what to feed diabetic cat to gain weight

1. Feed your cat wet food to increase their protein intake. High protein is an important dietary factor for cats with diabetes.
2. Choose a high protein dry food if your cat won’t eat wet food. ...
3. Select food high in fiber. Cats with diabetes may need food high in fiber so they can better absorb glucose and fat in their diet.
4. Pick food that is low in carbohydrates and fat. Make sure your cat is getting at least 20-45 percent of its daily calorie intake from fat and only 1-2 ...
5. Ask your vet for food recommendations. Before you change your cat’s diet, consult with your vet. ...

Full Answer

What is the best canned cat food for diabetic cats?

The 11 Best Cat Foods for Diabetic Cats

• JustCats Fish & Chicken. ...
• NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery. ...
• Tiki Cat Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain-Free Canned Food. ...
• Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. ...
• Nulo Freestyle Minced Turkey & Duck in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. ...
• I and Love and You Super Food Surf n’ Chick Grain-Free Dry Food. ...

More items...

How to fatten up a diabetic cat?

Ways To Fatten Up A Cat

• Consult A Vet To Check Health Condition. You must consult a vet before starting fattening up your cat. ...
• Increase The Amount of Food And Frequency Of Feeding. ...
• Choose High-Quality Nutrient-Rich Food. ...
• Give Your Cat A Homemade Diet. ...
• Offer Treats In Between Meals. ...
• Give Your Cat Nutritional Supplements. ...
• Give Your Cats Kitten Foods. ...

What can I Feed my cats Besides cat food?

What Is A Good Substitute For Cat Food?

• Oily Fish. Truthfully, all fish is safe to feed to your cat. ...
• Meat. Beef, poultry, and any other fresh meat are good for cats to eat. ...
• Cheese. If you want to share a slice of cheese with your cat, that is fine. ...
• Berries. ...
• Melon. ...
• Carrots. ...
• Rice. ...
• Oats. ...
• Eggs. ...
• Spinach. ...

What is the best diet for Your Cat?

• Dry food usually contains plant-based proteins (grains, vegetables). ...
• Semi-moist cat food is another option. ...
• On the food label, look for a certification from the Association of American Feed Control officials. ...
• Ask your vet for recommendations on which commercial diets would be best for your FIV cat.

How do you put weight on a diabetic cat?

Good options like freeze-dried chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and liver are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, just like the foods recommended for diabetic cats. Stop giving treats if they interfere with your cat's appetite at regular mealtimes.

Can diabetic cats gain weight?

Clinical Signs of Diabetes There are a combination of clinical signs that let us know we may be seeing a diabetic cat: Weight Gain / Loss- in early stages, diabetics may gain weight as their appetite will increase and their internal insulin levels will rise and fall.

What can I give my cat to help her gain weight?

Healthy snacks between meals can aid in putting weight on your cat. Try tempting your cat with a few high-protein, simple bites of freeze-dried chicken, like PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats, between each meal.

What is the best food to feed a cat with diabetes?

The 11 Best Diabetic Cat FoodsSmalls Human Grade Fresh Cat Food – Best Overall. ... Purina Pro Plan Vet Diet DM Canned Cat Food – Best Value. ... Wellness CORE Grain-free Classic Pate Canned Cat Food. ... Wysong Epigen Salmon Canine/Feline Canned Cat Food. ... Instinct Original Grain-free Pate Canned Cat Food.More items...•

What are the final stages of diabetes in cats?

In the final stages, the cat starts wasting, with the body breaking down its own fat and muscle to survive. Lethargy/limpness and acetone-smelling breath are acute symptoms of ketoacidosis and/or dehydration and constitute a medical emergency. Untreated, diabetes leads to coma and then death.

How much canned food should I feed my diabetic cat?

How do you determine on how much wet food a diabetic cat should be given daily? Most cats do well when fed 1/2 to 1 can of high quality canned food twice daily. That is a 5.5oz can. You may need to adjust the amount based on your cat's activity level.

Is Tuna good for cats?

Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

What to feed an older cat that is losing weight?

I recommend looking for high-protein cat food as these tend to be the most calorific. Cats are also obligate carnivores and need meat and protein to survive. As one of their essential nutrients, it is better to feed a diet high in protein than in carbohydrates.

What is the most fattening cat food?

