Weight loss in older cats is a common concern, as a result of decreased appetite, medical conditions, and other problems. By replacing a handful of meals a week with kitten food, your cat will get a boost in calories as well as healthy fats and protein.

Can I feed my senior cat kitten food to gain weight?

Good quality kitten food is an excellent choice for weight gain in healthy cats. And most cats enjoy eating kitten food.

What to feed an older cat that is losing weight?

For many cats, the best way to lose weight is with a canned diet food fed several times per day, rather than leaving food down all of the time. One of the reasons canned diet foods work better is because finicky felines often prefer wet food to dry.

Why is my senior cat so skinny?

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.

Is it OK for a kitten to eat Senior cat food?

Just like you wouldn’t give a human baby adult food, kittens require a special formula food until they are about 1 year old. It won’t harm the adult cat to eat kitten food, other than consuming the extra calories, but the kitten definitely shouldn’t be eating food formulated for adult cats.

Is it OK to feed senior cats kitten food?

Is it dangerous to feed a senior cat kitten food? This is a complex answer. In general, no, your adult or senior cat eating kitten food occasionally or for a short period of time won’t hurt him. Even though kitten food is healthy for most cats, the increase in fat and calories will cause weight gain.

Why is my 14 year old cat so skinny?

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. Dental disease can contribute to weight loss in senior cats.

Why is my cat thin at the back end?

Why is my cat thin at the back end? While a cat’s rear end is usually slightly narrower, muscle water on the hind end can be caused by age, lack of eating, specific illnesses, or even depression. If you notice a change in the condition of your cat it’s important to consult your veterinarian.

Why is my cat getting so skinny?

There are two main causes for a skinny cat: Either they aren’t eating enough, or they’re expending more calories than they are taking in. They may not be eating enough due to stress, dental disease and/or nausea or a host of other reasons. The other reason that a cat might be too skinny is a lack of access to food.

Why is my 15 year old cat so skinny?

Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible.

How do I know if my elderly cat is suffering?

Signs Your Cat Could Be Dying

1. Extreme Weight Loss. Weight loss is very common in senior cats.
2. Extra Hiding. Hiding is the telltale sign of illness in cats, but can be hard to define.
3. Not Eating.
4. Not Drinking.
5. Decreased Mobility.
6. Behavioral Changes.
7. Poor Response to Treatments.
8. Poor Temperature Regulation.

What are the symptoms of a cat dying of kidney failure?

Your cat may vomit or have diarrhea and often shows a loss of appetite with corresponding weight loss. The buildup of toxins in the blood can lead to a depressed cat or even more severe neurologic signs such as seizures, circling, or head pressing. Some cats will die from these toxic buildups.

What is the difference between kitten food and senior cat food?

The biggest difference between the two is their formulation. Kitten food is required to contain more fats, proteins, and calories than adult cat food. Adult cat food contains fewer calories, and often contains vitamins and minerals to aid in aging well.

Can I feed my 9 month old kitten cat food?

At this stage your cat can be transitioned from kitten food to a high-quality adult cat food. Most experts agree that a premium brand is best, primarily because the quality of the ingredients is better. You will feed less and have less cat waste to clean up. Cat foods are available in both dry and wet varieties.

Can 7 month old kitten eat cat food?

When Can Kittens Eat Cat Food? Kittens require about two to three times the amount of energy from their food as adults need, and about 30% of that energy comes from protein. As adults, cats no longer require this increased amount of energy. Keep feeding your feline her special kitten formula until her first birthday.