How can you tell when a cat is underweight?

I am taking my kitty into the vet today because she looks very thin... Like her front part looks bigger than the back does.. I can feel her ribs and bones very well. Is this normal?

I don't know! Marlee was so tiny and undernourished when I got her, and dehyrdrated. I could feel each and every one of her little vertebrae and ribs. I don't think its necessarily normal, but I'm sure each cat is different. Is your kitty a new cat to you? If so, once you continue feeding her I'm sure she will put on weight. Since you're going to the vet, just ask them and I'm sure they will help you out!

No she is not new. I've had her for 3 years.. Before I left for vacation she was fine but now she looks like she lost some weight

Possibly she just lost weight because she missed you while you were gone and wasn't eating well. BUT, weight loss is also a sign of many different illnesses, so it is a very good idea to get her checked out by a vet as soon as you can.

I hope its nothing serious

We'll be thinking about you and your baby, let us know how the vet visit goes!

http://www.purina.com/cats/health/BodyCondition.aspx

This link is a great tool

Thank you Sharky, you beat me to it! Great chart for aiding in visual assessment of your cat's condition.

I would suggest a vet visit if the ribs and spine are this visible...is she eating her normal amount since you got home? How are her stools?

Originally Posted by Pat & Alix

Thank you Sharky, you beat me to it! Great chart for aiding in visual assessment of your cat's condition.

I would suggest a vet visit if the ribs and spine are this visible...is she eating her normal amount since you got home? How are her stools?

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To be honest I haven't noticed how her stool is because I have 7 other kitties so its kinda hard to tell.. Eating, she's eating her normal amount.

Originally Posted by STLGRL5

To be honest I haven't noticed how her stool is because I have 7 other kitties so its kinda hard to tell.. Eating, she's eating her normal amount.

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Can you isolate her for a day with her own box so you can get a look at what she's doing? I'd also feed her an extra meal or two per day to see if you can get her regaining this weight asap.

Depending on her age, hyperthyroidism is always a consideration.

Well i am taking her to the vet in about 2 hrs.. i made an appt yesterday.. Good thing the vet is open on sundays

Originally Posted by STLGRL5

Well i am taking her to the vet in about 2 hrs.. i made an appt yesterday.. Good thing the vet is open on sundays

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How wonderful, that is a great option to have! Please post back after your visit.

Originally Posted by Pat & Alix

How wonderful, that is a great option to have! Please post back after your visit.

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i sure will.. Yea my vet hours are
Mon-Sat:6am-2am
Sun: 9am-2am
Holidays 9a-4p

Well I took my kitty into the vet because she was really thin and I mean REALLY thin you could feel her ribs and everything and let me just say I didn't come back home with her It turned out to be more serious than I had thought. Back in July she weighed 10 pounds and now she only weighs 5lbs. Her skin, the inside of her ears, and even her mouth is like a yellow color which should be white. She was really dehydrated as well. They are leaning towards a liver problem called Hepatic Lipidosis. They are not ruling out FeLV, FIP, or cancer.. I should know more tomorrow though after they run tests and everything. My kitty just needs some prayers right now..

Has anyone else had a cat with liver problems?

I posted the vet visit here:
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69757

Ah, I am so sorry Yes, we have had several members who have dealt with kitties who did develop hepatic lipidosis. Here is an excellent general article on this illness written by Hissy:click here

I wish you and your kitty all the best, please keep letting us know what is happening as you get more test results back.

Thanks for posting that link i will check it out.. I will most certainly update you all when i know more.. Hopefully it will turn out to be something minor.

So sorry .. sending many and prayers

Sending good vibes your way. hope everything turns out all right.

I also am sending healing vibes your way..