Your Cat May Have Dental Issues
Perhaps your cat is uncomfortable when they eat so they simply dont. And now they are losing weight because of it. Dental issues in cats are not uncommon.
If your cat is trying to eat but seems uncomfortable dental issues may be to blame. Or if you see them pawing at their mouth that can often be a sign they are having some issues with their mouth and should be seen by a vet.
What To Look For In Cat Food For Weight Gain
Nowadays, there are many cat food brands that offer balanced blends of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that aid in digestion, radiant appearance, and strong muscles. If your primary goal is to make your cat gain weight, then always consider the nutrient analysis. Thus, the food with about 30% of protein suits you best of all. Protein is important for mass gain, muscle growth, and consuming enough protein on a daily basis will help your cat gain weight naturally.
Read more:Homemade Cat Food Recipes Every Cat Will Love
Which Food Can Also Help Cat Gain Weight
Cats like to eat rich, meaty treats. You should prefer including foods that have a natural flavor and offer the right mix of nutrients to help them gain weight in your cats diet. Natural flavor is an additive made from hydrolyzed animal tissue and adds concentrated meat flavor to the food. Additionally, you can try incorporating flavorful high calorie cat treats like Bonito flakes, duck fat, bone broth, canned and water-packed tuna, ham, turkey, chicken, or baby beef, canned and water-packed sardines, or cooked/raw chunks of unseasoned meat.
Read Also: The Name Of The Cat From Alice In Wonderland
Natures Variety Instinct Lid Grain
Our Top Pick for the Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach and Weight Gain: If your cat is malnourished or needs to gain a lot of weight, it is important to choose a recipe that will provide for his calorie needs without being too harsh on his stomach. This Natures Variety Instinct LID Grain-Free Rabbit Recipe Dry Food is a great choice because it is made with a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk for triggering food allergies and sensitivities. This formula is also made with rabbit as a novel source of protein, providing 35% protein and 19% fat. It contains coconut oil and canola oil to ensure the ideal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. Overall, it provides over 450 calories per cup and is loaded with real meat ingredients to improve the flavor and palatability for your cat.
- Pros: Novel protein source , limited number of ingredients, rich in omega fatty acids, 457 calories per cup, chelated minerals, freeze-dried rabbit coating for flavor and nutrition
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, first source of fat is plant-based
How We Rate Foods
Our database of cat foods contains over 2000 individual foods.
We collected all the relevant information on each product, including:
- AAFCO Rating
- Macronutrient profiles
- Price and price per pound
- Calories per 100 grams
- Whether meat is the first ingredient
- How each food compares to the average of all foods on a macronutrient basis
- Whether the recipe uses more than 4 controversial ingredients
Each of these data points works together to form a star rating on a 1-5 star scale .
We think that this system provides a fair, transparent system by which we can compare all foods on an equal footing, and give you the easiest possible time when choosing the best of the best.
Don’t Miss: How To Unmat Cat Hair
Vary Food Or Change Up Flavors
Your cat could be bored. If you are feeding the same food day in day out there is a chance your cat might have lost interest or worse, developed a food sensitivity that makes eating off-putting.
Try changing flavors to see if you can inspire your cat to eat more. Dont assume your cat wants to eat stuff that you think, as an owner sounds good. Try all sorts of flavors to see if you can get some variety in their eating experience. This might perk up their appetite.
Some cats that eat the same food day in day out can develop intolerances brought on by a gradual build up, or exposure, to various ingredients . These intolerances can make your cat throw up so they dont get the same calories in or they might find their appetite dwindles.
Change out food flavors and brands to see if they will eat more and get a healthy appetite going.
Best High Calorie Cat Food : Top Options For Skinny Cats
When your cat is sick or underweight, high calorie foods can help them to stay healthy and maintain muscle mass.
|
Why Buy from Chewy? |
If your cat is underweight, a high-calorie food can help to bulk them up, but thats not the full story.
Being underweight is usually indicative of an underlying problemcats are rarely skinny for no reason. If your cat is underweight, a change in diet may be necessary, but its also important to know whats wrong. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to be sure that you are not only treating your cats weight, but also any underlying issues that are causing it.
In this article, youll learn how to choose a nutrient-rich, palatable food thats packed with the fuel your cat needs.
