How to Treat a Malnourished Cat

A cat's diet is very important to its overall health. If a cat is not given proper nutrition, it can become malnourished, at which point a cat can lose its fur, lose excessive weight and have a lower immune system that makes it susceptible to illnesses and diseases. To help a malnourished cat recover, you must help it return to a normal diet. Depending on the severity of the malnutrition, you may need to be patient and slowly build the cat's appetite back up.

Things You'll Need

  • Canned wet cat food
  • Feline dietary supplements
  • Blankets or towels
  • Syringe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the cat in either an old blanket or towel. This will protect you from getting scratched or bitten, especially if the cat is aggressive. The blanket also helps the cat feel warm and secure. This is especially helpful if the cat is constantly shivering. Place the cat in a secluded area if you have other pets; this is very important if you have not taken the cat to the vet yet.

    • 2

      Open a can of wet cat food and place half of it into a cat bowl. You want to monitor the cat while it eats. Some cats may eat too fast and get sick, so limit the amount you give the cat at first.

    • 3

      Add vitamin and mineral supplements to the food or you can give them to the cat as a treat. If the cat is not eating the supplements alone, incorporate it into the food. The essential vitamins can help the malnourished cat grow its fur back to a healthy coat and increase its immune system.

    • 4

      Place a bowl of food in front of the cat along with a bowl of water. Make sure to keep the food a distance away from the litter box. If you notice that the cat is not eating, place some of the food on your finger and bring to the cat's nose for it to smell. If it does not take the food from your finger, place some on the cat's paw. This will encourage the cat to groom itself and it will lick the food off.

    • 5

      Thin the wet food with water and force feed the cat with a syringe if it still does not eat.

    • 6

      Consult your local veterinarian to check the cat's overall health. Depending on the severity of the malnourishment, there may be some damage to the cat's organs. Discuss with your veterinarian the proper steps you will need to take to help the cat recover.