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Chasewood, Where East Meets West for the Best

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2532 W. Indiantown Road #A2

Jupiter, FL 33458

561-745-4944

561-745-2520

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Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Thursday:

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Friday:

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Saturday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

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  • 9 Reasons Your Cat May Be Losing Weight

9 Reasons Your Cat May Be Losing Weight

  • Created in Newsletter Library

A lounging house cat

Is Anxiety, Stress, or a Disease Causing Your Cat to Lose Weight?

It's only natural to be concerned when your cat starts shedding pounds after years of maintaining the same weight. Sudden weight loss is often a warning sign that something is not quite right with your furry friend's physical or mental health. These nine conditions, diseases, and other factors can affect your cat's weight.

1. Cancer

Cancer can certainly cause weight loss, although it's far from the only reason your cat may be losing weight. Other signs that may indicate your cat has cancer can include sores that never heal, lumps and bumps, lameness, stiffness, lack of appetite, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or trouble urinating or defecating.

2. Parasites

Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and other parasitic infections might be the reason your cat is so thin. Your pet may develop the infection from eating wildlife, swallowing fleas, nursing from an infected mother, or even eating stools from an infected animal.

Symptoms of a parasitic infection can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, dull coat, and fatigue. You may notice parts of worms or whole worms in your cat's feces in some cases. Some cats drag their bottoms on the floor in an attempt to ease the discomfort caused by a worm infestation.

3. Diabetes

Weight loss can also occur if your pet develops diabetes, a disease that occurs when your cat's body stops producing insulin or doesn't make enough insulin. Despite eating more, your cat may lose weight. You may also notice your pet drinks more than usual and also urinates more often. Diabetes is becoming more common in cats due to increasing obesity rates, according to DVM360.

4. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease causes waste products to build up in your pet's body. Cats affected by the disease may lose weight, urinate and drink more than usual, and become lethargic. High blood pressure can also occur as a result of kidney disease or failure.

5. Stress

Cats that experience stress may eat less and soon begin losing weight. It doesn't take much to stress a cat. Changing your work schedule, adding a new person or pet to your home, loud noises, too few litter boxes in a multi-cat household, and other factors may raise your pet's anxiety level. In addition to changes in eating habits, other signs of stress and anxiety can include a disinterest in grooming or grooming more than usual, spraying, urinating outside the litter box, aggressive behavior, hiding, and meowing frequently.

6. Gastrointestinal Problems

Food allergies, infections or inflammatory bowel disease could affect your cat's ability to absorb nutrients needed to maintain a normal weight. Vomiting, diarrhea, itching, changes in your pet's coat, red skin, difficulty defecating, and coughing may be signs of a gastrointestinal issue.

7. Conflicts with Other Pets

If your cat is one of several other pets in your home, conflicts with other animals may be the reason for a drop in weight. Other pets may prevent your cat from eating from a communal food dish. If your cat feels threatened, it may go into hiding and rarely attempt to sneak past the other animals. Observing your pets at mealtime can help you determine if a conflict could be related to the change in your cat's weight.

8. Dental Problems

It's hard to eat if your teeth hurt, you don't have many teeth left, or your gums are inflamed or infected. If a dental problem is the reason your cat is shedding pounds, you may also see a change in the way your pet chews or notice that your cat drools often. Bad breath, tooth discoloration, and red gums are other signs of dental issues.

9. Old Age

Aging may increase your pet's risk of weight loss. In fact, 30 to 40 percent of cats aged 10 to 12 years have difficulty absorbing fats, proteins, and vitamins B-12 and E, according to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Since the risk of diabetes, kidney disease, and other diseases increases with age, trouble absorbing nutrients could be just one factor in your older cat's weight loss.

Are you concerned about your pet's weight fluctuation? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

DVM360: Diabetes Mellitus in Cats, 4/1/09

WebMD: Weight Loss in Cats, 9/8/18

Pet Health Network: How Can You Reduce Your Cat’s Stress at Home?

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Causes of Weight Loss in Older Cats, 6/24/15

Cornell Feline Health Center: Chronic Kidney Disease

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Monday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

Dr. Lowry

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

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Testimonials

  • "Dr Maria, Ashley, Wendy and All

    Appreciate your time, care and attention to my newest family member. It has been since 2011 when I lost my standard tri-red to have an incredible new Aussie bud and mascot that had to be the right one. Many others have come through via rescue, long term care when owners were ill and fostering, but it took a long time to find Teddi.

    Thank you all under these current times continuing to provide the great care you always do.

    I refer all my real estate and networking contacts to you. Why would I suggest anyone go elsewhere when you are the best!

