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. Most senior cats struggle with eating dry food due to dental issues. Their gums and teeth are not strong enough to chew through dense ingredients.
- Supplements. Your cat might need extra support to restore lost weight and maintain its health. ...
What is the best cat food for older cats?
Meat protein is generally the best cat food for older cats. Health problems such as feline kidney disease and feline diabetes are partially managed by diet. Your senior kitty may need prescription food for older cats to help manage their illness.
What should I do if my senior cat won’t eat?
If your older cat won’t eat, you should amend its diet. Warmer food, wet food, and meals specifically designed for senior cats will all help your cat to gain weight and muscle mass. Encouraging an older cat to gain weight may initially feel a little strange.
How can I get my senior cat to gain weight?
You can encourage senior cats to gain weight by offering a variety of food. Soft and wet food will be easier to chew and more appetizing. You can warm up the food in the microwave and spice it with extra flavors to improve your cat’s willingness to eat.
How to help an older Cat regain body mass?
Helping an older cat regain some body mass is far easier than you’d think. You need to give it more food, albeit in smaller portions each day. The more food your cat eats, the more weight it will gain. After all, more food translates to more calories. If your cat has a health issue, its diet may need to be tailored.
How can I fatten up my geriatric cat?
8 Tips to Fatten a Cat the Healthy WayUse Kitten Canned Food. ... Prefer Canned or Wet Food Over Dry Food. ... Increase the Food Amount Gradually. ... Supplement Fish Oil. ... Offer Healthy Homemade Treats and Prices. ... Make The Food More Attractive. ... Have More Than One Option. ... Keep An Eye On Sensitivities and Intolerances.
Why is my elderly 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 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 foods help older cats gain weight?
Here are our top picks for the best cat food for weight gain:Nature's Variety Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Pâté ... Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Chicken and Cod Recipe. ... Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey, and Chicken Liver Canned Food. ... Solid Gold Indigo Moon High-Protein Cat Food.More items...
Why is my 13 year old cat so skinny?
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. Most are readily suspected and confirmed based on physical examination and routine laboratory testing.
What are the signs of an old cat dying?
5 Signs Your Cat Is DyingLack of Interest In Eating and Drinking. Like other animals, it's common for cats to lose their appetite toward the end of their lives. ... Extreme Weakness. ... Lower Body Temperature. ... Changes in Appearance and Smell. ... Seeking Solitude.
How much weight loss in a cat is concerning?
Nevertheless, any cat that is losing more than 10% total body weight should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian, especially if it is consuming food and still dropping pounds.
What to give a cat to put on weight?
Healthy (but skinny) cats may simply need more meals per day and/or free access to dry food in order to gain weight. Cats prefer to 'graze' or eat small meals throughout the day so having food available all day long can make all the difference.
What foods fatten up a cat?
Adding protein-rich treats between his meals is great, too! Additionally, “human food” such as cottage cheese, egg whites, vegetables or yogurt are recommended since they have extra calories and can be a yummy treat to help fatten your cat.
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.
Why is my elderly 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.
Do cats get skinny when they get old?
Cats tend to lose the ability to digest and absorb fat as they grow old. Although obesity does occur in middle-aged cats, feline seniors more often lose weight and take on a distinctively “boney old cat” feel.
Why is my old cat thin at the back end?
As cats get older, they will start to lose weight, causing them to become thin in their hindquarters. In most cases, this weight loss is due to the loss of fat and is part of the natural aging process. Therefore, it is nothing to be too concerned about.
Do cats get thinner as they get older?
As they progress through to 12 and 15 years old, cats lose more lean muscle mass and fat, so they start to look thinner. The exact reasons why are unclear, but keeping your older cat on the same food might play a role.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Can older cats lose weight?
Problems with an Older Cat Losing Weight. Certainly, senior cats who are overweight need to diet a bit, but feline obesity is seen more commonly in adult cats. Weight loss is a much bigger problem for most seniors.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Why is my cat not eating dry food?
Most senior cats struggle with eating dry food due to dental issues. Their gums and teeth are not strong enough to chew through dense ingredients. Moreover, some diseases like hyperthyroidism can make it hard for your cat to digest dry food. If you notice that your cat is having trouble, consider replacing its diet with wet food.
What is senior cat food?
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. Senior-specific food is usually cut into smaller pieces and made softer. This ensures it’s easier for your older cat to chew and swallow.
How do older cats gain muscle?
If you want your skinny senior cat to gain muscle, then focus more on proteins. Avoid diets that have any filler or empty calories.
How to help an older cat gain weight?
You need to give it more food, albeit in smaller portions each day. The more food your cat eats, the more weight it will gain. After all, more food translates to more calories. If your cat has a health issue, its diet may need to be tailored.
Why is my cat skinny?
In other cases, an old feline will lose enough weight to become skinny and bony. This is usually due to health complications that are part of the aging process. Diseases such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and even arthritis are common in elderly cats. They are often characterized by rapid weight loss.
Why does my cat need extra support?
Your cat might need extra support to restore lost weight and maintain its health. If it’s been on hunger strike for a while, the depletion of its vitamin and mineral stores will be the greatest issue.
Why is my cat eating less?
In healthy cats, this is because of how their metabolism slows down. It becomes more difficult to process food, so they eat less of it. They’re also less active, so they require fewer calories to stay healthy. Extra weight is lost, but as long as it’s done in a gradual and controlled manner, it’s healthy.
How to tell if my cat has a digestive disorder?
The most common signs of cat digestive disorders are similar to that of gastrointestinal parasitism: diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Treatment usually consists of rehydration, blood electrolyte restoration, and antibiotics. During this time, your vet may advise you to feed your cat easily-digestible high-protein ...
How do you know if your cat has diabetes?
The biggest signs and symptoms of diabetes in cats include increased thirst, urination, lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and general loss of interest. If a cat is diagnosed with diabetes, her diet should be high in protein but low in carbs. Dry cat food usually has a high carbohydrate content as it’s mostly made of starch, ...
What is the most common disease in cats?
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common feline diseases found in cats over the age of 12. In a nutshell, hyperthyroidism is caused by the abnormal production of thyroid hormone by the cat's thyroid glands.
How to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
Similar to most other common cat diseases, hyperthyroidism is curable. Treatment includes medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and, in more severe cases, surgery. If your older cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, limiting the amount of iodine in her diet is highly recommended.
What does it mean when a cat has hyperthyroidism?
During this period, a cat may also show restlessness or hyperactivity, difficulty breathing, and depression.
How often do intestinal parasites affect cats?
In fact, it has a prevalence rate as high as 45% and is likely to affect a cat at least once or twice in her life.
Why does my cat not have appetite?
Psychological Issues. Cats who are under extreme anxiety, stress, or depression may experience an increased lack of appetite, which often results in weight loss. Some of the most common reasons for psychological stress include the loss of a loved one, excessive noise, dirty sleeping areas, and dirty food dishes.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
Why is my cat losing weight?
If you notice your cat is eating normally, yet losing weight there are several possible reasons. One of the most common is hyperthyroidism , and fortunately, this can be successfully managed. Other symptoms include hyperactivity, and an increase in appetite.