It’s common for veterinarians to discuss feline obesity, but many cats also struggle with being underweight. Just like weight loss, weight gain can be a complex issue for cats, and it’s not simply a matter of increasing food portions. The first crucial step is identifying the underlying cause of your cat’s weight loss before implementing a plan to help them safely reach a healthy weight.
Several medical conditions can lead to a cat losing weight, including intestinal parasites, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, dental disease, gastrointestinal issues, lung disease, chronic pain, and cancer.
Creating a Plan of Action for Your Cat’s Weight Gain
Once you and your veterinarian have determined the underlying condition and established a treatment plan, you can focus on the critical task of 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 particular health 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 the effectiveness of the plan and ensure they don’t exceed it. For ill cats, regaining a healthy weight involves more than just increasing calorie intake. Specialized diets are formulated with the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to promote weight gain while addressing disease-specific concerns.
What to Feed a Cat to Aid Weight Gain
If your cat’s underlying health issue is managed—such as treated parasites or removed painful teeth—correcting the calorie deficit might be the only remaining treatment required. Your veterinarian will consider several factors when recommending a healthy cat food for weight gain.
Select a Food Type That Aligns with Your Cat’s Preferences
The most critical initial step is finding a food that your cat finds palatable and that doesn’t cause digestive upset. The ideal food should meet their dietary needs while also being highly appealing to encourage eating. Cats can have strong preferences for specific flavors, types of food (canned or dry), or even textures. Conversely, they might be repulsed by certain aspects. Navigating these preferences is the essential first step in ensuring your cat eats adequately.
Ensure the Food Meets Nutritional Requirements
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must obtain essential nutrients for survival from animal-based products. The natural prey of cats, like small rodents, typically consists of approximately 55% protein, 45% fat, and 1–2% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. While natural prey has a low carbohydrate content, most cats can tolerate up to 40% of their diet as carbohydrates, which serve as a good energy source. Generally, dry cat food contains a higher carbohydrate content than wet food.
Cat Food Options for Promoting Weight Gain
High-quality kitten food is an excellent option for healthy cats needing to gain weight, and most cats enjoy eating it. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition dry cat food for young kittens is a nutrient- and calorie-dense option that most cats find highly palatable.
Veterinarians 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 formulas are highly digestible and provide the additional 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 encourages them to eat, 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 converting this into the appropriate amount of food to serve.
Tips to Help Your Cat Gain Weight
Addressing underlying health issues, choosing the right food, and calculating the correct feeding amounts are vital for success. However, this is just the beginning. Once these are in place, you’ll need to establish a consistent feeding routine. Here are some tips to encourage your cat to eat reliably and gain weight safely.
Feed Small, Frequent Meals
A cat’s stomach is roughly the size of a ping-pong ball, 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 small, regular meals are typically better tolerated than larger ones and can reduce the risk of vomiting after eating.
Consider Warming Your Cat’s 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 heat your cat’s food, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and warm 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 offered 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 their regular meals.
Reduce Your Cat’s Anxiety
A calm cat is a content cat, and content 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 better if given some personal space.
Consult Your Vet About Appetite-Stimulating Medication
Your veterinarian may offer medications designed to stimulate your cat’s appetite. About an hour after administration, your cat should feel an urge to eat. You can inquire about transdermal forms of the medication (such as a patch or gel applied to the skin or gums) to avoid the need for oral pilling.
Featured Image: iStock.com/AaronAma
