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Why is my cat losing weight and muscle mass but eating normally?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 4.409 lbs

My cat loss its muscle mass and weight completely that its spine is visible! It is also suffering from cold and cough. Before a week ago I consulted to a vet,he asked be to give anti biotic(CEFPET) to my cat! The cold and and cough are in pretty control! But the weight hasn't increased!its appetite is pretty normal! Can you suggest me something?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2017

I would bring Baby Doll back for a recheck and have some blood work performed. This can check her kidneys and thyroid and assess the health of her organs. Persians can be prone to some genetic kidney problems. Also this will check for an infection specifically her uterus since she is not fixed.

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    I recommend getting your cat in to see the vet for some labwork to check for internal parasites and any underlying medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease. At less than two years of age, she is young to have such conditions, but it's not unheard of. I also recommend getting her tested for Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and Diabetes. Diabetes especially can cause a cat to have a normal appetite yet not be able to gain weight. Another possibility, though rare in a cat so young, is hyperthyroidism. If the thyroid releases too much hormone, it causes the body to run at a much higher metabolic rate than normal, causing weight loss, voracious appetite and often a rough hair coat. Bloodwork will give your vet some information not available through a simple physical exam and may reveal a condition that requires extra care or a change in medication.

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