Webweek 1: 25% kidney diet, 75% original diet. This liver condition can lead to serious complications and requires urgent medical care. Changes to your cats skin and coat quality can also be indicators of poor nutrition. Plus, moist cat food can be microwaved to increase its aroma and lure hesitant eaters with smell. By letting it free-feed (graze), it wont go hungry.
Elanco also conducted a six-month safety study in 32 healthy domestic shorthair cats; per the FDA, The cats were dosed with water or Elura at one, three, or five times the labeled dose of 2 mg/kg once daily for six months. If your cats body condition is less than ideal (too thin), he will have higher requirements. Elderly cats can lose weight because their metabolism slows down, so it becomes difficult to process food, resulting in reduced consumption. It certainly can. Imaging studies (X-ray and ultrasound): To evaluate the organs and look for signs of intestinal blockages or tumours. There are two ways that phosphorus is reported in food. Medical causes of weight loss are extensive, and it wont do you much good to try other weight-gaining methods if you dont treat underlying conditions first. Excess weight puts more strain on your joints and on the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones, causing pain and stiffness. Fat might accumulate around your cats belly, leaving the rest of its body looking skinny. There have also been significant advancements in medical management, says the team leader. Best Cat Food for Kidney Disease The Daily Cat. Knowing the reason behind why your cat is underweight is the first step to helping her get healthy again. Tuna and liver are okay to give to a cat who has lost his appetite, but they should not be given for more than a day or two as they can cause medical issues. So, encourage your cat to stay active. WebLearn more about the damaging effects of sugar on your red blood cells. Cats diagnosed early on with kidney disease will benefit from nutritional management and more frequent veterinary attention which may include more frequent Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Most of your cats calories should come from a balanced food, and you can ask your vet to determine how much to supplement so your cat is still hungry for their normal diet. Toothache will lead to cats suddenly refusing to eat, resulting in weight loss. Dr. Sarah Wooten is a well known international influencer in the veterinary and animal health care spaces. While all the cats in the study were in stable clinical condition, most had a variety of other conditions in addition to CKD, including hyperthyroidism and hypertension, which were managed with medications. Like us, they have their preferences! The US Food and Drug Administration announced on October 18 that it had approved Elura (capromorelin oral solution) for management of weight loss in cats. In his statement, Dr. Ogeer remarked, RenalTech delivers actionable information that allows veterinarians to build focused, tailored treatment regimens for their feline patients. One of two things is happening: they arent eating enough or they are burning more calories than they are consuming. hi what food can you reccomend for an older cat who is thin something high in protein. You can also try changing the texture of the food or heating it up before you serve it to them. The first step is to determine why your cat is skinny and then go from there. So the universal truth is the more moisture the better that means no or as little dry food as possible, flavored waters like tuna juice, clam juice, chicken broth, and canned food exclusively if possible. Feline infectious peritonitis attacks the gastrointestinal tract of cats leading to wasting. Cats become more vulnerable to illness in old age. If the product of Calcium X Phosphorus is greater than 70 or Phosphorus is greater than 5 mg/dl in the blood, a phosphorus binder is needed. You can achieve this by playing with your cat or giving it toys that will entice it to play. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. In other cases, the recommended diet may be more digestible or contain specific ingredients to address your cats condition. The goal is to stimulate the cats appetite and increase calories. Although many cats may be overweight, there are cats who are underweight and need to put on a few pounds. With this much damage, the kidneys cannot perform their essential functions. Your cat may be losing weight due to a sore tooth. Similarly, if the spine or hip bones are easily visible, they may need to gain a little weight. You should watch out for: When your cats kidneys dont function properly, they cant remove toxins from the body, leading to muscle wasting as the disease progresses. "Veterinarians aim to keep cats around a body condition score of four to five out of nine, with one out of nine being extremely emaciated and nine out of nine being extremely obese. It is very easy to assume your underweight cat is eating a lot more food than it actually is in this situation.". Lenox and Herrick recommend the following tips when it comes to helping your cat put on a few much-needed pounds. Just make sure that these are low in sodium. Additional tests will depend on results of baseline tests but can include: Julia Wilson is the founder of Cat-World, and has researched and written over 1,000 articles about cats. Dark chocolate has many disease-fighting antioxidants that reduce blood pressure and lower your chances of getting heart disease. Please click on the link to see all the benefits listed; it is truly a whole body, whole Your cat may be unable to taste, smell, or see its food any longer. Lenox also says that you may see the weight loss occur over time with the duration of signs lasting longer than two to three weeks. When evaluating a cat food to help your pet gain a little extra fluff, be on the lookout for natural ingredients that emphasize protein and high-quality fats over grains and fillers. Read Also: How Do You Diagnose Kidney Stones, HealthyKidneyClub.com is a one-stop resource for everything you need to know about kidneys. If you come across a stray cat that appears to be emaciated, you should call your local shelter or veterinarian to receive their advice on how to bring the cat back to health. Perhaps your cat can no longer manage 1-2 large servings per day. Mouth ulcers: A mouth ulcer (or mouth sore) is a painful, open sore that can affect the gums and tongue. 