It’s common for veterinarians to discuss feline obesity, but many cats also struggle with being underweight. Similar to weight loss, gaining weight can be a complex issue for cats, extending beyond simply adjusting food portions. The first crucial step is to identify the underlying reason for your cat’s weight loss before formulating a plan to safely help them reach a healthy weight.
Several medical conditions can lead to a cat losing weight, including:
- Intestinal parasites
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Dental disease
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Lung disease
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
Creating a Plan of Action for Your Cat’s Weight Gain
Once you and your veterinarian have identified and are treating the underlying health issue, the focus can shift to weight gain. Your veterinarian will likely provide specific recommendations tailored to your cat’s age and medical needs. A diet customized for your cat’s specific condition offers the best chance for success. 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 who are ill, regaining a healthy weight involves more than just increasing calorie intake. Diets designed for specific conditions are formulated with the appropriate macronutrients and micronutrients to promote weight gain while addressing unique disease-related concerns.
What to Feed a Cat to Help Them Gain Weight
If your cat’s medical problem is under control—such as treated parasites or removed diseased teeth—correcting the calorie deficit might be the only necessary treatment. Your veterinarian will consider several factors when recommending a healthy cat food for weight gain.
Choose a Food Your Cat Enjoys
The most critical initial step is to select a food that your cat finds appealing and that doesn’t cause digestive upset. The food should meet their dietary requirements and be highly palatable to encourage them to eat it.
Cats can have strong preferences for specific flavors, food types (canned/dry), or textures. Conversely, they may be repulsed by certain aspects. Navigating these preferences is the essential first step in ensuring your cat eats adequately.
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, like small rodents, typically consists of 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 carbohydrate form as an energy source. Generally, dry food contains a higher percentage of carbohydrates compared to 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. For instance, Royal Canin Feline Health nutrition dry cat food for young kittens is nutrient- and calorie-dense and generally well-liked by most 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 necessary extra calories for weight gain.
Calculating Feeding Portions
Once you’ve identified a food that meets your cat’s needs and excites them about mealtime, it’s time to determine the correct portion sizes. For gradual and healthy weight gain, it’s generally recommended to calculate your cat’s resting metabolic needs 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 serve.
Tips for Helping a Cat Gain Weight
Addressing underlying health issues, selecting the right food, and determining portion sizes are crucial for success. However, this is just the beginning. Establishing a consistent feeding routine is also essential. Here are some tips to encourage your cat to eat reliably and gain weight safely.
Feed Small, Frequent Meals
A cat’s stomach is quite small, comparable to the size of a ping-pong ball. Therefore, it’s normal for your cat not to consume large amounts 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 typically better tolerated and can reduce the risk of vomiting after eating.
Warm Up Wet Food
The aroma of food stimulates a cat’s appetite. Warming up 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 at or near their body temperature, around 38.5°C (101.5°F).
Offer Appropriate Snacks
Healthy snacks offered between meals can contribute to your cat’s weight gain. You could try tempting your cat with a few high-protein, simple bites of freeze-dried chicken, such as PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats, between meals.
Reduce Your Cat’s Anxiety
A calm cat is a happy cat, and happy cats tend to have a better appetite. Cats are solitary hunters and eaters, preferring to eat their meals undisturbed. While it’s natural to want to hover over a cat who has been unwell, they are likely to eat better if given some space.
Consult Your Vet About Appetite-Stimulating Medication
Your veterinarian can prescribe medications to help 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 (patches or gels applied to the skin or gums) if administering a pill is difficult.
Featured Image: iStock.com/AaronAma
