Cats are adorable creatures but sometimes, they can have their issues. Anyone who has ever had a cat knows that they like to pretend they are independent, but really need you for everything. Cats don’t like to tell you if they are ill, just hungry, so you have to watch them carefully. And, even if they do eat, sometimes cats remain skinny as a rail.

Here is a guide to explain how to tell if your cat is too skinny and how to fatten up a cat if they need it:

How Do you Know Your Cat Is too Skinny?

Cats, in general, would like their pet parents to think they can do everything themselves until it is time for dinner. The cat’s immune system is different from humans in many ways, but the most notable way is that they do not store energy in the same way the human body does. Any energy that a cat accumulates from their protein diet is used right away.

Nevertheless, it is important to know if your feline friend is too thin. Figuring this out is not as simple as it may sound, as it depends heavily on your cat’s specific age, body type, breed, and overall health.

The first way to know how much your cat should weigh is by knowing the appropriate weight for the type of furbaby you have adopted. The more you know about what your cat is and where they came from, the better you will be able to understand their dietary needs.

Of course, this is not always possible, as cats who are adopted are often found on the street or their lineage is otherwise unknown (poor babies). If this is the case, or you just don’t know your cat’s ideal weight, Pet Place offers some easy to follow visual clues:

  • Very narrow waist

  • Prominent rib cage

  • Obvious shoulder blades

  • Visible spine and ribs

You should always be conscious of whether your cat is too thin or just right because an underweight cat should seek medical attention right away.

Reasons a Cat is Too Skinny

Cats can be difficult to figure out. Sometimes, they eat normally, and yet, they still lose weight. Sometimes, you’re not sure exactly how much your cat eats, because they are private, but you always have food out for them when they decide to make an appearance.

Regardless of your cat’s specific habits, there are many common reasons your cat is too skinny:

Dental Issues:

Sometimes cats stop eating because they have toothaches or other dental issues that make it difficult to chew. Since this is not something you would necessarily know by looking at your cat, malnutrition could be the first indication that anything is wrong.

Competition for the Food:

If there is more than one cat (or pet) in the house, your skinny cat could be on the losing end of the competition for food. To make sure this doesn’t happen, regulate mealtimes for your pets, and ensure all of your animals are getting the right amount of food.

Dirty Dishes:

Cats can be picky but sometimes, their aversions make sense. One reason your cat could be refusing to eat and thus, losing weight is that their food bowl is dirty or it is too close to the litter box. You wouldn’t want to eat off dirty dishes or eat close to your bathroom. So, it’s no wonder why your cat wouldn’t want to do it either.

Illness:

Much like humans, when cats are sick, they lose their appetite. Therefore, if your cat is not eating, it is a good indication that maybe they are sick. So, you should take your cat to the vet to get checked out.

Hyperthyroidism:

While this is an illness, it is specifically related to malnourishment in cats. Hyperthyroidism sounds really scary and if left untreated, it can become a problem for your furbaby. Fortunately, Hyperthyroidism is a (usually) benign tumor in the thyroid gland. Due to the tumor, your cat’s gland may not be able to produce enough thyroxine-a, which can cause the metabolism to speed up. If this happens, it will be difficult for your cat to keep weight on.

The good news is this is a treatable condition. You just need to go to your vet and get your cat looked at by a professional.

Depression or Stress:

Cats can get depressed and/or stressed and that could lead to them not eating. If you have moved recently or even moved furniture around, your cat could become depressed. After all, cats like a stable, predictable environment and if that is disrupted, your cat could have a depressed or stressed reaction.

Additionally, the loss of another pet or family member could also trigger stress or depression in cats, just like they do in humans.

Age:

Aging cats eat far less than cats in the prime of their life. However, if your cat is losing weight, there could be another problem. This could be an age-related problem but it is important to get it checked out, as cats, of any age, need to continue eating regularly to stay healthy.

How to Fatten up a Cat

There could be a medication or other health regiment that your cat needs to go on to regain their strength but if your cat is underweight, the first order of business is usually to fatten them up. If your cat does not have the strength to fight the illness and recover, there is no amount of medicine that is going to help them. Above all, they need to eat.

So, here are the most popular ways to fatten up a cat:

Give Your Furbaby Kitten Soft Food:

Kittens need robust food to grow strong. Therefore, one of the best ways to fatten up a cat is to give them some kitten, or soft food. This is higher in calories, has everything a growing (or recovering) cat needs, and it is generally tastier than their regular food.

Remember, when it comes to cats, their sense of smell has a lot to do with their appetite. If their food smells good or at least has a strong scent (it may not smell good to you) they are more likely to eat it. To make food even smellier, heat it up. This is not to make it hot, but to release more scent.

Also, it is important that food has little or no plant-based products. Cats are true carnivores, which means they can survive entirely on meat.

Make Meal Time Enjoyable:

Believe it or not, cats have a preference, not only on what they eat but where they eat it from. Sometimes, cats develop a preference for certain bowls or areas to eat. If you are trying to get your cat to eat, it is important to make all the conditions right, to the best of your ability.

Also, try not to watch your furry friend eat. Cats are shy and usually like to eat alone, as they are hunters. So, your cat might be uncomfortable having company while they eat.

Give Your Cat Some Human Food:

Cats love meat. It is good for them but it also tastes good. So, if you give your cat “human food” like cooked chicken, tuna, or anchovies, your cat might be more inclined to eat. To start, your cat may view this as a treat for most cats, and it is likely better than their cat food.

Speaking of treats, if you are really desperate to get your kitty to eat, don’t be afraid to give your cat some treats to get the ball rolling.

Feed Your Cat Many Small Meals:

If you can get your cat to eat many different meals throughout the day, they might be more inclined to eat. The small amounts of food make it less overwhelming for a cat that doesn’t want to eat a lot. This could encourage your cat to chow down every time you put food in their bowl, which will at least ensure they are getting some energy throughout the day.

Cat Weight Gain Supplements:

While it is always best to help your cat gain weight naturally, sometimes they need a little help. If this is the case, talk to your vet about cat weight gain supplements. This can help fatten up a cat without them having to have a full meal. (Plus, if they are eating and can’t keep their weight up, this is a possible way to help them battle the extreme weight loss.)

In summation, a cat that is underweight is in just as, if not more trouble than a cat that is overweight. While there are many reasons your kitty is not eating, the result is the same. Cats cannot survive long without the right type of food. Their energy and health decline rapidly if they do not eat. So, if you notice that your cat looks underweight, or is not eating properly, you need to get them help and fatten them up right away.