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? asked in PetsCats · 1 decade ago

How can I fatten up my skinny kitty?

I have three cats all about 11 years old. One is fat (23 pounds); one is average, but he has that bladder thing some neutered males get, so I buy special cat food -- all three have been eating it for 5 years or so. The third has lost weight recently. She will eat anything I offer her from the table, and begs at every meal. She is also bullied by the mid-sized cat. I have cat food available at all times, and I wonder if she's afraid to eat cat food, for fear of being attacked, but feels safe eating from my hand; I will not allow bullying behavior in my presence. The other two do not seem interested in table scraps. Any ideas?

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  • ?
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    table food is ok to give your cat but she needs to eat cat food as well. You need to supervise all meals as it sounds like your cat is being bullied by the other cat. Try feeding her in a different room than your other cats and you can even close the door to help make her feel safe while she is eating. Cat treats are a good way to add additional calories to her diet but not in excess.

  • 1 decade ago

    It sounds like one of your cats are keeping her away from the food dish. Unfortunately the only thing you can do is start feeding her twice a day separate from the other cats until she's a healthy weight again. She feels safe eating from your hand because the other cats won't bother her then and she must be hungry. Do not continue the habit of giving her table scraps otherwise she will always be begging for some when you eat.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    If your kitty was found to have no medical problems, like tapeworms, other intestinal parasites, thyroid issues, etc., beautiful. Given that, some weight gain may be in order. If you are still feeding her a premium canned kitten food, like Nutro, Halo, Wellness, Natural Balance, etc., stick with it for a few more months. If not, try to gradually change to a premium brand which contains no allergens like corn and artificial preservatives; also trying a high nutrient food will help her to put on some weight (such as grain free EVO or Indigo Moon, there are others that the pet store personnel or website customer service could recommend.) The addition of a nutritional supplement, in particular Nutri-Cal, will accelerate her weight gain. It is a tuna flavored paste, that comes in a tube and cats apparently love the taste. It will supply extra calories and energy and can be found at most major pet supply stores and also online. Make sure your kitty is eating properly, and if she needs some coaxing, pour some tuna juice over her food and/or add some plain boiled chicken breast, this should encourage her to eat more. I'm sure she'll be fine (and given time, you do become accustomed to the ‘boniness,’ also some kitties really like to have their shoulders massaged, which at least is somewhat fleshy.) I know this first hand, as I have a 22 year old skinny kitty that still goes on the occasional 'hunt,’ and is quite active, especially for her age; but if your kitty continues to not gain, or begins to lose weight, ask your vet for a referral to a specialist, for more advanced testing, to find the cause.

  • 1 decade ago

    sounds like your cats are all fighting for head of the pride(group of cats is called a pride instead of a heard for example) the bigger ones are dominating the weaker. that's normal behavior. however just like people they can just be jerks lol. a good way to solve this is by feed the skinnier one separately from the other 2, and at a different time and location so as to encourage her to eat cat food. giving a cat human food is not the best idea, as their systems can't handle it as well. once a week place oil(like from a can of tuna fish) on the dry cat food, and swap the softer cat food for the dry until she gets use to eating that way

    Source(s): i have been raising and training cats all of my life(i'm 47)
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  • sawah
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    You need to stop feeding your cat scraps from the table for one as human food can cause a diseas for cats n dogs that can end up in a operation costing more then £1000 or even have to be put to sleep... Also have you tried feeding her at a seperate time to the other cats? It sounds to me that shes just use to you feeding her from the table and its a bad habbit that needs breaking! Also if shes not interested in the food you have you may have to buy different food for her.

    I have a male cat who hates having the same food all the time. I have to switch his foid to keep his intrest! Also my kitten dosent like kitten food... All cats r diff....

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