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As a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady, I feel that I have a sixth sense when it comes to my kitties. My friends joke that I'm the "Cat Whisperer" because I can usually figure out what they are thinking. I know when are seeking attention or hungry. I can tell if they are wanting to play or needing some space. I even have a special way of making "untouchable" cats learn to trust me.

Every now and then, however, I'm unable to figure out what my kitty needs. Right now, one of my oldest cats is losing a lot of weight. Of course, I'm going to take him to a vet right away, but until then, I did a little research to figure out what could be causing this issue.

Diabetes

One of the most common reasons for a cat to start losing weight is diabetes. Cats with this disease usually start eating less, while drinking a lot more water. They may appear to be more tired than usual, and their urine output may be different.

I don't think my cat has this. He is still eating a lot, and his water intake has not changed. Also, a blood test he had a few months ago didn't point to diabetes.

Cancer

The big "C" is rare in cats, but it's frequently the cause for weight loss. Cancer causes cats to be in a lot of pain, and they may start to become anorexic. Unfortunately, cancer is difficult to treat, and it is often fatal.

I really hope my kitty doesn't have cancer. I haven't noticed a change in his behavior, but of course, I'll leave it up to a vet to figure out.

Parasites

Intestinal parasites, such as tapeworms, are a common reason for weight loss. These worms live in the intestines and steal your cat's ingested food. Your cat may be eating more, but still lose weight.

All of my kitties were treated for parasites recently during a routine vet visit, so it's highly unlikely that he has any. Plus, tapeworms are usually noticed as rice-like specs around your cat's anus. His is clean and clear.

Thyroid

An overactive thyroid is sometimes the weight-loss culprit. This is more common in older cats, since their metabolism begins to change. A kitty with a thyroid problem will eat normally and still lose weight. There are medications to help out.

I really think this is my cat's problem. A simple blood test can give me an answer. He eats a lot of food, but still loses weight. He's not in pain and seems very energetic. I hope that it is something we can treat successfully.

Remember to always take your kitty to a vet if you notice any changes in their appearance or behavior.