A Quick Look At Our Favorites in 2022RatingProductBest OverallSmalls Fresh Cat Food Cow RecipeClick to Save 33% Use code: Hepper2022Best ValueIams Proactive High Protein Dry Cat FoodCheck PriceHill's Prescription Diet Urgent Care Pet FoodCheck PriceNutri-Cal Gel High-Calorie SupplementCheck Price1 more row•6 days ago

Is Wet food better for diabetic cats?

When choosing a diet for your diabetic cat, it's best to choose wet foods that typically come in cans or pouches. Wet foods are lower in carbohydrates than dry foods and contain more water than kibble.

Why do diabetic cats lose weight?

Without insulin to steer glucose into the cells, the cat's body looks for alternative sources of fuel and breaks down reserves of fat and protein stored in the body. Fueling the body is not efficient without the insulin/glucose team, so the cat loses weight despite eating more.

Is Fancy Feast wet food good for diabetic cats?

Fancy Feast Fish and Shrimp Feast is one of the lower-cost foods that is good for diabetic cats. Its low-carb formula is primarily comprised of ocean fish, fish broth, shrimp, and vegetable oil. There are several kinds of Friskies for diabetic cats.

Why is my diabetic cat getting fat?

Without insulin to steer glucose into the cells, the cat's body looks for alternative sources of fuel and breaks down reserves of fat and protein stored in the body. Fueling the body is not efficient without the insulin/glucose team, so the cat loses weight despite eating more.

Why are diabetic cats always hungry?

Increased hunger is a common sign of diabetes because food ingested cannot be used as energy. Usually there are other initial signs like increased urination, thirst and weight loss. Cats can have vomiting and lethargy, and become extremely sick, if left untreated.

How can you tell if your diabetic cat is in remission?

How to recognise and approach diabetic remissionrises rapidly or significantly over 10mmol/L cats should be discharged on 1U twice daily.rises slowly towards or just above 10mmol/L, then cats should be discharged on 1U once daily.More items...

How many calories should diabetic cat eat?

The amount to be fed should be calculated using an estimation of the cat's ideal bodyweight, and as a starting point the aim should be to supply 293 kJ (= 70 kcal) per kg metabolic bodyweight: ideally the cat should lose between 0.5 and 2% of its body weight each week once on the new diet.

What is the best food for a diabetic cat?

For a diabetic cat, a high-protein, all-wet diet could make the difference between going into remission or being on insulin for life. While many veterinarians believe any kind of wet food is better than dry food, there are some guidelines to consider when choosing canned food for your diabetic cat. Canned foods with "sauce" or "gravy" tend to be high in carbs and can cause your cat's blood sugar to skyrocket. While canned food that combines chicken or fish with rice sounds good to human guardians, cats don't use the protein in rice efficiently, and it, too, can make your diabetic cat's blood sugar climb. There's no point in buying "holistic" canned food if your cat refuses to eat it. Many diabetic cats thrive on such supermarket brands as Fancy Feast and Friskies. Chicken, turkey or fish should be listed first on canned cat food labels. If the first ingredient is "meat by-products," choose another brand. Also watch for cane sugar, which is an ingredient in some commercial canned and pouch foods, and is not suitable for a diabetic cat. Veterinarian and author Elizabeth Hodgkins, D.V.M., J.D., says it's not necessary to feed diabetic cats prescription canned food, which is expensive and unpalatable to many cats. Such supermarket brands as Fancy Feast "can be used successfully to manage and cure the feline diabetic," Dr. Hodgkins says on her website (see Resources). Among the hundreds of members of the Feline Diabetes Message Board, the brands of canned food fed most often are Wellness, Fancy Feast, Friskies and commercial raw food (see Resources). Continue reading >>

How to treat diabetic cats?

Avoiding inducing inappropriately low blood glucose levels with therapy Cats with diabetes are most often treated with injectable insulin. Oral drugs for humans (hypoglycemic medications) such as glipizide rarely work in controlling diabetes in cats. Insulin injection (see Figure 1) can be taught to most owners and, with a bit of experience, both owners and cats usually adapt to these injections very well. There are a variety of insulin preparations available, and each works for a different duration and has different effects on the ups and downs of blood glucose. Ideally, your veterinarian will perform a 12-24 hour glucose curve, during which insulin is administered intermittently and blood glucose is measured to establish the type of insulin and dosing frequency that best controls blood glucose while avoiding inappropriately low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Your veterinarian may recommend feeding your cat a diet restricted in carbohydrates, which has been shown to improve control of blood glucose levels. When it comes to diet, its important to help your cat combat the weight loss that often occurs as a result of this disease. In diabetic cats that are underweight, this often means feeding multiple meals per day or allowing access to food at all times. If your cat is overweight, however, work with your veterinarian to institute a weight loss program, as managed weight loss in overweight diabetic cats will likely help the cat maintain steadier glucose levels. The optimal timing of meals for diabetic cats is controversial. Many veterinarians recommend feeding at the time of insulin injection to avoid a dangerous drop in blood glucose levels. However, there is no definitive evidence that the timing or frequency of meals in diabetic cats protects them from insulin- Continue reading >>

How does diabetes affect cats?

Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperosmolar Coma in Cats The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, near the stomach. Under normal circumstances, the pancreas makes insulin, a polypeptide hormone that helps to control blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. When a cat eats food, its blood sugar rises in accordance with the sugars in the food (whether they are natural sugars or not). The pancreas then makes insulin to lower the blood sugar levels to a healthy level. In this way, the other organs in the body are able to absorb and use this sugar for energy. In the case of diabetes mellitus, the pancreas is not capable of producing enough insulin. When this happens, the blood sugar level remains too high, a condition defined as hyperglycemia. A cat’s body responds to high blood sugar in several ways. First, extra urine is produced and your cat will need to urinate more frequently than usual. Because it is urinating a lot more, it will drink a lot more water, too. Eventually, your cat will be at risk for becoming dehydrated because of the excess urination. Because insulin helps the body to use sugar for energy, lack of insulin also means that the body’s organs will not receive enough energy. This will make your cat feel hungry all the time, and though it will eat a lot more food, it will not gain weight. If the diabetic condition is not treated early, your cat's blood sugar level will go higher and higher. Because of the excessively elevated glucose level, even more urine will be made and the cat will become dehydrated due to the loss of fluid. This combination of very high blood sugar and dehydration will eventually affect the brain's ability to function normally, leading to depression, seizures and coma. Coma is rare, however, since symptoms will often warrant a visit Continue reading >>

How to get a cat to gain weight?

Getting an underweight cat to gain weight is much easier if you know why they are losing weight. A trip to the vet should be your first step. A number of medical conditions could be causing your cat to be underweight. The most common are kidney disease, diabetes, IBS/IBD, bad teeth or dental problems or skinny old cat syndrome. Kidney disease is a tough one. Appetite suppression caused by kidney disease is your worst enemy. They must eat, so feed them as much theyll eat of any food. Its best if the food has less than 0.06% phosphorus. Low phosphorus is crucial in managing kidney disease and must not be ignored. New research suggests that low protein is not necessary for a kidney disease cat, as long as the protein is derived from highly digestible animal sources. Many older cats are protein deficient and have a higher need for protein including kidney disease cats. Diabetes can be easier to manage. Remove all starch from your cats diet and a newly diagnosed cat could go into remission within six weeks. The longer a cat is diabetic, the lower her odds of remission. Once blood glucose levels are under control, either from diet, insulin injections or both; weight will usually return to normal. IBS/IBD is another tough one. A diet containing nucleotides will strengthen and elongate the villi of the small intestine. Robust villi can dramatically decrease harmful bacteria colonizing the intestinal tract (in healthy cats as well) and will increase the adsorption of nutrients. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) is also a good nutrient and can help maintain the proper growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine. Stay away from any diet that contains plant proteins. Find a food that works for your cat and be patient. It can take up to eight weeks to see positive changes for a Continue reading >>

How to help an underweight cat gain weight?

Help your underweight cat gain weight with just a few easy additions. Cats can be picky eaters. If a finicky feline decides that food doesn't smell good or isn't enticing, sometimes she just won't eat. If your cat is thin, some simple diet changes could change her from supermodel thin to pleasingly plump. If your cat is skinny, the first step you should take is to find out why. Older cats may have a health issue, like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, that causes weight loss. Both of these can be managed pretty easily with a visit to the vet to get the right meds. If your cat goes outside, she may have picked up an unwanted parasite tagalong who is digesting part of her food. Usually, a simple dewormer can take care of that extra passenger. If you have a young or very active kitten, she may be just burning off more energy than she is taking in. Before making any diet changes, a trip to your veterinarian is a good idea to determine why your cat is underweight. Kitten Food is Good for Thin Cats of All Ages If you can get your kitty to eat more calories, she'll gain weight. The easiest change is to switch to a food with more protein and fat. Kitten food might be a good choice, since it is higher in protein and fat than most adult cat foods. Look for grain-free kitten foods, as they almost always will have the highest protein and fat levels, and don't contain any grain fillers, which is like junk food for our feline friends. Good brands for high-quality dry kitten food include EVO, Blue Buffalo, Fromm and Orijen. If your feline friend is finicky, consider adding canned food to her diet to get more calories in her. While canned food may not always have higher calories than dry food, the smell and taste may encourage your cat to eat more. Look for canned foods with proteins with Continue reading >>

Why does my cat drink so much water?

