How to Treat an Underweight Cat
A cat that is underweight could be so for several reasons. Your cat may simply not like his food, or he may be suffering from a disease. Treatment for underweight cats begins with a diagnosis as to what is causing the weight loss. The solution could be as easy as changing your cat's diet or may involve more serious medical treatments.
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Things You'll Need
- Alternative cat food
- Worming medication
- High-fat, high-protein diet
- Insulin
- Fluids
- Low-phosphorus diet
- Antiviral medication
- Antibiotics
Instructions
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Visit your cat's veterinarian for diagnostic testing. The vet may take blood, urine and stool samples, as well as radiographs to determine what is causing your cat's weight loss.
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Change your cat's food, if dislike of her diet has caused the weight loss. There are many commercial cat foods, each with a different taste, texture and consistency, and it may take a few tries to find what your kitty likes best. Your veterinarian may prescribe special food to help your pet gain weight.
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Administer worming medication to your cat if parasites are the reason for his weight loss. The type of medication depends upon which parasite is infecting your cat. Once your cat is free of nutrient-stealing parasites, he will likely gain weight.
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Manage your cat's blood glucose levels if the weight loss is caused by diabetes. According to the veterinary website peteducation.com, a diet high in protein and fat, along with insulin injections, can help to control your cat's blood glucose levels and ultimately assist in weight gain.
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Treat your kitty with supportive care if kidney failure is the reason for her weight loss. Dr. Debra Primovic of PetPlace.com states that while kidney failure cannot be cured, you can manage its progression with fluids and a low-phosphorus diet. If you diagnose and treat your cat's kidney failure quickly, she may regain weight.
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Administer supportive care to your pet if his weight loss is caused by feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus. While there are no cures for these conditions, they are typically managed with the antiviral drug AZT, fluids and antibiotics, if needed. Along with a high-quality diet, these treatments may help your cat to put on weight.
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Tips & Warnings
According to peteducation.com, parasites in cats may be treated with medications that contain emodepside, epsiprantel, imidacloprid, milbemycin oxime, moxidectin, praziquantel, selamectin, or a combination of these. Consult with your veterinarian as to which medication will work best for your cat.
Never attempt to diagnose or treat your cat's weight loss without the help of a veterinarian. Some diseases can be life-threatening if not diagnosed or treated properly.
