First, allow us to clear any potential misunderstandings and clarify what we mean by ‘fattening up’ your cat. Unhealthy weight gaining a cat may result in obesity. It can lead to various health problems, including diabetes, joint issues, and liver disease.
However, if you’re concerned that your feline friend has looked a little too skinny lately, don’t worry! We have some purrfect tips to help your kitty pack on the pounds healthily.
So grab a ball of yarn, sit back, and let’s get started on this feline fitness journey about “how to fatten up a cat.” From increasing their food intake to encouraging exercise, we have everything you need to help your kitty gain weight and feel their best.
Table of Contents
Why is a Cat Too Skinny?
The struggle of maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just a human problem; cats can have issues too! If your feline or your kitten is so skinny or your kitten is not gaining weight, there could be a few reasons.
And before delving into the ‘how-tos,’ knowing the possible reasons behind your cat’s skinny physique is also essential!
- Underfeeding: If miss kitty cat is not getting enough food or is not eating enough of the food provided, she may become too skinny.
- Health problems: Certain health issues, such as with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, with kidney disease, cancer, and intestinal problems, can cause a feline to lose weight.
- Parasites: Intestinal parasites are freeloaders who make themselves home in your furry friend’s digestive tract, feasting on essential nutrients intended for your pet.
These unwanted guests can cause your feline furball to lose weight, leaving them feeling weak and lethargic.
- Stress: Stress can turn even the most enthusiastic eater into a picky feline, causing them to turn their nose up at their food and leading to weight loss.
Whether it’s a change in environment, a new addition to the household, or even the sound of construction work nearby, cats can experience stress in various ways, significantly impacting their appetite.
- Age: As Mr. Snuggles, the cat, grows older, they may experience a natural slowing of their metabolism, which can lead to weight loss. This occurs because their body’s ability to break down and process nutrients become less efficient.
- Dental problems: If your furry friend is experiencing dental issues, mealtime can become a real pain, literally!
Cats rely on their teeth to chew their food; if they’re experiencing pain or discomfort, they may avoid eating altogether. This can quickly lead to weight loss and other health problems.
The 7 Ways to Fatten Up a Cat—healthily!
Now, we’ve got you covered with some healthy ways to help your kitty gain weight and return to their optimal shape!
You should consult with your cat’s vet first to ensure that your cat follows a regime that suits its liking and is doable for them.
What to prepare?
- High-quality cat food
- Kitty treats!
- Feeding schedule
- Fresh and cool water
- Supplements and some vitamins
What should you do?
1. Talk to your kitty cat’s veterinarian
Suppose you plan to make a skinny cat gain weight and be on a new diet or feeding regimen. In that case, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian first.
Your cat’s veterinarian will be able to guide how to safely and effectively manage your cat’s weight gain or loss, considering any existing medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and age-related changes that may affect its nutritional requirements.
By checking in with them before making any changes to your cat’s diet, you can be sure they get all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and fit!
2. Choose high-quality cat food
When choosing cat food for your skinny kitty, it’s important to select high-quality food packed with protein and calories.
Look for cat food formulated specifically for weight gain, and check the ingredients list to ensure it contains plenty of animal-based protein and fat.
However, watch out for cat food loaded with carbohydrates or fillers. These can be tough for your kitty to digest and won’t provide the energy and nutrients they need for healthy weight gain.
3. Offer some little kitty treats
Now, who doesn’t love treats? Offering your cat a few daily treats can help increase its calorie intake, and would help make skinny cats fatter. If you want to give your skinny kitty an extra calorie boost, offering them some tasty treats can be a great way to do it!
Just make sure you choose treats made with natural ingredients and low in sugar and salt. While treats can be a fun and delicious way to supplement your cat’s diet, excessive treats can lead to obesity and other health issues.
So limiting your cat’s treat intake to a few small treats per day is best. (Your cat will thank you for it! *winks*)
4. Establish a feeding schedule
Establishing a feeding schedule can be a helpful strategy for helping your skinny kitty gain weight. Instead of feeding them one or two big meals daily, break them into several smaller ones throughout the day!
