestions are based on common causes of these symptoms.

After an examination the vet will make specific lifestyle recommendations or prescribe medications based on the results of the testing. These treatments will vary depending on what is determined to be the underlying issue.

Followup and Home Care

If the vet has advised a lifestyle change or prescribed a medication for the cat, he/she has done so for a reason. It is the owner's responsibility to follow through on the vet's recommendations and administer all medications and diets precisely as directed.