The body tries to eliminate the excess glucose by excreting it in the urine. However, glucose attracts water , so the urine glucose that is excreted also contains large quantities of the body's fluids. This causes the cat to produce a large amount of urine. To avoid dehydration , the cat drinks more and more water.

Can cats have diabetes?

In This Article We Take A Look At What Diabetes Means For Your Kitty. Helping You To Choose The Right Diabetic Cat Food For Your Precious Pet. Did you know that cats can get diabetes, just like humans? Its true, but as is the case with us humans, the good news is that most cases of diabetes mellitus can be treated and managed successfully. Of course, for any animal the ideal situation is to remain disease free. But when a diabetic condition is properly managed, cats can enjoy a normal lifespan. My adorable black tabby cat was diagnosed with diabetes 5 years ago. It was startling to hear that he had such a serious condition, but with medication and a diet recommended by his vet, Fuzzy is now doing fine. In fact hes going strong at 12 years old, and there seems to be no end in sight to his natural feline curiosity and enthusiasm for life. If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, you should know that there are things you can do to help manage her condition, including introducing diabetic cat food into her diet. Over 80% of diabetic cats are believed to have Type 2 diabetes which can require both medication and nutritional management. In many cases, diet alone can be an effective tool against diabetes, with many cats not requiring medication after switching to a low carbohydrate diet. Did you know that a diet high in carbohydrates increases blood glucose and insulin levels and as such may be a precursor to both obesity and diabetes in cats? This is why many experts view a low carbohydrate/high-protein diet as potentially helpful in preventing diabetes in cats. Particularly those at risk. This includes obese cats and/or feline Continue reading >>

How to feed a diabetic cat?

To feed a diabetic cat, start by selecting food that is appropriate and healthy for them. Then, create a feeding schedule and maintain your cat’s condition so it can lead a full, happy life with diabetes. Steps.

How to help diabetic cats lose weight?

Select food high in fiber. Cats with diabetes may need food high in fiber so they can better absorb glucose and fat in their diet. High fiber diets are also good for weight loss, which is ideal if your cat is overweight or obese.

How to help a diabetic cat with diabetes?

1. Feed your cat wet food to increase their protein intake. High protein is an important dietary factor for cats with diabetes. Look for food that contains high quality protein sources like chicken, fish, or beef. Canned food can be fed to increase your cat’s protein intake and decrease their carbohydrate intake.

What to do if your cat doesn't like food?

If your cat does not seem interested in its food, you may need to revert back to its old diet for a little while to get it to eat again and transition it to the new food more slowly. Do not let your cat eat people food or table scraps, as this can negatively affect its condition.

How to give insulin to a cat?

Give your cat insulin before feeding it. Always give your cat its insulin first, followed by a meal. Doing this will ensure the insulin is absorbed properly and do not have low blood sugar. Get in the habit of giving your cat insulin right before its scheduled feeding time.

How often should diabetic cats eat?

It is very important that a diabetic cat have a strict and regular feeding schedule. Feed your cat twice a day at the same times. If your cat usually likes to graze or snack throughout the day, try to get it to eat at set times instead.

How to help a cat that won't eat wet food?

Talk to your veterinarian before switching your cat’s food. Be sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Is fancy feast cat food low carb?

I have a cat who was diabetic, usually they are fat and need to LOSE weight! But I fed her Fancy Feast Classics which is extremely low-no carb. Only the classics I believe. Follow the link mentioned above, you will learn a lot from Dr. Pierson!

Can you give a diabetic cat KMR?

KMR dried milk and cream which naturally contains sugars which you don't want to give to a diabetic cat. I really recommend asking on the FelineDiabetes.com message board for suggestions on how to help your cat gain weight. I found these old threads that may be helpful:

Is fancy feast good for diabetic cats?

Tobermory 's suggestion of Rawz and jen 's of Fancy Feast Classics are also very good. Both are high-calorie and appealing and I've seen other mentions of feeding Fancy Feast to diabetic cats. Some Wellness Core foods (like the one with venison) are pretty high-calorie, too, though watch out because some have potato in them, which raises the carbs.

