Welcoming a feline friend into your home is a joyous occasion, but it can also bring about concerns, especially when your cat is struggling to maintain a healthy weight. While feline obesity is a well-discussed issue, many cats also battle being underweight. This can be a complex problem, extending beyond simply altering food portions. Understanding the root cause of your cat’s weight loss is the crucial first step in developing a safe and effective plan to help them regain a healthy physique.
Understanding the Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss
When a cat loses weight without a clear dietary reason, it often signifies an underlying medical condition that requires veterinary attention. Several health issues can manifest as unintended weight loss, and identifying the specific cause is paramount to successful treatment. Some common culprits include:
- Intestinal parasites: These internal organisms can steal vital nutrients from your cat, leading to weight loss and other digestive issues.
- Kidney disease: Compromised kidney function can affect appetite and nutrient absorption, resulting in a gradual decline in body weight.
- Hyperthyroidism: This endocrine disorder speeds up a cat’s metabolism, causing them to burn calories rapidly and lose weight despite an increased appetite.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a cat’s body being unable to effectively use glucose for energy, resulting in weight loss.
- Dental disease: Painful oral conditions, such as gum disease or broken teeth, can make eating difficult and unappealing, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
- Gastrointestinal disease: Conditions affecting the stomach or intestines can impair digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Lung disease: Respiratory issues can impact overall health and energy levels, potentially contributing to weight loss.
- Chronic pain: Persistent pain from various sources can decrease a cat’s appetite and activity level.
- Cancer: Malignant growths can significantly impact a cat’s metabolism and nutritional status, leading to emaciation.
Creating a Weight Gain Action Plan with Your Veterinarian
Once you and your veterinarian have identified and addressed any underlying diseases, the focus shifts to the critical task of weight gain. Your veterinarian will be instrumental in tailoring a plan specific to your cat’s age, breed, and unique medical needs. A diet customized for your cat’s condition offers the best chance of success. Your vet will also help determine your cat’s ideal weight and establish a schedule for regular weigh-ins to ensure the plan is effective and that your cat doesn’t gain too much weight.
For cats with health issues, gaining weight is about more than just increasing calorie intake. Diets designed for specific conditions are formulated with the precise balance of macronutrients and micronutrients needed to promote weight gain while simultaneously managing the unique challenges posed by the disease.
Nutritional Strategies for Underweight Cats
If your cat’s health issue has been successfully managed—whether it’s treating parasites or resolving dental pain—simply correcting a calorie deficit might be all that’s needed. Your veterinarian will guide you in selecting appropriate foods for healthy weight gain.
Prioritize Palatability and Nutritional Completeness
The very first step in any weight gain strategy is to find a food that your cat genuinely enjoys eating without causing digestive upset. The ideal food must meet their dietary requirements while being highly palatable to encourage consumption. Cats can be notoriously picky about flavors, food textures (canned versus dry), and even the specific way their food is prepared. Identifying and catering to these preferences is the most crucial initial step.
As obligate carnivores, cats require essential nutrients derived from animal products. Their natural prey, like small rodents, typically consists of about 55% protein, 45% fat, and only 1–2% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. While carbohydrates make up a small portion of their natural diet, most cats can metabolize up to 40% of their diet as carbohydrates, which serve as a valuable energy source. Generally, dry cat foods tend to have a higher carbohydrate content than wet foods.
Recommended Food Options for Weight Gain
High-quality kitten food is an excellent choice for healthy cats needing to gain weight, as most kittens find it highly palatable. For instance, Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition dry cat food for young kittens is calorie- and nutrient-dense, and typically appeals to a wide range of feline palates.
Your veterinarian may also recommend specialized 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 formulas are highly digestible and provide the concentrated calories necessary for effective weight gain.
Calculating Appropriate Portion Sizes
Once you’ve identified a food that meets your cat’s nutritional needs and dietary preferences, the next step is to determine the correct feeding amounts. Calculating your cat’s resting metabolic needs and adding approximately 20% more calories is a general guideline for gradual, healthy weight gain. Your veterinarian can assist you in translating this caloric target into specific portion sizes of the chosen food.
Practical Tips for Encouraging Weight Gain
Establishing a feeding routine is crucial for success once the underlying health issues, appropriate food selection, and portion sizes are in place. Here are several practical tips to help your cat eat reliably and gain weight safely:
Establish a Feeding Routine with Small, Frequent Meals
A cat’s stomach is quite small, so it’s natural for them to eat smaller amounts at a time. Regardless of whether your cat prefers wet, dry, or a combination of foods, offering about one tablespoon of food every few hours can be beneficial. These small, consistent meals are generally easier for cats to tolerate and can reduce the likelihood of vomiting after eating.
Enhance the Appeal of Wet Food with Gentle Warming
Warming your cat’s wet food can significantly increase its aroma, making it more enticing. Microwaving the food in a microwave-safe bowl for a few seconds can achieve this. The ideal serving temperature for most cats is around their body temperature, approximately 38.5°C (101.5°F).
Offer Healthy Snacks Between Meals
Strategic snacking can contribute to your cat’s weight gain. Consider offering a few high-protein, simple treats like freeze-dried chicken bites, such as PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats, between meals to provide extra calories.
Minimize Stress and Anxiety Around Mealtime
A calm and content cat is more likely to have a healthy appetite. Cats are naturally solitary hunters and eaters, preferring to dine without disturbance. While it’s natural to be concerned when your cat is unwell, excessive hovering can be counterproductive. Allowing your cat some personal space during meal times can encourage them to eat more readily.
Consult Your Vet About Appetite-Stimulating Medications
If your cat’s appetite remains poor despite these measures, your veterinarian can prescribe medications to stimulate their hunger. These medications typically induce an urge to eat within an hour. You can also inquire about transdermal formulations (gels or patches applied to the skin or gums), which can be an easier alternative to administering oral pills.
Featured Image: iStock.com/AaronAma
Dr. Liz Bales is a graduate of Middlebury College and The University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. She focuses on unique…