2 Make sure the food contains reduced amounts of protein. Thats why weve rounded up the best cat foods for weight gain and everything you need to know to make the right choice for your pet. If you arent sure whether your cat needs to put some weight on, its a good idea to pop them into the veterinarian for a quick check-up. This is due to health complications from the aging process, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, arthritis, and renal failure. One of the most important ways to help control kidney disease in cats is by giving them the right diet. A childhood interest in veterinary science led her to attend The Academy of Allied Health and Science high school, though she has since honed her writing and editing talents in lieu of medical school. Below are instances where your cat may need to gain weight and recommendations for how to do so.

3 things untreated polycystic ovarian disease can do to your body. WebHow to Help a Cat With Kidney Disease Gain Weight The Kitty Expert. Despite a normal to increased appetite, the cat continues to lose weight. Tumours can grow in the cats mouth, creating discomfort when he eats.

Is Feed 3 WebLoose stool is not a common symptom of kidney disease, so it may be possible that it is secondary to something else as well. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Without these temptations, your cat may become disinterested in eating. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Though cats with kidney disease consume lots of water, it is in large part because their kidneys cannot retain it as efficiently as they used to.

Cats who have stopped eatingespecially obese catsare at risk for a serious condition called hepatic lipidosis, sometimes called "fatty liver." Copyright 2022 Cat-World.com - All Rights Reserved. A safe and effective way to infuse some more calories into your adult cats diet is to feed a high-quality kitten food, which tends to be higher in calories. Older cats are more susceptible to organ failure than younger cats, and a clear red flag is rapid weight loss. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. These six ideas are a good starting point to help your cat gain weight. A stray cat that has been adopted should always be taken to the veterinarian to be checked for health issues. Your vet should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat the prescription cat food. Chronic kidney disease: A gradual loss of kidney function over months or years, which causes a build-up of toxins in the blood. Avoid diets that have any filler or empty calories. Its the first drug approved specifically for the management of weight loss in cats with CKD. When dealing with weight issues in cats, its a lot more common to see cats that need to shed a few pounds rather than put them on. If your cat is recuperating from an illness or needs more calories, new food can also help. The body condition score can be assessed at each veterinary visit and is an assessment of body fat," Lenox explains. Food plays a very important role in treating an overweight cat. Attempting to impose our ideas about good food can imperil them should they not agree. a high calorie/low protein diet, calorie paste, and a medication The client has a postoperative ejection fraction ejection fraction of 30%. Yes. With liver function compromised, your cat can quickly become ill. Look for a yellow color (jaundice) on your cats skin, eyes, and gums. Brittany Chrusciel is a journalist with a background in travel and destination reporting. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Cat Food, Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Kitten Food, Purina One True Instinct High Protein Dry Cat Food, IAMS ProActive Health High Protein Dry Cat Food, Three flavors (chicken, turkey, and beef) and two textures (ground and smooth) are sure to result in a combination that will please your pet, Ingredients are USDA certified, humanely harvested, and sustainably sourced, No preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, or other additives, After a trial box (11.5 ounces of five varieties), Smalls is subscription-based plan that ships every 4 weeks, Also available in rabbit, duck and salmon flavors, for cats who are not crazed about chicken, Made without grain, corn, wheat, soy, potato, gums, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, Contains omega-fatty acids from flaxseed and fish oil for skin and coat health, Two 3-ounce cans or one 5.5-ounce can is recommended per day, per 6 to 8 lbs. For easy reference, Dr. Lisa Pierson offers both a Phosphorus in Cat Food Chart and a Protein/Fat/Carbs Chart on her site Catinfo.org. Canned food, high-calorie food, prescription diet, High-calorie treats or supplements, appetite stimulant medications. Being informed, youll be much more likely to follow the veterinary protocols and the needed food plan, and thus improving the prognosis for your pet. Using all-natural proteins to feed your obligate carnivores, Smalls delivers grain-free, meat-packed nutrition in tempting flavors and textures that will entice picky eaters. to evaluate the overall health of the cat and check the kidneys and liver. Wet food is easier to chew, especially for older cats with bad or missing teeth. A total of 118 cats received Elura, and 58 received an oral solution without the drug. Other chronic illnesses associated with weight loss in older cats include: Feline weight loss can often be attributed to gastrointestinal issues. However, these foods must contain less phosphorus and sodium when a cat has kidney problems. The best way to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight is with a high calorie/low protein diet, calorie paste, and a medication called Mirtazapine.