What to feed a cat with diabetes?

They are often made with plant proteins, by-products, and low-quality grains, not to mention more than the recommended 10% carbohydrate content.

How to help diabetic cat gain weight?

Restricting your cat’s intake of dietary carbohydrates is a good idea, and you may need to increase his protein and fat intake if he needs to gain weight. In addition to changing what you feed your diabetic cat, you may need to alter how much and how often you feed him as well.

What Do You Need to Know About Diabetes in Cats?

When it comes to diabetes in cats, there are two primary types: Type I and Type II. The treatment for both types is similar, but it is still a good idea to understand the condition from all angles so you can better care for your diabetic cat.

What is the best cat food for diabetic cats?

For the most part, the best cat food for diabetic cats is canned food – at least when you’re talking about commercial cat food. Commercial canned cat food tends to be higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in moisture than dry cat food which makes it ideal for cats with diabetes.

How does insulin help cats?

Supplemental insulin will help your cat’s body utilize the glucose he gets from his diet, but there are certain dietary changes you should make to help keep your cat’s blood sugar stable.

How do you know if your cat has diabetes?

Here are some of the most common symptoms of diabetes in cats: Signs of excessive urination (such as larger clumps of urine in the litter box) Increased water consumption. Diluted urine (evidenced by less urine smell in the litter box) Overweight or obesity. Muscle wasting along the back.

What happens when a cat's pancreas fails to produce enough insulin?

When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, the cells in your cat’s body are unable to absorb glucose (energy) from the bloodstream. Instead, they turn to an alternative source of energy – your cat’s muscles and stored fat. If you notice symptoms of diabetes in your cat, consult your veterinarian.

What Can I Do About My Diabetic Cat That Is Gaining Weight?

Our question this week was: I have a cat that is 13-years old that is diabetic and she is on 7-8 units of vetsulin 2x a day. She just keeps getting heavier. I do not over feed this cat. She get 1/2 a small can of prescription DM 2x a day. Can the insulin be making her get heavier and heavier? Also what can I do to get her weight down? Cheryl Bartley Answer Hi – thanks for your email. Sorry to hear about your cat. You wrote that your 13½ year old cat is a diabetic and gaining weight. That is a difficult situation. I'd recommend that you discuss it with your vet as managing the diabetes, insulin need and weight are important to do carefully and under supervision. In general, weight loss for cats is similar to us. The only way we can loose weight is to either exercise more or eat less. I'd recommend that you talk to your vet about deceasing the amount of food she is eating (by only a small amount) and increasing her exercise. You can buy some new toys and encourage play. Maintaining and ideal weight is very important to cats with diabetes. A normal weight can really help minimize insulin needs and diabetic complications. A couple articles that might be helpful to you are Diabetes in Cats and Obesity in Cats. Best of luck! Dr. Debra To read most recent questions Click here! Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers! Continue reading >>

How many cats are diabetic?

And while it’s difficult to know the exact incidence of diabetes in cats, best estimates put it somewhere in the range of 1 cat in every 100-200 cats will become diabetic. What’s even sadder is that this incidence seems to be on the increase. Fortunately, armed with some good information, important tips, and a good working relationship with your veterinarian, you can give your cats the best chance at avoiding this frustrating condition. And if they’ve already developed it, know that these same tools can help you best manage your cat’s diabetic state; avoiding the potential complications and perhaps even getting them into diabetic remission. What is diabetes? In the most basic sense, diabetes mellitus is a disorder where blood sugar, or glucose, cannot be effectively utilized and regulated within the body. There are several hormones within the body that play important roles in glucose metabolism. Insulin is one of the most important, if not the most important, and it’s the hormone most central to the development and control of the diabetic state. Glucose fuels the body and insulin is the hormone that helps to get it into most cells within the body. Diabetes is often easily diagnosed and controllable. However, when undiagnosed or poorly managed, diabetes can be devastating. Diabetes can absolutely be managed and your cat can still lead a long and happy life. Routine veterinary care and evaluation are important, as is achieving and maintaining an appropriate weight in your cat and feeding him an appropriate diet. There are two types of diabetes – Type I and Type II. In Type I diabetes, the pancreas Continue reading >>

Why is my cat losing weight?

