If your cat is a little too skinny, it may not be getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy. If this is the case, you’ll want to consider putting a few extra pounds on them. But how do you go about doing that?
How can you ensure that your underweight cat is getting the nourishment it needs while also making sure they don’t become overweight? This guide will provide some tips on fattening up your cat. Older cats might struggle with this, along with your younger feline friend(s).
Feeding Your Cat High-Calorie Food
The first step in fattening up your cat is to increase its calorie intake by feeding them high-calorie foods, which will encourage weight gain. There are plenty of commercial cat foods available that contain higher levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates than their regular diets. These foods can help put weight on cats quickly and safely.
Just make sure to consult with your veterinarian before switching your cat’s diet, as different cats have different dietary needs and sensitivities, or if you notice changes in your cat’s appetite or a sudden lack of appetite.
Take Them for Regular Checkups
It’s important to take your cat to the vet regularly, even if they’re not showing any signs of illness or discomfort. Unexplained weight loss especially can be a warning sign in elderly cats or cats that weren’t picky eaters before but experienced a change in behavior. There may be underlying medical conditions in a skinny cat, such as intestinal parasites, kidney disease, or even they’re just missing essential nutrients.
A veterinarian can help you determine first thing what is causing your cat’s weight loss and tell you the best course of action for gaining the weight back on in a healthy way. The overall health checkup is also the best way to combat health issues and health conditions that build over time.
Change Their Diet
Your vet may recommend changing your cat’s diet to a new food as part of their treatment plan. They will also confirm your cat’s ideal weight. You should look for cat food that has higher levels of fat and animal protein, as well as more calories than regular cat food. The best cat food contains ingredients that are sourced from animals, such as chicken or fish, rather than plants or grains.
Additionally, consider giving your cat canned wet food instead of dry cat food, or at least in addition, which will provide extra calories per serving than dry food does. You should also avoid serving your cat’s human food, kitten food for adult cats, or vice versa.
Create a Feeding Schedule
Establish a feeding schedule for your cat so that they are eating at least twice per day from their food bowl (or more if recommended by your vet). You can use an automatic cat feeder to help you manage this if necessary. This will ensure that they are getting enough calories throughout the day and will help them maintain optimal weight. Y
ou may also want to give them treats throughout the day as well; this will encourage them to eat more often and get used to eating multiple times each day. Keep in mind that cats don’t always eat when they’re hungry; they may just be bored or seeking attention, so keep an eye out for signs like meowing or rubbing against your legs when it’s time to feed them again!
Adding Supplements to Their Diet
In addition to switching up their food, you can also try adding supplements to their diet to help boost their calorie intake without overfeeding them. Fish oil, omega fatty acids, and multivitamins are all great options for giving cats an extra boost of energy and nutrition without the risk of overeating. Just make sure to talk with your vet before giving any type of supplement to your pet, as some supplements may interact adversely with certain medications or conditions. There are supplements aimed at senior cats, adult cats, and kittens as well.
Exercising With Your Cat
Exercising with your cat ensures healthy cats and can also help them gain muscle mass, which in turn helps them maintain a healthy weight and build strength. Take your cat for regular walks or play games like fetch or tug-of-war with them in order to get them moving around more often. Not only will this get their heart rate up, but it will also give them an opportunity to explore their environment and burn off excess energy so they won’t feel tempted to overeat when mealtime comes around.
The key here is consistency; create a daily routine for exercising with your cat and stick with it! This will help keep both you and your furry friend motivated throughout the process of helping them reach a healthier weight!
Do It In A Healthy Way
Fattening up a cat isn’t as hard as it may sound – if done correctly! Simply switch out their regular diet for high-calorie food, add some supplements into their diet (with permission from a vet), and exercise regularly with them—and voila! You’ll soon have a healthier and happier kitty who’s back at an optimal weight in no time! So remember – don’t fret over fattening up Fluffy – just follow these simple steps, and she’ll soon be back at her fighting weight again!