What can I feed my senior 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.

How much should a 16 year old cat weigh?

Ideal Weight for Cats Most domestic cats should weigh about 10 pounds, though that can vary by breed and frame. A Siamese cat may weigh as few as 5 pounds, while a Maine Coon can be 25 pounds and healthy.

When is it time to euthanize an old cat?

Terminal Disease. One of the most obvious reasons to consider humane euthanasia is when a pet has a terminal disease, such as heart failure, cancer or another incurable condition. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about how they will manage the disease — in some cases a specialist may be necessary.

Why is my senior 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 do old cats get skinny?

Elderly cats can lose weight because their metabolism slows down. It becomes more difficult to process food, so they eat less. They’re also less physically active, so they start to lose muscle mass. Older cats can lose so much weight that they start to look skinny and bony.

What to do if your cat is losing weight?

If you notice your cat is losing weight, your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. Your vet will do a physical exam first. Next, lab tests and/or x-rays may be needed to determine the problem. Based on the findings, your vet may recommend medication, diet change, surgery, or other treatment.

Why is my cat eating but losing weight?

If your cat suddenly stops eating and begins to lose weight, but seems otherwise healthy, it could be something as simple as a sore tooth causing the problem. Drooling and pawing at the mouth may be other signs of a tooth issue. Mouth ulcers or severe gingivitis can also contribute to the problem.

What causes weight loss in cats?

Infestation of internal parasites, stress, anxiety, depression, a change in food and even moving to a new home can cause a feline to stop eating, leading to a dramatic decrease in body weight.