Rehab a starved cat,HELP!!!

[fleenorfarmmom]

One of our cats was scared away from home 3 weeks ago. We found him yesterday and he is a rack of bones. He's about 12 years old and seems ok. Just tired seeming and weak. How do I go about putting his weight back on? I've offered him tuna but he doesn't have much appetite. He's eating cat food some, but needs some fast energy and needs to rebuild muscle mass. Any ideas?

 

[dixiechick]

Poor baby! I'd certainly do wet cat foods and as much as he can stand..

 

[rooster-red]

Do not over feed him, it can kill him while in this condition!

Feed many small meals instead.

Liver is a good source of protein, maybe with a little rice for the starch

 

[lleighmay]

I would take him to the vet just to be sure there is nothing else going on which could affect his health. I also agree with the other posters- lots of quality small meals.

 

[Katy]

Something I've gotten many a cat to eat when they wouldn't eat anything else is human baby food...chicken or turkey. I always keep some on hand.

 

[cyanne]

Definitely get him to a vet for evaluation, just in case. Also, the vet may be able to sell you some Science Diet A/D catfood. This is the stuff they give to weak or sick animals who are in need of a boost. It is a soft food and extra tasty so it helps stimulate their appetite.

You probably going to need to have the vet treat for parasites as well, and you definitely want their advice on a plan for safely bringing him back up to a healthy weight. It can be really tough to bring them back if they get too malnourished.

Good luck, and I hope your kitty gets better soon!

 

[happyhen]

I agree with lots of small, high protein meals. A call to the vet in the morning will yield more professional advise, but it may just take some time, rest, and good food supplemented with tons of love and afffection.

Poor baby!

 

[ILoveJoe]

I would think a 12 year old cat is a senor citizen and needs a vet. I wouldn't waste time, he may be dehydrated and need an IV for a short period.

 

[texasreb]

I agree, take him to the vet.

I disagree with those who suggested human food. It might be far too rich for his starved system. His gut flora has probably been compromised, so he needs bland food.

If you're not going to take him to the vet, I would try some KMR (kitten milk replacer) or Nutri-Cal. Nutri-cal is a high calorie, low volume supplement for cats that will not eat. It contains vitamins and minerals. It's a paste that comes in a tube. If the cat refuses to eat, rub it onto his paws so that when he grooms he'll lick it off.

Good luck with your guy and congratulations on finding him!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Take him to the vet. I would also worm him for tape and round worms.

Give him lots of small meals. Feeding him too much to quick will hurt him. Also, no tuna. Get some high calorie wet cat food. Wet kitten food will also work good. Also get some KMR, or kitten milk replacer and mix a little of the powder into the wet cat food. That should help get his weight up. Also, you can give him the KMR instead of water so that when he is drinking he also gets some calories. The only milk you can give him is kitten milk replacer, no cows milk.