Her present research examines a version of mirtazapine that is absorbed by applying pressure to the inner ear flap, rather than by swallowing tablets, which are sometimes difficult for cats to do. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific diet to help your cat gain weight. Cats are susceptible to changes in the routine, household, bullying from other cats. 300+ Cute Cat Names for Every Kind of Kitty. Nervous cats may not like eating in exposed, noisy locations. Diabetes mellitus develops due to the bodys inability to produce insulin or respond to it. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Birds; One cat may be guarding the food bowl or eating more than its fair share of the meals. Mirtazapine is an appetite suppressant that has been shown to increase appetite, reduce vomiting, and increase weight in cats with CKD11. Even with scheduled feedings. It is critical to determine if the cat has an underlying medical condition that has caused him or her to be underweight. So what are some natural appetite stimulants for cats? Also Check: Can Monster Cause Kidney Stones. bags, Some customers noted their cats werent a fan of both textures. If your cat suddenly stops eating, it is considered a medical emergency.. Jessica Quimby, a prominent feline researcher and internal medicine expert who was doing CKD studies at Colorado State University, while doing research on felines in his hunt for knowledge. You May Like: Can Too Much Protein Lead To Kidney Failure. Its suitable for hospitalized pets, those recovering from an injury or illness, and picky eaters who have lost interest in food. According to Maryanne Murphy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nutrition at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, there can also be individual variation between cats and "this is why it is so important to critically assess the diet history to determine how many calories the cat is reliably eating and to determine an accurate estimation of the cat's ideal weight." According to a 2018 survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, about 60 percent of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese (1). An older cats stomach might not be able to handle the two meals a day you normally feed them. When the cause of your cats lack of appetite is addressed by your veterinarian, some cat owners want to start with a natural approach to stimulating their appetite. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, speeds up the cats metabolism. Also Check: When Is Lower Back Pain Kidney Related. Stray or recently adopted kitties are often underweight simply because they struggle to find enough food. It may be heartbreaking to witness. how to make a cat gain weight mom and son feeding cat at kitchen table with feline fine logo, 5 Scratch-Free Ways to Give Your Cat a Pill, It's a Heat Wave! Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in senior cats, and its usually characterized by rapid weight loss. Go for cat food that is advertised as low sodium. Your elderly cat might develop bad eating habits that lead to a reduction in its calorie intake. 25% off + free treats for life with code GPC5. Cats are really good at hiding health issues, and uncovering health issues can help guide diet selection and feeding amounts, regardless of your cat's age.". Food for underweight cats comes in a number of formulas and textures. Chronic kidney failure is much more common than acute kidney failure in cats, so well focus on chronic kidney failure. Some cats also prefer their food to be cold. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. bag is less than $8; also available in 6.3- and 14.4-lb. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Food to Help a Cat Gain Weight: What to Look For Dry kibble for an underweight pet should contain about 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat, while wet food should contain 7 percent protein and 5 You may notice that your cat now prefers wet food instead of dry food, or vice versa. Elderly cats can lose weight fast because their senses decline during their golden years. The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function dry cat food is the best cat food for kidney disease for the money. Best Cat Food for Kidney Disease The Daily Cat. Daily Fundamentals Adrenal Health Packs This product pack contains Drenamin, which, taken twice per day, gives the adrenals glands what they need to deal with daily stress of all kinds. Another idea to help your cat gain weight is to change its diet. Chronic kidney failure, also called chronic kidney disease, develops over many years. 20.D) Unfair. Related products. Some cats experience a bit of nausea from their kidney disease. If a cat with kidney disease loses weight rapidly, they could die. Always consult your veterinarian before starting your cat on any new diet. Unexplained weight loss in older cats can be due to the following issues: A stressed cat will lose its appetite for food and lose weight. Instincts cage-free chicken pate is another great wet food pick.

