Cats are lovely pets. But when cats get old, they may become too thin. This is not good for their health. In this article, I will tell you many ways to help your senior cat gain weight. You can try these methods to make your old cat healthy and fat.
Check Your Cat’s Health First
Before you start to make your senior cat fat, you must check its health. Old cats may have health problems that make them lose weight. Take your cat to the vet. The vet will check your cat’s teeth, mouth, stomach, and other parts. Some cats may have toothache. They do not want to eat because of the pain. Some cats may have stomach problems. They cannot digest food well. The vet can find out these problems. Then the vet will give your cat medicine or other treatments. When your cat recovers from illness, it will start to eat better.
Provide a Balanced Diet
Choose High-Quality Cat Food
High-quality cat food is very important for senior cats. Look for cat food that has a lot of protein. Protein helps cats build muscle. Muscle makes cats strong and also adds weight. The food should also have enough fat. Fat gives cats energy. Read the labels on cat food bags. Choose food made for senior cats. These foods have the right amount of nutrients for old cats. Do not buy cheap cat food. Cheap food may not have enough good things for your cat.
Add Canned or Wet Food
Canned food and wet food are great for senior cats. These foods are soft. Old cats with bad teeth can eat them easily. Canned food also has more water. It helps keep your cat hydrated. And it usually has more calories than dry food. You can mix canned food with dry food. Or you can feed canned food as a meal. Your cat will get more calories this way. But do not give too much canned food at once. Too much may cause stomach problems.
Ensure Fresh Water
Fresh water is a must for senior cats. Cats need water to digest food. They also need it to stay healthy. Put clean water in a bowl. Change the water every day. Some cats like to drink running water. You can buy a cat water fountain. The sound and movement of water may make your cat drink more. When your cat drinks enough water, it can digest food better. This helps with weight gain.
Increase Caloric Intake
Feed Small, Frequent Meals
Senior cats have a slow metabolism. They cannot eat a lot of food at one time. Instead of two big meals, give your cat four or five small meals a day. Small meals are easier for old cats to digest. Your cat will feel hungry more often. This makes it eat more food in a day. You can set a schedule for feeding. For example, feed your cat at 7 am, 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm, and 10 pm.
Give Calorie-Dense Treats
Treats can help your senior cat gain weight. Choose treats that are high in calories. Chicken is a good choice. Cook the chicken without any seasonings. Cut it into small pieces. Fish is also great. Tuna or salmon can be a delicious treat for your cat. You can give these treats between meals. But do not overdo it. Too many treats may make your cat picky about food. Two or three small treats a day are enough.
Monitor Food Intake
Watch how much your cat eats. If your cat leaves a lot of food in the bowl, you may be giving too much. If your cat finishes all the food quickly and seems still hungry, you can add a little more. Keep a food diary. Write down what you feed your cat and how much. This helps you see if your cat is eating enough. You can also weigh your cat every week. If your cat’s weight goes up, your feeding plan works. If not, you may need to change something.
Encourage Exercise
Play with Your Cat
Exercise is good for senior cats. It helps them stay active and also build muscle. Play with your cat every day. Use toys like cat wands. Wave the wand around. Your cat will jump and run after it. Balls are also great toys. Roll the ball on the floor. Your cat will chase it. Playing for 10 – 15 minutes a few times a day is enough. But do not make your cat exercise too hard. Old cats get tired easily.
Provide Scratching Posts
Scratching posts are not just for scratching. They also let your cat exercise. When your cat climbs on the scratching post, it uses its muscles. It stretches its body. This helps keep your cat’s body strong. Put the scratching post in a place where your cat likes to stay. You can also put some catnip on the post. Catnip makes cats excited. Your cat will play with the post more.
Let Your Cat Walk Around
Let your cat walk around the house. Open different rooms for your cat. It can explore new places. Walking helps your cat burn a little energy. Then your cat will feel hungrier. It will eat more food. But make sure your house is safe for your old cat. Remove things that your cat may trip over. Do not let your cat go to places with sharp objects.
Create a Comfortable Environment
Keep the Place Quiet
Senior cats like quiet places. Loud noises can scare them. They may not eat well if they are scared. Keep the TV and music volume low. Do not make sudden loud sounds. When your cat eats, do not disturb it. A quiet environment helps your cat relax. Relaxed cats eat better.
Keep the Temperature Right
Old cats cannot stand extreme temperatures. If it is too cold, your cat may feel uncomfortable. If it is too hot, your cat may lose its appetite. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. In winter, you can use a cat bed with a blanket. In summer, use a fan or air conditioner. But do not let the air conditioner blow directly on your cat.
Clean the Litter Box
A dirty litter box can make your cat unhappy. Cats are clean animals. They do not like to use a dirty litter box. Clean the litter box every day. Remove the waste. Add fresh litter. If your cat does not like the smell or feel of the litter, try a different kind. A clean litter box makes your cat feel better. This can also affect your cat’s eating habits.
Try Special Supplements
Talk to the Vet
Some senior cats may need supplements to gain weight. But do not buy supplements by yourself. First, talk to the vet. The vet will tell you if your cat really needs supplements. The vet can also recommend the right supplements. Some supplements can help your cat’s digestion. Some can give your cat more energy.
Choose the Right Supplements
There are many cat supplements on the market. You can find supplements for digestion, vitamins, and more. For example, probiotics can help your cat’s stomach. Vitamin B can improve your cat’s appetite. But make sure the supplements are safe for cats. Read the labels carefully. Do not give human supplements to your cat. Human supplements may be harmful to cats.
Follow the Dosage
When you give supplements to your cat, follow the dosage. Do not give too much or too little. Too much may be bad for your cat’s health. Too little may not work. You can mix the supplements with your cat’s food. This makes it easier for your cat to take them.
Be Patient and Consistent
Weight Gain Takes Time
Making your senior cat fat is not a fast thing. It takes weeks or even months. Do not get worried if your cat does not gain weight quickly. Keep following the feeding and exercise plan. Every cat is different. Some cats gain weight faster than others. As long as you keep at it, your cat will get fatter.
Stick to the Routine
Cats like routines. Once you start a feeding and exercise routine, stick to it. Do not change the feeding time or amount suddenly. Do not stop playing with your cat. If you keep the routine, your cat will feel more comfortable. It will also eat better. Consistency is key to helping your senior cat gain weight.
Conclusion
Helping a senior cat gain weight needs a lot of work. You must start with checking your cat’s health. Then, give it a balanced diet and more calories. Encourage your cat to exercise, and create a good living environment. Sometimes, supplements can help. But most important, be patient and keep doing these things. With your love and care, your senior cat can gain weight. It will live a healthy and happy life in its old age.
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