How to Increase Weight on a Cat
Although there are variations between breeds, a healthy cat typically weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. According to Craig Bond, DVM, even a healthy cat's weight can fluctuate by as much as a pound or two from season to season because cats tend to eat more in the cold months and less in the warm months. However, sudden or consistent weight loss in a cat is a sign of a health problem such as parasites. If the weight loss is a health issue, your vet will need to provide treatment. But if your cat simply has a poor appetite and could use a few pounds, here are some things you can try at home.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Kitten food (canned)
- Nutri-cal paste
- Canned pumpkin
- Fresh or baby food bananas
- Low-sodium canned or fresh chicken broth
-
Boost Kitty's Nutrition
-
1
Feed two 3-oz. cans of kitten food to your cat at each meal. Kitten food is higher in fat and nutrients than regular cat food and can help your cat gain weight.
-
2
Give her Nutri-cal paste, a high-calorie vitamin supplement that is available without a prescription. For a 10-pound cat, give 1-1/2 tsp. by mouth.
-
3
Give your cat a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin in between meals. Many cats love the taste, and pumpkin has lots of fiber and nutrition, both of which may help the cat gain weight.
-
4
Give her a tablespoon or two of fresh or baby food bananas, if she likes them.
Make Food More Appealing
-
1
Mix some chicken broth into his regular food. Chicken broth may also be added to the cat's water if he is not drinking enough.
-
2
Warm up the cat food in the microwave, just to body temperature (warm to the touch, but not hot). Cats are drawn to warm food because, instinctively, they like food at the temperature of the prey they would catch if they were in the wild.
-
3
Ask your veterinarian about prescription and non-prescription high-caloric foods that are available.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can also try feeding your cat an extra half portion of his regular food, if he enjoys it.
Always take your cat to a veterinarian if you notice weight loss or that she is not eating. These steps can help add nutrition and stimulate an appetite, but they will not fix an underlying medical cause.
