My outdoor cat returned thin and shedding fur. Is he sick?

Great news that you got him back! The weight loss, poor skin and flatulence are likely related to a poorer diet and stress of fending for himself. I strongly recommend feeding a high quality complete food and thorough flea and worm dose to ensure he does not bring any parasites back with him. A full vet check is recommended if not improving over 5-7days

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting in cats can be caused by hair balls, intestinal parasites, toxin ingestion, or even foreign body obstructions of the intestines. These signs can be unrelated to the hair loss, which may be caused by certain infections and hormonal or behavioral abnormalities. I recommend having Zimba seen by a vet if he continues to vomit or develops diarrhea or has a loss of appetite/energy. His area of hair loss should also be evaluated, as it may be caused by a fungal infection that can even be transmitted to humans. I hope this helps and that all is well with Zimba!

Micky sounds sick, and I would take him back into the vet for a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis. He may have a serious illness like diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or cancer causing his symptoms.

From your description, the mass sounds like a ruptured abscess. The weight loss and fur loss may or may not be related. He should be evaluated by a veterinarian. If he has not been tested for feline leukemia and aids, he should be as soon as possibly. Additionally, he should be dewormed, vaccinated and treated for fleas.

If Beanz went outside yesterday, then he could have been injured causing this missing patch of fur. Because he's otherwise acting normally, I'd just keep an eye on it for now. If it appears to cause him pain, appears worse, or looks infected, have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

It could be that Brute wandered far away and didn't have access to food, causing him to lose weight. It could also be that he is sick causing him to lose weight, or he may have a heavy intestinal worm burden. If you can catch him, I'd take him into a vet for a health check. I hope this helps!

Your cat may well have ear mites, which are contagious and extremely itchy, causing cats to scratch their ears raw inside and in front of the ears. I would have an exam done right away so your veterinarian can start the appropriate treatment. You'll have to figure out how to get him into a kennel to go for a vet visit!