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Why is my kitten losing weight and shedding hair but acting normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Male | 8 months and 3 days old | 8.8 lbs

Greetings doc, my kitten is not gaining weight instead he is losing weight for a reason unknown. He seems fine because he is playing and looks healthy but he is losing weight and shedding a lot of hair. I'm really concerned when it comes to him because he was very healthy and also I'm feeding him royal canin a very best quality of food. He is not eating as he used to eat usually. I'm worried because because he is acting normal. Please shed some light on what on this topic and what should be done

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lil Bub is very handsome! I recommend starting with an exam with your Vet. I would test (or test again) for Feline leukemia and FIV. Sadly we have to consider FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) as a reason for a poor appetite and weight loss in a young pure bred cat. FIP has no cure and is devastating. Also there is no good test for it. I would bring a stool sample to check for intestinal parasites and would likely deworm him anyway even if the test is negative. I would recommend full blood work. If the above is normal then I would do an belly ultrasound next to look for IBD. If his intestines are thick I would send out a B12, foalte, TLI, PLI to check for maldigestion/malabsorption. IBD is treated with a hypoallergenic diet and steroids. I hope this helps and I wish you and Lil Bub the best!

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