Depending on the reason for your cat’s weight loss, you may notice that your cat’s appetite is reduced or entirely gone , a condition known as anorexia. This is dangerous for cats, because they are prone to something called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can develop when the liver must process large amounts of stored fat to provide energy to the body. But there are other medical situations that will cause your cat to lose weight, even if she continues to eat her normal amount of food. Whether your cat is eating or not, if you notice your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your veterinarian. If you are not sure what your cat’s ideal weight should be, your veterinarian will be able to provide guidance and a suggested feeding regimen to meet your cat’s nutritional needs. Causes of Cat Weight Loss Anxiety, stress, or depression. Cats under psychological stress may go off their food, which can result in weight loss. Situations that may upset your cat include excessive noise, other animals in the feeding area, dirty food dishes, or proximity of the food dish to the litter box. Cancer. Although not all cat weight loss is caused by cancer, it is a relatively common culprit. Other symptoms that commonly appear include loss of appetite, lethargy, and hiding. Diabetes. This disease, which may be caused by a failure to produce the hormone insulin or an impaired ability to respond to it, commonly causes weight loss in cats, often with a change in appetite. Cats with diabetes may also drink excessive amounts of water, urinate more than usual, act sluggish, devel Continue reading >>

Why do kittens struggle to gain weight?

Very young kittens may struggle to gain weight for a number of reasons. Firstly, a quick check of the roof of their mouth to ensure they’re not suffering with a cleft palate is sensible – your vet can do this for you if you aren’t sure. If all looks ok, check that they’re receiving enough milk.

Why does my cat lose weight?

The four most common reasons for cats to lose weight are diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure and cancer , and none of these is going to respond to feeding more food. If your cat has experienced recent weight loss, it’s a good idea to go to the vet for an examination ...

How to get rid of parasites in cats?

Firstly, worm your cat to ensure that no little parasites are going to be chowing down on anything you feed your cat. Next, find a food your cat enjoys – dry, wet, or both, and feed it freely. This usually means having dry food down all the time, and feeding wet in several small meals throughout the day.

How do you know if your cat is losing weight?

This is especially true if they’ve shown other signs such as drinking more, using the litter tray more, behavioural changes, vomiting or soft stools, as these are all signs of something more serious occurring. If your cat hasn’t recently lost weight, but has never been able to gain it, it’s also worth a visit to the vet.

How to tell if a cat is underweight?

A cat is considered to be underweight if their ribs are visible through their coat. Similarly, if the spine or hip bones are easily visible, they may need to gain a little weight. If you aren’t sure whether your cat needs to put some weight on, it’s a good idea to pop them into the veterinarian for a quick check-up.

Do senior cats need a diet?

They also do a high calorie version, which contains extra calories whilst remaining gentle on the kidneys. If your senior cat has had a full check up and bloodwork at the vets and has been signed off as healthy, a senior diet like these could be what they need to help them to maintain their healthy weight.

Can you stop a kitten from gaining weight?

They’re much more likely to have a condition stopping the weight gain, for one – so it makes it essential that you get that check-up done to make sure there’s nothing medical stopping them from gaining weight. They’ve also got very specific needs and feeding them a bit of kitten food as a top up could be very damaging.

How much protein does a cat need?

The natural prey for cats, such as small rodents, are estimated to contain around 55% protein, 45% fat and 1–2% carbohydrate on a dry matter basis.

Why is my cat losing weight?

It’s not just about changing food portions. First, you’ll need to find out why your cat is losing weight. Then you can determine a plan of action that includes a diet that will safely help your cat return to a healthy weight. Intestinal parasites. Kidney disease.

What diseases can cats have?

Then you can determine a plan of action that includes a diet that will safely help your cat return to a healthy weight. Intestinal parasites. Kidney disease. Hyperthyroidism. Diabetes. Dental disease. Gastrointestinal disease. Lung disease. Chronic pain.

Why do cats like to eat wet food?

Cats are stimulated to eat by the smell of their food. Warming up wet food can help make the food more aromatic and enticing to your cat.

Can cats eat all at once?

A cat’s stomach is only about the size of a ping-pong ball. So it’s normal that your cat won’t eat a lot all at once.

Is it normal for a cat to have a preference for a specific flavor?

It’s not unusual for a cat to have a strong preference for a specific flavor, type (canned/dry) or even texture of food. The same goes for a cat being repulsed by one or more of these factors.

Can a veterinarian help a cat gain weight?

Once you and your veterinarian have a plan for treating the underlying disease, you can get to the hard work of weight gain. Your veterinarian will likely have specific suggestions for your cat based on their age and medical needs.