What to Feed a Cat to Make It Gain Weight

Cats need to be a healthy weight. While some cats are thinner than others by nature, all cats need to eat enough that they can remain healthy and live long lives. If your cat is thin it could be genetic (Siamese cats are naturally thin) or indicative of an underlying health problem. Helping your cat gain weight, however, should be simple if you go about it the right way.

Ask Your Vet

Take your cat to the vet for a checkup. If your cat eats a normal amount of food yet it still does not gain weight there may be some medical condition afflicting it. Various types of parasites and fungal growths (ringworm, tapeworm) can cause weight loss in cats. There are also many other medical conditions that might make a cat eat less. The most important step is your cat having a clean bill of health before it gains weight.

Quality of Food

Cats should eat a diet of high-quality protein with a few vegetables and fruits and little to no grains (especially corn or wheat). Cats cannot correctly metabolize carbohydrates, yet grocery store cat food is mostly corn and is not what cats should be eating.

Instead, buy your cat high-quality cat food made from natural products. A good cat food has real meat in it and no meat byproducts. Look for foods rich in chicken and turkey and some fish (too much fish is not good for cats as it may cause fatty liver disease). Also, look for foods that do not have corn or wheat in them, although rice is all right.

There are actually many foods on the market right now that have high-quality meat and are grain-free. Not only will these foods help your cat gain weight, they will also make your cat's fur softer and make them much healthier.

Quantity of Food

There is no set rule on how much one should feed a cat. Cats usually do not overeat, like dogs. In nature, cats eat many small meals throughout the day, so as pets, cats like to graze, nibbling now and then when the mood strikes them. In order to make sure your cat is eating enough, always have high-quality dry food available for them (and fresh clean water). Also, feed them high-quality wet food as well. Do not feed them too much, as this can also cause fatty liver disease. Go by your cat's weight. A 6 to 8 lb. cat should eat either one can of wet cat food a day (high quality), or a cup of dry cat food a day, or a mixture of the two (half of each).

In order to find out how much your cat should eat a day, be sure to visit your vet. She will be able to better tell how much your cat should eat. Be sure to tell her about your cat's activity level, as well, as this will affect how much food you give your cat.

References

• Weight Loss in Cats
• Best Cat Foods