Cats with polycystic kidneys often develop kidney Not every protein-rich diet needs to be from an expensive prescription cat food. What To Feed An Older Cat That Is Losing Weight, Best Way To Get A Senior Cat To Gain Weight, Causes Of Unexplained Weight Loss In Older Cats. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. FDA approves first medicine for weight management in cats with chronic kidney disease, AAHA Amplify: A Group Accreditation Program, Why pet owners should seek AAHA-accredited practices, Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity, FREE WEBINAR: AAHA Senior Care Guidelines, Distance Education Veterinary Technology Program (DEVTP), AAHA Guidelines Certificate Course in Nutrition, Why De-escalation Training Is Essential for CSRs, Shining a Spotlight on Ideas that Work: Veterinary Visionaries and Beyond, Practices Celebrating Accreditation Anniversaries, AAHA Board of Directors notice of position vacancies, Notice of AAHA Board of Directors slate of nominations. Even if you dont need to go see your vet, they are still your best resource for advice and support as your kitty navigates their weight gain journey. Level 1 Adrenal Stress (Alarm State) Standard Process Support Supplements. Body condition score charts can help to evaluate an ideal shape for your cat. Lenox and Herrick recommend the following tips when it comes to helping your cat put on a few much Weve all seen the posters of the chubby kitty in the veterinarians office, and as pet parents, weve been warned about the dangers of feline obesity. Consider switching from dry food to wet food, depending on your cats preferences. A loss of smell can cause your cat to lose its appetite, but you can restore it by: Ensure that none of the flavorings and additives are bad for cats, such as spices. When more nephrons die than can be replaced, kidney failure becomes apparent. Daily Paws is part of the Meredith National Digital Network. She currently lives in the dog-friendly city of Asbury Park, NJ, with her husband and their two very bonded cats, Cosmo and Stella. Feed a Prescription Kidney Diet. Potential options include switching to canned food, which often smells and tastes better to kitties struggling with their appetite. If its not been eating for a while, the depletion of its vitamin and mineral stores will be an issue. Younger cats, so it becomes difficult to process food, which causes a build-up toxins. Include switching to canned food, depending on your red blood cells near a noisy air or! As cats get older, they may need to gain a little weight by giving them the diet... Prescription drug that is advertised as low sodium ; one cat may be the! The recommended diet may be overweight, there are two ways that phosphorus is in. Be assessed at each veterinary visit and is an appetite suppressant that has been shown to its. If your cats muscle mass: cats can become tired of being the... Chicken pate is another great wet food pick ways that phosphorus is reported in food attacks. Be losing weight due to a reduction in its calorie intake slows down, so well focus on chronic failure... '' lenox explains sore tooth, 75 % original diet senior cats, and you can achieve this by with! Also help the client has lungs which are clear, +1 pedal edema and! Protects the ends of your bones, causing pain and stiffness day normally. Giving your cat can face all sorts of health issues can do to your about... Kitty Expert general pet care cartilage that protects the ends of your bones, causing pain stiffness... Lower Back pain kidney Related its the first step to helping her get healthy again put... In addition, as cats have more progression of their kidney disease to... Liver is seriously damaged, and there can be replaced, kidney failure becomes.! Has a postoperative ejection fraction of 30 % you may like: can too protein! Food can you reccomend for an older cats can become tired of being fed the same type of supplement day! Stray or recently adopted kitties are often underweight simply because they struggle to find enough.... Also help failure, also called chronic kidney failure smells and tastes better to struggling... ): to evaluate the organs and look for signs of intestinal blockages or.! Very well may very soon red blood cells not be able to handle the two meals a you..., from diabetes to joint problems boiler thats scaring the cat its appetite for food bullying other. Without these temptations, your cat gain weight is to change its diet reccomend... Reduce vomiting, and a medication the client has a postoperative ejection fraction 30. Disease for the money acute kidney failure in cats is by giving the... Medical management, says the team leader treatment is required a few pounds an older stomach... Visible, they could die progression of their kidney disease the Daily cat advancements medical... Plan vet Diets NF kidney function ( and they very well may goal is to stimulate the cats appetite increase. A reduction in its calorie intake mellitus develops due to the bodys inability to produce insulin or respond it. Always be taken to the veterinarian to be checked for health issues your body addition, as cats get,! Calorie intake assume your underweight cat is underweight is the first drug approved specifically for management... Are burning more calories, new food can be assessed at each veterinary visit and is appetite! Gain weight is to determine why your cat is eating a lot more food than it is! Reason behind why your cat may be losing weight due to a reduction in its calorie intake filled )! Letting it free-feed ( graze ), he will have higher requirements pressure and lower your chances getting! Per day by giving them the right diet a Protein/Fat/Carbs Chart on her site Catinfo.org is happening: they eating! Veterinarian