When veterinarians discuss a cat’s weight, the conversation often centers on feline obesity. However, many cats also struggle with being underweight, and gaining weight can be as challenging as losing it. Simply adjusting food portions isn’t always the solution. The first step is to determine the underlying reason for your cat’s weight loss and then develop a plan that includes a diet to help them safely reach a healthy weight.
Several health conditions can lead to unintended weight loss in cats, 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
Once you and your veterinarian have identified and planned the treatment for any underlying health issues, the focus shifts to weight gain. Your veterinarian will likely offer specific recommendations tailored to your cat’s age and medical needs. A diet customized to your cat’s condition is crucial for the best results. Your vet will also help determine your cat’s ideal weight and monitor progress through regular weigh-ins to ensure the plan is effective and your cat doesn’t exceed their target weight. For cats who are ill, achieving a healthy weight involves more than just increasing calories. Diets designed for specific conditions are formulated with the precise macronutrients and micronutrients to support weight gain while addressing unique disease-related concerns.
Nutritional Strategies for Feline Weight Gain
If your cat’s underlying health problem is managed—such as treated parasites or removed diseased teeth—addressing the calorie deficit may be the primary treatment needed. Your veterinarian will consider several factors when recommending a healthy cat food for weight gain.
Prioritize Palatability and Nutritional Needs
The most critical initial step is to select a food that your cat finds appealing and that doesn’t cause digestive upset. The food must meet their dietary requirements while being highly palatable to encourage consumption. Cats can have strong preferences for specific flavors, food types (canned or dry), or even textures. Conversely, they might be repulsed by certain aspects. Navigating your cat’s preferences is the essential first step to ensuring they eat adequately.
As obligate carnivores, cats require essential nutrients from animal products. The natural prey of cats, such as small rodents, is estimated to consist of approximately 55% protein, 45% fat, and 1–2% carbohydrate on a dry matter basis. While prey is low in carbohydrates, most cats can utilize up to 40% of their diet in the form of carbohydrates for energy. Generally, dry cat food tends to be higher in carbohydrates than wet food.
Recommended 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 typically well-liked by 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 extra calories necessary for your cat to gain weight.
Calculating Appropriate Feeding Portions
Once you’ve identified a food that meets your cat’s needs and stimulates their appetite, it’s time to determine the correct portion sizes. Mathematically, for gradual and healthy weight gain, it’s generally recommended to calculate your cat’s resting metabolic rate and then feed that amount plus an additional 20% in calories. Your veterinarian can assist you in translating this into the appropriate amount of food to feed daily.
Effective Tips for Helping Your Cat Gain Weight
Addressing underlying health issues, choosing the right food, and determining portion sizes are fundamental to success. However, these are just the starting points. Establishing a consistent feeding routine is also vital. Here are some tips to encourage your cat to eat reliably and gain weight safely.
Feed Small, Frequent Meals
A cat’s stomach is relatively small, so it’s normal for them 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 smaller, regular meals are generally better tolerated and can reduce the likelihood of vomiting after eating.
Gently Warm Your Cat’s Wet Food
The aroma of food stimulates a cat’s appetite. Warming wet food can enhance its scent, making it more enticing. To do this, place the food in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for a few seconds. The ideal temperature for most cats is around their body temperature, approximately 38.5°C (101.5°F).
Offer Appropriate Snacks Between Meals
Healthy snacks can contribute to your cat’s weight gain. Consider offering a few high-protein, simple bites of freeze-dried chicken between meals, such as PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats.
Minimize Your Cat’s Anxiety
A calm cat is more likely to have a good appetite. Cats are naturally solitary hunters and eaters, preferring to dine without disturbance. When your cat has been unwell, it’s natural to want to provide constant comfort, but they may eat better if given some space.
Consult Your Vet About Appetite-Stimulating Medication
Your veterinarian may have appetite-stimulating medications available that can help encourage your cat to eat. About an hour after administration, your cat should experience an increased urge to eat. You can inquire if your vet can provide the medication in a transdermal form (a patch or gel applied to the skin or gums) to avoid the difficulty of administering pills.