Feeding your cat smaller, more frequent meals can help increase their calorie intake and provide them with a steady energy supply throughout the day.
It can also help prevent them from feeling too full after a large meal, which can be especially important if they have a small appetite or are prone to digestive issues.
When establishing a feeding schedule, it’s vital to be consistent and stick to a routine.
5. Mix in wet food, remember the water!
Wet food is often higher in calories than dry food. Mix wet food with your cat’s dry food to increase calorie intake. Make sure the wet food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
We also suggest changing your cat’s water (and giving the bowl a good scrub) at least twice daily. The more often, the better! Ensure your kitty is hydrated and happy with plenty of fresh, cool water to avoid dehydration.
6. Add supplements and some vitamins
You should also consider supplements! Your furry pal’s vet may recommend supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or probiotics to help your cat gain weight.
7. Regular monitoring of your cat’s weight
Regularly monitoring your feline buddy’s weight is essential to guarantee they gain a healthy weight.
Weigh your cat regularly, ideally once a week, and keep track of its progress over time. You can use a digital scale or visit your vet’s office for weigh-ins.
If you notice sudden changes in your cat’s weight, such as rapid weight gain or loss, be sure to contact your vet immediately.
Home Remedies & Healthy Treats to Help a Cat Gain Weight
If you’re looking for some homemade cat food to gain weight or healthy treats to help put weight on a cat or let them gain some extra weight and fatten up a kitten fast, you may be wondering what ingredients to look for in its food.
While it’s always important to check with your kitty’s veterinarian before changing their diet, natural, whole foods may help promote weight gain.
Some ingredients include canned tuna, chicken breast, egg yolks, whole milk, cooked chicken liver, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese.
And, of course, when introducing new ingredients to your cat’s food, it’s crucial to do so in moderation. This can help prevent stomach upset and other potential health issues.
Also, some cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese may not be the best choice.
Exercises & Activities That Can Help A Cat Maintain A Healthy Weight
To fatten up a kitten fast or help your feline furry keep at a healthy weight, do not forget also to include regular exercise and physical activity!
- Playtime with interactive toys like feather wands or laser pointers
- Cat trees and climbing towers for climbing, jumping, and playing
- Puzzle feeders to keep your cat mentally stimulated and active
- Catnip to boost activity levels
- Walking on a leash with a harness specifically designed for cats (optional)
Just be sure to check with your little Neko’s vet to guarantee your chosen activities are safe and appropriate for your cat.
What Foods Should Avoid in Cat Diets?
While many foods are safe and nutritious for cats, some should be avoided as they can harm their health.
- Chocolate contains a toxic substance called theobromine
- Onions and garlic can damage a cat’s red blood cells and cause anemia
- Grapes and raisins, which can potentially cause kidney failure
- Avocado, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea
- Alcohol, which is toxic to cats
- Bones, which can splinter and cause choking or digestive system damage
- Raw meat and eggs can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli
It’s important to remember that every feline furball is bizarrely exceptional and may have unique dietary needs or sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Feed An Older Cat That Is Losing Weight?S
To help an older cat that is losing weight or feed an old cat to gain weight, it is paramount first to visit the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Afterward, you may follow the necessary dietary regimen that the vet issues or look for articles like this to help you and your feline furry in its fitness journey!
Is It Okay To Feed Human Food To Fatten Up A Cat?
While feeding your cat human food to fatten them up may be tempting, it’s generally not recommended. Human food is not nutritionally balanced for cats and can lead to health problems if given in excess. Additionally, we know that some human foods can be toxic to our dear cat friends.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, helping your skinny cat gain weight can be done in a healthy and safe way.
By consulting with your vet, providing a nutritious diet, offering small meals and treats, engaging your cat in exercise, and monitoring their progress, you can help them achieve a healthy weight.
And if you need some extra guidance or support, don’t be afraid to check out online communities like Reddit, where you can connect with other cat owners and share your experiences.
We hope that this article about ‘how to fatten up a cat’ somehow guided you in your cat’s fitness journey!
I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.
