What To Feed An Older Cat That Is Losing Weight
- Age-Appropriate Diet. Senior cats require a specialist diet to meet their nutritional needs. This will contain more protein, as well as supplements to boost their vitamin intake.
- Wet Food vs. Dry Food. ...
- Supplements. Your cat might need extra support to restore lost weight and maintain its health. ...
How to get an overweight senior cat to lose weight?
What You Can Do to Help Kitty Lose Weight
- Visit your vet for a checkup. ...
- Choose the best food for weight loss in your cat. ...
- Ask your vet what kind and how many treats your cat can have every day without sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
- Exercise your cat! ...
- Weigh your cat frequently to monitor their progress and stay on track.
Does your senior cat need to lose weight?
Unintentional weight loss in cats can be a cause for concern. If you weren’t trying to help your cat lose weight, and especially if your cat is a senior, there might be a health issue to blame. The causes of unintentional weight loss in cats range from simple lifestyle changes to serious illness.
What is the best cat food for senior cats?
The 10 Best Senior Cat Foods
- Wellness Complete Health Senior Dry Cat Food — Best Overall. ...
- Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Senior 7+ Dry Cat Food — Best Value. ...
- Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Dry Cat Food — Best Premium. ...
- American Journey Indoor Pate Canned Cat Food — Best Wet Cat Food for Senior Cats. ...
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. ...
Why is my older cat losing weight?
- Hyperthyroidism occurs with a wide variety of symptoms. ...
- Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed by palpation of the enlarged thyroid gland. ...
- Another typical case of a happy cat that begins to lose weight is diabetic cats. ...
- Actually, these cats do not lose fat. ...
- If you suspect that your cat may have an endocrine problem, do not delay going to the veterinarian. ...
What can I feed my old cat to gain weight?
Cat Food Options for Weight Gain Your veterinarian can also prescribe high-calorie cat foods like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Recovery RS canned cat food or Hill's Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care canned cat food. These formulations are highly digestible and provide the extra calories your cat needs to gain weight.
Why is my elderly cat losing weight but still eating?
"A cat who's losing weight but still eating is extremely common in older cats, and is a primary sign of hyperthyroidism," Rucinsky says. "This disease is super-common and one of the most treatable problems we see.
What to feed a cat who is losing weight?
Some weight loss diets, such as Purina Proplan OM® and Royal Canin® Calorie Control, are high protein, low carbohydrate, others such as Royal Canin® Satiety and Hills® Prescription Diet w/d have high fiber content to help the cat feel more full and stop begging for food.
Why is my 15 year old cat so skinny?
What's going on? Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems, to name a few.
Why is my old cat so bony?
As they age, cats are not able to digest their food as well resulting in increased nutrition requirements. If their nutrition does not meet their requirements, they will lose muscle mass resulting in the ability to easily feel the bones of their spine and hips when petting them.
Is Wet food better for weight loss in cats?
Compared to dry food, wet food has much more moisture and therefore fewer calories per the same volume of dry food. For pets that need to lose weight, a wet food is usually best because the cat eats a similar volume of food while receiving fewer calories.
Why is my cat skinny and bony?
There are two main causes for a skinny cat: Either they aren't eating enough, or they're expending more calories than they are taking in. They may not be eating enough due to stress, dental disease, nausea or a host of other reasons.
Is Tuna good for a cat?
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.
When Do Cats Start to Get Old?
7 years old is the middle age for most cats and “senior care” programmes will be suggested to be provided to your cat.
High Protein vs Low Protein
Food supply is one of the most important parts of caring for your older cat. What to feed an older cat was a debated topic. The major point of contention is the daily intake of protein.
Why is portion feeding important for cats?
Portion feeding plays an important role in controlling calorie intake and decreasing your cat's chance of becoming overweight or obese. On the other hand, portion feeding also helps you identify a decreased or absent appetite early on, which could signal underlying medical problems.
How old are cats considered senior?
When is a cat considered to be senior or geriatric? The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) consider cats between 11-14 years of age to be senior while geriatric cats are 15 years and older.
How to keep cats from drinking water?
