Why is my cat so thin and how can I help him gain healthy weight?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 27th, 2019

  Poor Choo Choo. I am sorry to hear he is having weight difficulties. I would strongly recommend that you take him in to your regular veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and some bloodwork. They can check for things like kidney disease and hyperthyroidism that can lead to excessive weight loss. Cardiac disease, dental disease and cancer can also be disease processes that could cause weight loss. If your veterinarian does not find any evidence of disease, they may recommend some diet changes to encourage extra calorie intake.
  I hope Choo Choo feels better soon.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on July 2nd, 2017

  Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. You might consider getting him seen by your vet for an exam and bloodwork to rule out any medical conditions that might cause him to not want to eat and be thin. If he is very active, this too will contribute to his inability to gain weight.
  Feed the highest quality pet food you can afford. My personal favorite brands re Science Diet and Royal Canin, both of these have money-back guarantees if you cat doesn't like them.
  Try enticing your pet to eat with beef or chicken baby food that does not contain onion or garlic powder. Onion and garlic causes anemia. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Stir it with your finger first to make sure there are no hot spots and that it isn't too hot. This makes it more aromatic and appealing to your pet. Wetting dry food or mixing wet food with low sodium chicken broth, also warmed, might entice your pet to eat.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 24th, 2018

  If your cat is losing weight because of a poor appetite I would be concerned that there is an underlying issue going on. This could be anything - a metabolic issue (like diatbetes or hyperthyroidism), a infectious disease, or an autoimmune disease (like irritable bowel).
  
  I would recommend taking Trio in to the vet to be examined and have some lab work performed. In the meantime you can encourage him to eat by offering him canned kitten food which has more calories than regular cat food.
  
  I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful