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Why is my cat losing weight, thinning hair, and has neck scabs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 3 years and 3 months old | 4 lbs

My cat has been loosing weight, his but and back of legs hair is thinning, eats n drinks fine , poop n pees fine , has horrible scabs around his neck under jaw from scratching n is spreading

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 18th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are descri bing could be secondary to a bacterial skin infection or allergies. I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look cheech to try and figure okkut why he is losing weight and why he is scratching. He may need s course of an antibiotic if this is a skin infection. I would check his thyroid level as well to make sure the weight loss is not from hyperthyroidism. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Alysia Van Scoy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 23rd, 2017
It sounds like Zoe has a lot going on. Poor girl! I am not sure how old that she is. That changes what could be the problems. Senior cats are susceptible to things like hyperthyroidism (causes vomiting, weight loss and skin problems), and kidney disease (can cause vomiting ,reduced muscle mass) I recommend taking her to a veterinarian for an exam. She sounds like she could use some blood work to help figure out why she is vomiting. The skin problems could be due to allergies. Although some endocrine problems will show some symptoms in the skin. A veterinarian should be able to help you localize the problem or problems and work on a treatment plan to get Zoe feeling better. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on March 9th, 2017
Poor Ruby! I'm not sure how old she is, but depending on her age, some common causes of weight loss in cats would include chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, or gastrointestinal lymphoma. Many of these illnesses can also cause skin problems, such as areas of hair loss and scabs. It's unlikely that a skin condition alone (such as allergies or fleas) would cause her to lose weight, so I would be concerned that something more serious is going on.

Many of these problems are very treatable once a diagnosis is made, so I would recommend taking Ruby to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can do blood work or other testing if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My senior cat has a bald patch on her neck and is losing weight. Why?

Older cats like your kitty often get an overactive thyroid which will show weight loss, a really fast heart rate, sometimes vomiting, and more vocalisation than usual. Some cats get skittish as well. Hyperthyroidism can actually cause heart problems and mask kidney disease. Hyperthyroidism is easily diagnosed with a clinical exam and a little blood test and there are various treatments available, varying from Methimazole transdermal ointment or tablets to slow down thyroid hormone production, surgery to remove the overactive thyroid gland or radiotherapy. If your kitty is suffering from hyperthyroidism your vet will discuss the various options. I suggest you make an appointment tomorrow.

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Why is my cat losing weight, hair, has scabs, and breathing issues?

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My cat has a scabbed growth, losing weight and fur. What's wrong?

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My cat is losing weight, hair, and has skin rashes. What should I do?

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Why is my cat thin, eating lots, and losing hair with bald spots?

Cats who are thin despite eating well who also have areas of baldness can be suffering from an endocrine disease called hyperthyroidism. I recommend getting his thyroid levels tested by a veterinarian who does this type of testing.

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Why is my senior cat losing weight, lethargic, and scratching?

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