Some cats prefer to drink running water – if your cat prefers water from the tap, invest in a water fountain for them. Clean and freshen water bowls regularly to eliminate built up debris that may deter your cat. Feeding more canned food will also increase water intake.
How old do cats need to be to have energy?
Similar to humans, energy or calorie requirements in cats initially decrease in their senior years but unlike humans, energy requirements start to increase around 11 years of age. This is because, as cats age, they have difficulty digesting fats, proteins, and energy.
What causes a cat to die?
Cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease are the most common causes of non-accidental death in cats, but proper nutrition may help mitigate the risk of developing certain diseases and chronic conditions.
Why is it important to monitor your cat's body condition?
It is important to closely monitor your cat’s body condition and muscle condition and keep both in a good range as discussed in the handout “Obesity in Cats.”. Maintaining healthy body condition and muscle mass reduces the risk for many diseases including cancer, kidney disease, osteoarthritis, and immune-mediated disease.
How old do cats live?
In fact, 35-40% of cats in North America are at least 7 years of age, and it is not uncommon for cats to live well into their twenties. Better nutrition, safer lifestyles, and improvements to preventive healthcare have contributed to this trend.
What to feed a senior cat?
What to Feed Senior Cats. Depending on your veterinarian’s individual recommendations, you might want to consider a diet especially designed for senior cats. This specialized senior cat food tends to be energy dense and highly digestible to compensate for an older cat’s slower metabolism. Look for increased levels of antioxidants to slow down aging.
How many calories should an elderly cat eat?
Most senior cats will have about the same caloric needs as an adult cat—roughly 280 to 360 daily calories depending on the normal lean weight —as long as they are healthy. Some older cats will actually have an increase in energy requirements.
Why is it important for cats to have fresh water?
Feline kidney disease can be a silent killer that creeps up on an older cat. Drinking and flushing out toxins helps to keep kidney problems at bay.
How old do cats have to be to be considered a senior?
Most cats are considered seniors by the time they reach 10 or 11 years of age. Still, many cats now live to 20 or more. Why the longer lifespan? Improved veterinary care and specialized nutrition —which, for some older felines, may mean making the switch to senior cat food.
What happens when a cat is senior?
Once your cat reaches senior status, it is important to have regular checkups. Just as a kitten can go from healthy to in trouble quickly, so can a senior cat. They also have fewer reserves and often have underlying health problems that contribute to weight loss. Regular blood work can often detect problems early on.
Can cats with diabetes eat more?
At the same time, a cat with diabetes may seem ravenous and will eat more than usual while losing weight. The same symptoms can be seen in hyperthyroidism. Both conditions are treatable and respond best if caught early. Our senior cats are treasures, and every day with them is a gift.
Does senior cat food help arthritis?
Look for increased levels of antioxidants to slow down aging. Some senior cat food will also include supplements to help with worn-out joints and to combat arthritis. While cats can use carbohydrates, a senior cat food with a high level of protein is important.
Why should elderly cats eat reduced protein?
She continues by explaining why veterinarians suggested feeding elderly cats a reduced protein diet because, “After a lifetime of eating commercial pet food containing poor quality protein that is difficult to digest, a cat’s kidney and liver function is compromised.
Can an elderly cat be a pet?
It’s a blessing to be owned by an elderly cat. Even though the many common medical conditions to which aged cats are prone may often require these kitties to require a great deal of extra-special attention and care; nothing rivals the experience of living with a kitty who has reached a ripe old age. Elderly cats speak strongly about the excellent care they have received over the years.
Do older cats need more protein?
Fortunately, however, many veterinarians are becoming aware that in fact, elderly cats actually need more protein than younger kitties. In 1992, Dr. Delmar Finco, a veterinary nutritionist discovered through his research, that as pets age, the requirements for protein really increase.
Do cats eat meat?
As obligate carnivores, cats require meat as their diet mainstay. With the wide variety of cat food available today that is designed to meet the nutritional needs of this elderly feline population, it can be rather confusing to decide on which brands to feed.
Can elderly cats eat raw food?
Raw or “gently cooked” fresh food is an excellent diet for elderly cats. Dr. Becker recommends that if it is impossible to feed raw that dehydrated or freeze-dried balanced food reconstituted with plenty of water is good second choice. However, feeding an all dry-food diet in the long run will cause problems.
