Weight-loss risk in cats

A friend of mine thinks my 10-year-old domestic male neutered cat has lost weight.

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He is still eating and is a bit slower now, which I have assumed to be due to his age. What can cause weight loss, how can I measure this, and should I be concerned?

Many diseases causing weight loss in cats show obvious signs and should prompt veterinary attention. Underlying diseases include tooth or mouth pain, liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal diseases, infectious diseases, pancreatitis and abdominal tumours. Weight loss in these circumstances can be quite dramatic if action is not immediately taken.

Cats are unique, with serious problems occurring even after a few days of not eating. This is because fat is mobilised to the liver, which may cause liver failure in a matter of days of not eating. Therefore, if a cat refuses to eat for any reason, get veterinary advice within 24 hours.

There are other conditions that cause weight loss over a longer period of time, with less obvious signs.