Don’t Miss: Blue Wilderness Adult Cat Food
How To Feed An Under
Selecting a high-quality natural food rich in meat proteins is a great way of helping finicky eaters find a food they will love and eat. A texture your cat most enjoys will matter too, confirms WellPet veterinarian Danielle Bernal DVM.
A frail or ill cat may prefer to eat multiple smaller meals rather than being fed one big meal.”
But given that cats generally are nibblers and prefer to eat on demand, Bernal suggests that the main focus is ensuring that the cat gets the required number of calories needed in a diet to meet its nutrient requirements.
Young kittens generally require more meals in a day. However, if you are trying to boost the health of a severely under-nourished kitten, Bernal advises more frequent feeding.
A very young kitten will need to eat more frequently than just key meals, confirms Bernal. I usually suggest just ad-libbing it until eight weeks of age, dividing out their calorie requirements. Then four meals a day until 12 weeks of age before moving to an easier routine of twice daily. Given cats tend to eat multiple meals throughout a day however, and if you feed a wet and dry combo, I suggest leaving the allocated dry food amount out all the time so that a kitten can eat on its own schedule.
Your Cat Is Stressed Out
Cats can suffer from stress just as much as humans can. And it can certainly affect their appetite.
If you have recently moved, your cat has been sick, or youve had a new addition in the home, your cat may feel a bit out of sorts. And if you have suffered a great deal of stress your cat can pick up on your feelings and get stressed themselves.
Try to make your cat feel more comfortable and loved. And try your best to manage your own stress to make your cat feel better.
Also Check: Blue Buffalo Mature Wet Cat Food
High Calorie Wet Food For Active Kitten
-
Please post in our Community Feedback thread for help with the new forum software! If you are having trouble logging in, please Contact Us for assistance.
omewhere.
Best Cat Food For Weight Gain: Bulking Up Your Skinny Kitty
While many adult cats become overweight, there are also those that are visibly too skinny. Its true some cat breeds are naturally slim like the Oriental Shorthair, Russian Blue, and Devon Rex cat breeds.
But some cats just dont eat enough or are fussy, which prevents them from reaching a cat’s ideal healthy body weight. In this case, the right cat’s diet is one that your slender cat should want to eat more often.
If your usually healthy cat loses weight, an underlying health issue could be the root cause. If this is the case, the best pet parent immediately plans a visit to the vet for a medical check-up.
There are several possible causes of a cat’s appetite loss. Its a condition called anorexia that can be life-threatening if the liver is forced to process stored fat in the body due to the lack of food intake.
This review aims to guide pet owners about weight loss in cats: its possible causes, practical remedies, and the best cat food for weight gain.
Here at FelineLiving.Net we have a dedicated mission to provide cat owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the best care and nutrition to their cat.
Our readers rely upon the cat food reviews, articles and recall alerts that we research and publish. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.
at a glance: our top 5 picks for best fish oil for cats
Also Check: Normal Pulse Rate For Cats
What Causes Unhealthy Weight Loss In Cats
In cats, unhealthy weight loss may be due to decreased metabolic activity with age or it could be linked to an underlying medical problem.
Here are some of the most common causes of unhealthy weight loss in cats:
- Insufficient calorie intake
- Anxiety, stress, or depression
- Dental problems, including tooth decay or inflammation of the gums or mouth
- Neurologic or central nervous system disorders
Because the average body weight for a healthy cat is only about 10 pounds, a loss of even a single pound could be significant. If your cat loses more than 10 percent of their body weight, this is cause for concern and should be immediately checked out by a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to determine the underlying cause for your cats weight loss and suggest a course of treatment for it. Seek treatment quickly, as sudden, rapid weight loss in a cat can lead to fatty liver disease, which can be fatal.
Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe Canned Food
Our Top Pick for the Best Highest Calorie Wet Cat Food for Weight Gain: If your cat prefers canned food, this is one of the best options in high calorie wet cat food for weight gain. This Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food is a high-quality source of balanced nutrition for all cats and one of the best canned cat food for weight gain options. It features fresh venison as the first ingredient which, in addition to being a complete source of animal protein, is also a novel protein. This means that there is a low risk of triggering food allergies and sensitivities, especially since the recipe is also grain-free and made with a limited number of ingredients. This formula contains 92% fresh meat, organs, and New Zealand green-lipped mussels to provide 45% protein measured by dry matter basis. It is rich in calories and fat as well as natural flavor, so not only will it help your cat gain weight, but hell love eating it.
