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 food for an older cat?
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food, 3 oz cans
- FORMULATED FOR CATS 12+: Royal Canin Feline Health Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy is wet food tailored for senior cats 12 years and older
- JOINT SUPPORT: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain healthy joints and keep mature cats active
- SATISFIES PICKY EATERS: An instinctively preferred ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates helps satisfy picky eaters
What is the best diet for older cats?
- Contains grains
- Dry food alone may not be enough for senior cats—make sure there is always fresh water available or pour water or a low-sodium broth into the kibble
- Kibble may be difficult for cats with dental problems to eat
What should I feed an older cat?
What should I feed my cat?
- Basic cat feeding guide. The following information is general advice, but as each cat is an individual, seek veterinary advice, particularly if your cat has any special dietary needs or ...
- Feeding bones. ...
- Other foods. ...
- Toxic foods. ...
What is the best diet food for a cat?
“Small pieces of cooked meat or fish make wonderful treats for cats,” says Dr. Coates. Other yummy treats include cooked egg, cantaloupe, and mashed sweet potato. Conversely, there’s a long list of human foods your cat cannot eat, including chocolate and grapes.
What can I feed my elderly cat to gain weight?
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.
What should I feed my old skinny cat?
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.
Is it normal for an old cat to get skinny?
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.
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.
How do you fatten up an old 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 cat's back 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.
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 a cat dying of old age?
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.
Is my cat too skinny if I can feel her spine?
Feel around your cat's spine Perform the same test on your cat's spine. Again, you should be able to feel the bones, but not excessively. If the vertebrae feel very knobbly or like there's nothing on top of them, your cat is underweight. If they're difficult to feel, you have an overweight cat.
Is it normal for a 16 year old cat to lose weight?
Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible.
What to do if your senior cat is losing weight?
If you have a senior cat that is eating but losing weight, you should consider changing its diet. The food that you provide could be missing vital nutrients that are essential for a healthy weight.
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 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.
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.
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).
How to tell if my cat is losing weight?
If your cat has a lot of hair or used to be slightly overweight, then it can be harder to tell when weight loss has occurred. To assess your cat's body condition, start by looking at your cat's body from above. At an ideal weight, there should be a tuck at the waist that is noticeable but not extreme. Next, run your hands along your cat's sides. ...
How do you know if your cat has kidney problems?
Increased thirst and urination are among the first signs noticed when a cat has kidney issues, followed by loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. 2 Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, often be medically managed with medication, diet change, and fluid supplementation.
Why does my cat have hyperthyroidism?
Cats with hyperthyroidism produce too much thyroid hormone due to an enlargement of the thyroid gland. This enlargement is usually caused by a benign tumor that grows on the thyroid.
How to tell if my cat has bad breath?
5 The first step to treatment is for the vet to put your cat under anesthesia and do a professional dental cleaning, exam, and treatment as necessary. Some cats will need oral surgery and/or tooth extractions.
What is the most common cancer in cats?
Lymphoma is one of the common cancers seen in cats and it can live in the GI tract, mouth, lymphatic system, and more. Most forms of cancer will eventually cause general malaise, lethargy, pain, muscle wasting, appetite loss, and overall weight loss. 6 .
Why is my cat so sensitive to stress?
Because they are often excellent at hiding outward signs of stress, they can experience bigger symptoms later on. Any environmental stressors can lead to anxiety and stress in your cat. Reduced appetite is a common sign of stress and will eventually lead to weight loss.
How do you know if your cat has diabetes?
Signs of diabetes include weight loss, increased appetite, thirst, and urination, and lethargy. 3 Diabetes is typically managed with insulin and a diet change. Other medications may be used. Some cats will even revert back to normal after several months of treatment.
How to help an old cat gain weight?
Depending on your cat's health status, the best solution to help an old cat gain weight is to feed her high-quality protein diets consisting of healthy meats such as salmon, chicken, turkey, fish, and the like, along with several plant proteins. Good luck!
What is the best food for a cat?
Some of the best high protein foods include sources of meat such as salmon, chicken, turkey, and lamb. Internal organs like liver and kidney are a plus, too. Taurine and arginine are equally important in a cat diet, as they promote health and blood health consecutively.
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.
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.
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.
How much weight should a cat lose?
It's important to find out how much weight your cat has lost as a starting point. A domestic mixed-breed cats should weigh eight to 10 pounds, while specific breeds can weigh a bit more or less because of their size, according to the cat weight chart of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
Why does my cat lose weight?
When the thyroid gland because overactive, a cat's metabolism revs up, sending him into a state of overdrive. He may beg for food, eat more than ever , and become more active as his body burns up calories quickly, thus causing him to lose weight.
Why does my cat's weight go down?
They may lose teeth or the teeth they have may hurt while they chew. Sometimes a disease is to blame for a cat's weight loss. Cats with hyperthyroidism, for example, still gobble up their food, but become skinnier and skinnier. If your older cat is losing weight, cancer might be a cause.
Why does my cat stop eating?
Tooth and gum problems. Cats may eat less because it's just too painful to chew crunchy pieces of dry food, or wet food may irritate inflamed gums or mouth ulcers . Oral cancer can also cause a cat to stop eating.
How much does a Siamese cat weigh?
For example, a Siamese should weigh five to 10 pounds, while the Persian's ideal weight is seven to 12 pounds. The heftier Maine coon normally weighs anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds. But if you're noticing your 16-year-old cat is getting skinny and slipping beneath these guidelines, it's time to find out what's going on.
What happens to cats as they get older?
As cats get older, their kidneys become less adept at filtering out waste products, which can build up in the bloodstream. As cats become more sick with kidney failure, they drink more, eat less, and lose weight.
Do cats lose weight as they age?
As they age, some cats grow lazier and fatter, spending their days soaking up the sun on the porch and begging for treats. But other cats begin to lose weight and some becoming disconcertingly bony. They might continue to chow down as soon as their dish is set in front of them, but still shed pounds, losing both fat and muscle mass.
