With the focus on feline obesity, you might not notice your cat’s weight loss—especially if he’s eating normally.

If cats aren’t competing for food or negotiating other feline foibles, weight loss is often caused by an underlying medical problem. That’s why it’s important to involve your veterinarian right away.

For cats with a normal—or even increased—appetite, hyperthyroidism might explain the weight loss. Fortunately, this problem is usually detectable on a blood test.

Other causes of feline weight loss might include diabetes, organ dysfunction, or cancer. The diagnosis depends on a thorough veterinary examination and targeted testing.

One last point: routine wellness examinations can identify weight loss that may not be apparent to you—especially if your feline friend has lots of fur hiding the evidence.