    Many thanks!"
  • "Hi all, I wanted to say that Chasewood has always had FANTASTIC vet techs!! But especially want to thank Sam for all of her special attention and love from Sitka!!! The whole team literally saved her life. Also, thanks from little Kenai, for just putting up with his naughty puppyisms. I promise, he’s getting better. I keep forgetting that labs stay PUPPIES for more than only 15 months!!!
    By next time he comes, he’ll be a GOOD BOY. THANKS- SAM hope you had a lot of appreciation for Vet Tech Appreciation Week"
    Bonnie & Rick​​ 10/22/19
  • "This Vet is the best! Maria is so experienced and knowledgable!! Her advice and instructions are priceless!! She's saved many of my animals over the years being able to diagnose most issues that other Doctors couldn't. I am indebted to her and her incredable staff."
    Lisa. M 11/27/19
  • "I have used Dr. Maria for 25 years always there when I need her. She has taken care of many of my pets over the years and came to my house so I could be with my Cocoa for his last day!"
    Dave & Jane M. 01/08/2019
  • "excellent care"
    Barbara B. 03/29/2019
  • "Friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Having relocated from out of state, I’m glad we found Dr Maria and staff."
    Debbie S. 04/27/2019
  • "Everyone is so caring and helpful at this office."
    Jennifer/Andrew M. 05/16/2019
  • "It was our first visit to Chasewood Animal Hospital, they were recommended to us by our neighbor. it's been several years since I have had a dog, and its my wife's first.Dr. Maria and their entire staff are so nice, I feel we made the right choice and I look forward to keeping our little girl happy and healthy. Thanks Dr. Maria!"
    ​John M. 11/27/19
  • "Doc Maria and staff are always very caring and professional. Doc Maria makes me laugh!"
    Henry F. 04/13/2018
  • "On this visit he had teeth cleaned. Good job and not put all the way under. On other visits, I have requested blood work and the price was reasonable as well and the advice good. My dog doesn't have much wrong but Dr. Maria is on anything... I have been with her for most of the last 21 years."
    Frances M. 12/13/2018
  • "Dr. Maria and Staff are excellent. Very loving and caring. We have been going to them for many years. They are especially generous in helping pets find loving homes - we have adopted numerous cats from them including TomTom, Mr and Mrs Love, Maggie and Amy. We very much recommend them."
    Patricia P. 12/20/2018
  • "We have been bringing our cat Penny to Chasewood Animal Hospital for three or more years now. Dr. Lowry and her staff are really nice, competent, skilled and caring people. We have also boarded Penny there occasioally and have been very happy with all of the services Penny has received there. We hope to be seeing them for a long time to come. Ray, Elaine & Penny McGuire"
    Elaine M. 03/01/2019
  • "The staff at Chasewood Animal Hospital is so nice. Doc. Maria really knows her stuff and loves all her animals.​"
    Henry F. 05/07/2019
  • "We travel all the way from Delray Beach to Jupiter which is approximately 45 minutes to an hour just to have this vet. Many many vet's that are near us and not one of them come close to the care, knowledge, professionalism and care that she and her entire team give."
    Bill V. 08/27/2019
  • "Outstanding service and caring staff. I will be taking all my pets to Chasewood Veterinary from now on."
    James W. 8/22/19
  • "As always, Dr. Maria and her staff are pleasant, caring, and helpful. I am glad to have such a great place to bring my pets to where they get greatr care from people who really love animals!"
    Debbie S.​ 8/26/19
  • "Blue Velvet had a rabies vaccination and a checkup. We are pleased with the attention she gets with Dr. Maria Lowry. She does not hesitate to seek other advice when necessary. Everyone at the clinic really cares for the animals."
    Sue & Jim W. 02/08/2019
  • "Always caring and thorough and the best. R"
    Robert M. 02/18/2019
  • "I feel that the entire staff at Chase Animal hospital are very friendly and take great care of their patients ( animals).Dr. Maria is an excellent Veterinarian. My cat Brasco loves it here."
    Martha D. 02/18/2019
  • "I love Dr. Maria and all of her staff I have been going to her for almost 15 years and have always had nothing less than a great experience there. Her expertise, kindness, and caring cannot be found anywhere else."
    Haylee B. 03/01/2019
  • "As always, Dr. Maria Lowry was helpful, kind and always very knowledgeable. As well, the assistants in her office are helpful, kind and efficient. Of all animal hospitals we've been to in our 9 moves in 18 years, Chasewood Animal Hospital is at the top of the list!!"
    Jerry And Bev B. 03/18/2019
  • "Really like the Vet and her staff. Answered all my questions and they were really helpful. Very thorough."
    Dawn S. 05/02/2019
  • "Good Vet. All went well."
    Frances M. 05/23/2019
  • "We love Dr. Maria and the staff. They are always prompt and knowledgeable. My pets are in good hands!"
    Julie D. 07/20/2019
  • "CHASEWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALWAYS SO HELPFUL FRIENDLY AND KIND!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
    Beth P. 08/15/2019
  • "Love this office, staff is great but dr Marie is the best. I drive from Coral Springs to take my dog. Best vet in Florida"
    Shelly T. 09/28/2019
  • "Experienced and professional team! We felt the care we have been looking for here. I have wanted to make my girl's food, Now I feel equipped to do that. This team takes care from the ears to their waggy tails. Great Experience!"
    Linda B. 7/18/19
  • "They are always very nice. Dr Lowry is great and takes good care of my friend!"
    Brian W. 08/24/2019
  • "We just adopted two amazing Siamese kittens from Chasewood and the entire staff has been wonderful to us. They were very sick little guys and nursed back to 100% with love and patience. Stand out: Ashley rocks!!!!​​"
    Inez H. 10/04/2019

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