- Pros: Real venison as main ingredient, limited number of ingredients, novel protein and carbohydrate, grain-free recipe, 45% protein by dry matter, chelated minerals, high in fat and calories
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, may be too high in fiber for some cats
Read Also: What Does A Male Cat Look Like
Check Out The Best Cat Foods For Weight Gain
To help your cat gain weight, you may want to switch to a nutritionally balanced cat food made with at least 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat. A recipe made primarily with meat, poultry, or fish is likely to be appealing and digestible.
Here are our top picks for the best cat food for weight gain:
How Do I Know If I Have An Underweight Cat
Its best to visit your veterinarian if you think your cat is underweight especially if it has come on suddenly. They will be able to advise you if there are any underlying medical problems and what you should do.
However, you may want to monitor your cats weight from time to time to make sure they are not losing too much.
The best way to do this is to weigh them. If you dont have an accurate scale you may be able to pop by your vets office for a free weigh in every so often. Check with the office to see what they say.
You can also check to see how prominent your cats ribs are. If bones are noticeable whenever you pet your cat or even look at your cat that may be a sign they should gain some weight.
The average housecat weighs about 10 pounds. But the healthy weight range can vary by breed. Do some research and ask your vet what a healthy weight range is for your cat.
Its also important to keep in mind that even a pound or two below their ideal weight is 10-20% of their body weight. So, if a cat who should weigh about 10 pounds weighs 8 pounds thats the approximate equivalent to an adult who should weigh 120 pounds weighing 96 pounds! Thats hugely underweight.
Also Check: How To Tell The Gender Of Your Cat
High Calorie Cat Food: Why Is My Cat Underweight
First things first: You are not a bad cat parent. There are a ton of reasons why your cat is losing weight and luckily, most of them have easy remedies.
Older cats metabolize food less efficiently, so even if theyre eating their usual amount, the food isnt being processed and stored properly.
Hyperthyroidism is another common affliction of senior cats which causes weight loss.
Conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes, resulting in increased thirst and urination, causes weight loss. As do diseases such as cancer and gastrointestinal problems.
Mouth problems such as toothache prevent a cat from eating properly. And even competition for food with other cats can hinder a proper diet.
Its imperative that your kitty has a visit to the vet to determine if there is something more sinister behind the weight loss or changed eating habits.
An entertained cat is a happy cat. Check out my posts on 9 Best Treats for Cats, Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Cats, 6 Best Toys for Cats, 27 Beautiful Cat Ornaments, 14 Best Cat Chew Toys, Clothing for Cats, and Best Costumes for Pet Cats.
What Are The Dangers Of Obesity For Cats
If your cat is carrying around a few extra pounds, hes not alone.
According to a 2011 study published by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention , more than 50% of cats are either overweight or obese. Just because your cat is in good company, however, doesnt mean that you shouldnt be concerned. Obesity is very dangerous for cats.
Here are some of the risks associated with overweight and obesity in cats:
- Being overweight or obese increases your cats risk of developing disease and can greatly reduce life expectancy. A 2.8-fold increase in mortality can be seen in obese cats in the 8-12 age range.
- Obesity puts a great deal of strain on your cats bones and joints which can increase his risk for osteoarthritis and other joint problems.
- Being obese greatly increases your cats risk of type 2 diabetes .
- Overweight and obesity can increase your cats blood pressure as well as his risk for develop cardiovascular disease.
- Excess fat in the chest and abdomen can restrict your cats ability to breathe normally this also reduces his heat and exercise tolerance.
- Overweight and obese cats have a higher risk for urinary tract disease and bladder stones.
- Obesity can negatively affect both heart and lung function which makes surgery and other procedures that require anesthesia a greater risk.
Read Also:
You May Like: Are Tuxedo Cats Smart
Why Feed Your Cat High Calorie Cat Food
Cat foods with higher calorie counts basically pack more energy into each bite than other foods. That means that your cat could eat the same amount of food as she currently does, but start to gain weight. Weight loss would only occur if she still couldnt get enough calories, and you may need your vets help at that point.
Its a great way to fatten up a cat a little bit without force-feeding her!
There are a few types of cats that might need a higher-calorie diet than normal.