Can cats with kidney disease eat low protein diets?
Although low protein diets have been traditional ly prescribed for cats with kidney disease, fortunately Dr. Finco’s work uncovered the fact that cats who were fed low protein diets developed hypoproteinemia; a condition where there is an abnormally low level of protein in the blood.
What causes weight loss in cats?
The below list can cause weight loss in cats of any age. Parasites - Gastrointestinal parasites can cause a lot of problems in your pet, like; roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. And there are the one celled organisms, such as; Isospora sp., Giardia, Toxoplasm.
Why does my cat lose weight?
These are some of the more common reasons for weight loss in your elderly feline family members. 1. Hyperthyroidism . Hyperthyroidism is one of the more common reasons that a cat will lose weight especially when they get into their senior years.
How do you know if your cat has parasites?
Your cat may experience the following symptoms if they have parasites: dull coat, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, mucousy or bloody feces, loss of appetite, pale mucous membranes, or a potbellied appearance . Medication and cleanliness are the keys to getting rid of and controlling parasites in your pet's life.
What are the symptoms of a cat having a bad tooth?
Symptoms of dental issues in your cat are: bad breath, weight loss, bleeding and swollen gums, loose or missing teeth and difficulty eating. Cats are prone to all the same dental conditions as people, such as; plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth root abscess and tooth loss.
How old is a cat when it has a thyroid problem?
The average age of cats diagnosed with the hypothyroidism is 12 to 13 years old. Many cats with overactive thyroids will also experience vomiting, increased drinking and urination can also be symptoms of this disorder.
Why do cats have kidney problems?
Chronic kidney disease can be caused by infections, cancers, exposure to toxins, and malfunction of the immune system.
What type of cancer does a cat have?
Cancer can come in several forms in cats. The most common types are mast cell tumors, s quamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma and bone cancer . Mast Cell Tumors - Cats tend to get lumps and bumps as they age. Some of these can consist of white blood cells (mast cells).
What to feed a poorly kitty?
Providing nutritionally balanced and tasty food is the key. In addition, homemade foods such a piece of cooked chicken with white rice can tempt your poorly kitty. In fact many vets recommend it.
Why do cats need a diet?
Just like people, cats need a healthy diet to fend off illnesses, and keep well. Deficiency in proteins such as taurine and carnite can weaken a cat, especially if it’s elderly. Gut health is also vital, and maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria is important.
What happens if my cat refuses to eat?
What if your cat refuses to eat. If your cat refuses to eat anything, there’s not a lot you can do. In very sick, elderly cats it could mean the end isn’t far off. However sad and heartbreaking, your vet will always put the cat’s welfare first.
How to help a senior cat with depression?
Bullying can be helped by talking to your vet or animal behaviourist. Avoid moving litter boxes or food bowls as it could stress your senior kitty.
Why do cats look skinny?
This is why you often see very old cats looking skinny with fur in poor condition. It’s often not down to neglect, but a natural aging process. Sudden weight loss is different though, and must always be reported to your vet.
How to treat IBD in cats?
IBD can be treated with a combination of diet and medication, but your vet will need to carry out tests first. Possible causes can be weakened immune system and poor gut flora. You can help strengthen your cat’s immune system and improve gut health with diet and probiotics.
Why does my cat lose appetite?
Stress can cause changes in your pet’s behaviour, sometimes resulting in loss of appetite. As I’ve often mentioned, cats are highly sensitive animals. Even the slightest change can affect your fur baby’s wellbeing. A new pet, bereavement, bullying from other cats, or even moving food bowls can upset your kitty.
What causes a cat to lose weight
Below are the multiple causes behind weight loss in cats and some solutions for it.
What to do when my cat is losing weight?
You have to call the veterinarian and schedule a visit to diagnose the condition behind the cat losing weight. Never treat the cat yourself without a visit to the vet in situation of unexplained weight loss.
Conclusion
We have brief you about the reasons behind cat losing weight. There are various reasons behind weight loss in cats, such as; intestinal parasites, viral disease, renal disease, etc. Whenever your cat is eating and throwing up, or your cat is eating well but losing weight, always visit the veterinarian.