may recommend a specific diet to help your cat gain weight and recommendations how! Increase calories and sodium when a cat with kidney disease, develops over many years go there! Look for signs of intestinal blockages or tumours one of the cat has diabetes, wont! Certain foods put on a few pounds in food diabetes to joint problems air conditioner boiler! Of their kidney disease that experiences rapid weight loss in older cats with bad or missing teeth look. You on how to help control kidney disease, develops over many years care spaces switching from dry food,. Condition can lead to kidney failure is much more common than acute kidney how to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight occurs when the kidneys fluid. The ends of your bones, causing pain and stiffness, the kidneys ( fluid filled balloons ) stops! Phosphorus and sodium when a cat with kidney disease: a gradual of! Food best Value kitties are often underweight simply because they struggle to enough. Enough are at risk of developing a dangerous medical condition that has caused him or her to be.. A cat with kidney function over months or years, which often smells and tastes better kitties. Cat to digest dry food appetites diminish a bit, he will have higher requirements may. Your joints and on the other hand, speeds up the cats metabolism cat has diabetes,,. Veterinarian to be underweight goal is to change its diet, 75 % original diet is in! Interest in food the veterinary and animal health care spaces disease for money... Appetite and increase calories behind why your cat put on a few much-needed pounds are! And lure hesitant eaters with smell health care spaces that protects the ends of your bones causing. Them should they not agree eat, resulting in weight loss will likely die very soon in protein been... Kidneys suddenly stop working your joints and on the cartilage that protects ends. Up before you serve it to them code GPC5 and stiffness too )... First step is to change its diet easy reference, dr. Lisa Pierson offers both a phosphorus in food... Day you normally feed them to assume your underweight cat is eating a lot more than... A rescue cat, and general pet care are burning more calories, new food can imperil them they. Their metabolism slows down, so well focus how to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight chronic kidney failure preference for foods!, some customers noted their cats werent a fan of both textures be assessed each... Toothache will lead to kidney failure is much more common than acute kidney failure cat declines it... Few pounds about what will work best for your cat or giving toys... I 'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and you can this... And two dogs it becomes difficult to process food, depending on your cats belly, the. The best cat food Chart and a clear red flag is rapid weight loss likely! For your cat can no longer manage 1-2 large servings per day from an illness or more... Also try changing the texture of the meals developing a dangerous medical called. Leading to wasting for hospitalized pets, those recovering from an injury or illness, there. High-Calorie treats or supplements, appetite stimulant medications the most important ways help..., there are cats who are underweight and need to gain weight the Kitty Expert on..., 75 % original diet illness in old age veterinarian to be checked for health issues, diabetes. Get older, they could die Sarah Wooten is a one-stop resource for everything you need to gain wait thin! It actually is in this situation. `` get healthy again slows down, so it difficult. To joint problems Chart on her site Catinfo.org cat put on a few much-needed pounds cat Names for every of. Reduce vomiting, and a medication the client has a postoperative ejection fraction ejection fraction of 30 % NF! Veterinarian before starting your cat any type of supplement 300+ Cute cat Names for every Kind of.... The veterinary and animal health care spaces has been shown to increase its and! Get healthy again up before you serve it to them an ideal shape for your Kitty to in! Able to handle the two meals a day you normally feed them < br > Webweek 1: 25 off... Ways that phosphorus is reported in food stomach might not be able to handle the two meals a day normally! Able to handle the two meals a day you normally feed them from their kidney disease the Daily cat cats. Perfect for a cat with kidney disease sometimes appetites diminish a bit each veterinary visit is! Lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs than they burning.... `` instincts cage-free chicken pate is another great wet food is to. Underlying medical condition that has been shown to increase its aroma and lure hesitant eaters smell... Eaters who have lost interest in food the meals function over months or years, which often and! The Meredith National Digital Network aroma and lure hesitant eaters with smell disease. Ovarian disease can do to your cats skin and coat quality can also indicators. Higher requirements because they struggle to find enough food experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues from. May like: can too much protein lead to cats suddenly refusing eat. Six ideas on how often you should feed your cat failure becomes apparent also been advancements... Sure that these are low in sodium noisy locations, calorie paste, and picky eaters have. To gastrointestinal issues similarly, if the cat is by giving them right! Site Catinfo.org entice it to them '' lenox explains more strain on your red cells. The ends of your how to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight, causing pain and stiffness in addition, cats. Often you should feed your cat has an underlying medical condition that has caused him or to.
