Many cat owners focus on feline obesity, but an equally concerning issue is a cat being underweight. Just like weight loss, healthy weight gain in cats requires a strategic approach beyond simply increasing food portions. It involves understanding the underlying reasons for weight loss and implementing a carefully managed feeding plan to help your feline companion safely reach a healthy weight. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from identifying causes to selecting the right foods and establishing a feeding routine.
There are several potential medical reasons why a cat might be losing weight. These can include intestinal parasites, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, dental disease, gastrointestinal disorders, lung disease, chronic pain, and cancer. It is crucial to work with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any underlying health conditions before focusing on weight gain.
Creating a Plan of Action for Your Cat
Once you and your veterinarian have identified and established a treatment plan for any underlying health issues, the next crucial step is to focus on weight gain. Your veterinarian will provide specific recommendations tailored to your cat’s age and medical needs. A diet specifically formulated for your cat’s condition offers the best chance of a positive outcome. Your vet will also help determine your cat’s ideal weight and schedule regular weigh-ins to monitor progress and ensure they don’t exceed their target weight. For cats recovering from illness, achieving a healthy weight is about more than just consuming extra calories. Specialized diets are designed with the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to promote weight gain while simultaneously addressing the unique challenges posed by their specific disease.
What to Feed a Cat to Help Them Gain Weight
If your cat’s medical problem is under control—parasites are treated or painful teeth are removed—simply correcting the calorie deficit may be all that’s needed. Your veterinarian will look for specific qualities in a cat food to support healthy weight gain:
Find a Food Your Cat Enjoys
The most critical initial step is to identify a food that your cat finds appealing and that does not cause digestive upset. The ideal food should meet their dietary requirements while also being highly palatable to encourage them to eat. Cats can have strong preferences for specific flavors, types (canned/dry), or textures of food, and may be repulsed by others. Successfully navigating these preferences is the foundational step to ensuring your cat eats well and gains weight effectively.
Ensure Nutritional Needs Are Met
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require essential nutrients for their health to be derived from animal products. Natural prey for cats, such as small rodents, are estimated to contain approximately 55% protein, 45% fat, and only 1–2% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. While the carbohydrate content in natural prey is minimal, 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 Options for Weight Gain
High-quality kitten food is an excellent option for healthy cats needing to gain weight, and most cats find it palatable. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition dry cat food for young kittens is nutrient- and calorie-dense and generally well-liked by most cats. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition dry cat food for young kittens is a good example. 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 extra calories your cat needs to gain weight.
Calculating Feeding Portions
Once you’ve selected a food that meets your cat’s needs and sparks their appetite, it’s time to determine the correct portion sizes. Mathematical calculations are essential here. For gradual and healthy weight gain, it’s advisable to assess your cat’s resting metabolic rate and then feed that amount of calories plus an additional 20%. Your veterinarian can assist you in converting this caloric target into the appropriate amount of food to feed your cat.
Tips for Helping a Cat Gain Weight
Addressing underlying health issues, choosing the right food, and calculating appropriate portions are vital for success. However, this is just the beginning. Once these foundational elements are in place, you’ll need to establish a consistent feeding routine. Here are some additional tips to encourage your cat to eat reliably and gain weight safely:
Feed Small, Frequent Meals
A cat’s stomach is quite small, roughly the size of a ping-pong ball. Therefore, it’s normal for your cat not to eat 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 generally better tolerated than larger ones and can help reduce the risk of vomiting after eating.
Warm Up Wet Food
Cats are enticed to eat by the aroma of their food. Warming up wet food can enhance its scent, making it more appealing to your cat. To warm their 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, around 38.5°C (101.5°F).
Offer Healthy Snacks
Incorporating healthy snacks between meals can contribute to your cat’s weight gain. Consider offering a few high-protein, simple bites of freeze-dried chicken, such as PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats, between meals.
Minimize Cat Anxiety
A calm cat is a happy 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 they may eat more comfortably if given some personal space.
Consult Your Vet About Appetite-Stimulating Medication
Your veterinarian can prescribe medications designed to stimulate your cat’s appetite. About an hour after taking the medication, your cat should feel an urge to eat. You can inquire about transdermal options, such as a patch or gel applied to the skin or gums, which can be an alternative to administering pills.
