It’s common for veterinarians to discuss feline obesity, but an equally important concern for many cat owners is their pet being underweight. Unlike simply reducing food portions for weight loss, helping a cat gain weight can be a complex process. It requires understanding the underlying reasons for weight loss before implementing a diet plan to safely restore a healthy weight.
Several health issues can contribute to a cat losing weight, including:
- Intestinal parasites
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Dental disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Lung disease
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
Creating a Weight Gain Action Plan for Your Cat
After you and your veterinarian have identified and begun treating any underlying medical conditions, the crucial work of weight gain can commence. Your veterinarian will likely provide specific recommendations tailored to your cat’s age and medical needs. A diet customized for your cat’s particular health condition offers the best chance of success. Your vet will also help determine your cat’s ideal weight and schedule regular weigh-ins to monitor the effectiveness of the plan and ensure your cat doesn’t exceed their target weight. For cats that are ill, regaining a healthy weight involves more than just increasing calorie intake. Diets designed for specific conditions are formulated with the precise balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to promote weight gain while addressing unique disease-related concerns.
What to Feed a Cat to Aid Weight Gain
If your cat’s medical issues are under control—such as treated parasites or removed painful teeth—addressing the calorie deficit may be the only necessary treatment. Your veterinarian will consider the following factors when recommending cat food for weight gain:
Select a Food Your Cat Enjoys
The most critical initial step is to find a food that your cat finds palatable and that does not cause digestive upset. The food should meet their dietary requirements while being highly appealing so that your cat is eager to eat it. It’s not uncommon for cats to have strong preferences for specific flavors, food types (canned or dry), or even textures. Conversely, they can be repulsed by these same factors. Understanding and catering to your cat’s preferences is the foundational step in ensuring they eat well.
Ensure Nutritional Adequacy
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require essential nutrients for their health to be derived from animal products. The natural prey of cats, such as small rodents, are estimated to contain approximately 55% protein, 45% fat, and 1–2% carbohydrate on a dry matter basis. While the macronutrient breakdown of prey is low in carbohydrates, most cats can utilize up to 40% of their diet in the form of carbohydrates as an energy source. Generally, dry cat food tends to have a higher carbohydrate content than wet food.
Cat Food Choices for Weight Gain
High-quality kitten food is an excellent option for healthy cats needing to gain weight, and most cats find it appealing. Royal Canin Feline Health nutrition dry cat food for young kittens is dense in nutrients and calories and is typically highly palatable for many cats. Your veterinarian may also prescribe high-calorie cat foods, such as Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Recovery RS canned cat food or Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care canned cat food. These formulations are highly digestible and provide the essential extra calories your cat needs for weight gain.
Calculating Your Cat’s Feeding Amount
Once you’ve found a food that meets your cat’s needs and makes mealtime enjoyable, it’s time to determine the correct portion sizes. Mathematical calculations are helpful here. For gradual and healthy weight gain, it’s generally recommended to assess your cat’s resting metabolic needs and then feed that amount of calories plus an additional 20%. Your veterinarian can assist you in translating this into the appropriate quantity of food to serve.
Tips for Encouraging Weight Gain in Your Cat
Addressing underlying health issues, selecting the appropriate food, and determining the correct feeding amounts are vital for successful weight gain. However, these are just the initial steps. Once these are in place, establishing a consistent feeding routine is essential. Here are some tips to help your cat eat reliably and gain weight safely:
Offer Small, Frequent Meals
A cat’s stomach is quite small, similar in size to a ping-pong ball. Therefore, it’s normal for your cat not to consume large quantities at once. Whether your cat prefers wet food, dry food, or a combination, try offering one tablespoon of food every few hours. These small, regular meals are better tolerated than large ones and can reduce the risk of vomiting post-meal.
Warm Your Cat’s Wet Food
Cats are stimulated to eat by the aroma of their food. Warming up wet food can enhance its scent, making it more enticing. To warm your cat’s food, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for a few seconds. The ideal temperature for most cats is at or near their body temperature, approximately 38.5°C (101.5°F).
Provide Healthy Snacks Between Meals
Nutritious snacks offered between meals can contribute to your cat’s weight gain. Consider tempting your cat with a few high-protein, simple pieces of freeze-dried chicken, such as PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats, between their main meals.
Minimize Your Cat’s Anxiety
A calm cat is generally a happier cat, and happy cats tend to have a better appetite. Cats are naturally solitary hunters and eaters, preferring to consume their meals undisturbed. When your cat has been unwell, it’s natural to want to stay close, but your cat may eat more comfortably if given some personal space.
Consult Your Vet About Appetite-Stimulating Medication
Several medications are available from your veterinarian that can help stimulate your cat’s appetite. About an hour after administration, your cat may experience an urge to eat. Inquire with your vet about the possibility of obtaining the medication in a transdermal form (a patch or gel applied to the skin or gums) to avoid the need for administering pills.