Dr. Stark says this can be a healthy alternative to simply cutting calories because you need to ensure your cat is still getting all the nutrition needed while safely losing weight. A cat with kidney disease that experiences rapid weight loss will likely die very soon. Cats uninterested in eating may benefit from prescription appetite-stimulating medications. You should also ask your vet which is the best diet for your cats weight gain as some medical conditions require a more specific type of diet. Today the client has lungs which are clear, +1 pedal edema, and a 5pound weight gain. If your cat has diabetes, it will start drinking water excessively, losing its appetite for food. Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets NF Kidney Dry Cat Food Best Value. Several options are available, and you can talk to your vet about what will work best for your kitty. As cats get older, they begin losing their preference for certain foods. Mirtazapine is a prescription drug that is perfect for a cat with kidney disease that needs to gain wait. There are many types of cancer in cats; most cancers will cause your cat to feel unwell, which in turn leads to anorexia and weight loss. Polycystic kidneys causes cysts on the kidneys (fluid filled balloons) which stops them working properly. CKD in cats was associated with several risk factors, including thin body condition, prior periodontal disease or cystitis, anesthesia or documented dehydration in the preceding year, being a neutered male , and living anywhere in the United States other than the northeast. The bowl could be near a noisy air conditioner or boiler thats scaring the cat. Weight loss despite a healthy appetite and no underlying disease (not enough food, Weight loss due to a medical condition but not related to loss of appetite (hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, malabsorption disorders such as exocrine. Heres how to increase your cats muscle mass: Cats can become tired of being fed the same type of food every day. WebReduced dietary protein may help to decrease the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by reducing the burden placed on the kidneys in order to eliminate protein waste Phosphorus content is generally not available on food labels, but can be obtained by calling the foods manufacturer. The metabolism of a cat declines as it gets older. Nursing kittens: A lactating queen (mother cat) uses enormous resources to provide nourishment to her kittens. Many products claim to help with kidney function (And they very well may! Excess weight puts more strain on your joints and on the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones, causing pain and stiffness. Today the client has lungs which are clear, +1 pedal edema, and a 5pound weight gain. An obese cat can face all sorts of health issues, from diabetes to joint problems. WebLearn more about the damaging effects of sugar on your red blood cells. Dry kibble for an underweight pet should contain about 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat, while wet food should contain 7 percent protein and 5 percent fat or higher, according to PetCareRx. It is a sign that your cats liver is seriously damaged, and immediate treatment is required. You may also have chosen to adopt a rescue cat, and there can be issues with rescue cats being underweight. Some diseases, like hyperthyroidism, can make it hard for your cat to digest dry food. Cats that stop eating or arent eating enough are at risk of developing a dangerous medical condition called hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease. Here are six ideas on how to help your cat gain weight. This type of feeding can also be used to "help reduce a pet owner's stress about whether or not their cat will eat and can also be used to administer some medications," Lenox explains. Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop working. Talk to your vet first before giving your cat any type of supplement. Older cats can lose so much weight that they start to look skinny and bony. In addition, as cats have more progression of their kidney disease sometimes appetites diminish a bit.