What can I do for a starving cat?

Question

My mother and I recently rescued a cat and now we have another! This one was very bad off, matted fur and so thin you can feel all her bones and joints just by brushing you hand over her, we didn't think she would live the night. We called the vet, but we can't get an appointment for two weeks. We are feeding her wet cat food and a bowl of water, but is there any high calorie human food we can give her so she can gain weight quicker?

The cat is staying away from all our pets, and We've just been leaving her food and water. We usually go upstairs and check up on her every hour or so to give her some attention (she LOVES people). When you say give her little bits at a time, do you mean we should take her food away at some point? Like let her eat 1/4 can or something then restrict eating, or let her eat when she pleases?

Answer 1

Call the vet again! The vet should at least be able to answer your question about what's best to feed her.

Definitely do NOT feed her too much too soon. Try small amounts often throughout the day. Dry cat food would be best. Human food isn't good for a cat. The vet's office should have kitten formula, better than milk for the cat.

Also, be sure to rid her of fleas if she has any. Fleas can cause severe anemia, which can then cause anorexia.

I once got a kitten from the shelter that had fleas so bad, and had developed anorexia. Sadly he didn't make it.

Check the cat's gums. They should be a healthy reddish pink color. If they're very pale pink, the cat's anemic.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would not give her any human food at this point until she can be seen by the vet.

Since you don't have any history on her, I would not try to fatten her up too quickly. Where she hasn't had regular meals, she needs to eat slowly and gain slowly. I would give her small (couple teaspoons) servings at a time, and feed her 3-4 times a day as your schedule allows. That gives you the chance to spend more time with her too, which she appreciates as much as the food!

Ken suggested the a/d from the vet and it is a good high calorie food for cats or dogs that haven't been eating well. She will love it, but it is rich, so only a couple spoonfuls of it at a time. Or continue with a good meaty cat food.

Purrs to you for rescuing this kitty.

Answer 3

Poor thing!

There are a number of recipes for home-made cat food out there. A google search should turn up something you can use.

Now- My parents used to have a cat who loved green beans, odd as it is. You might try offering that to your new kitty. Another thing you might try is molasses, or occasionally the water drained off of canned tuna.

Also, try kitten chow (which should be high in calories and nutrition), or even some food especially formulated to have a lot of calories in a small amount.

You talk like the kitty is eating. If so, she probably will be in better shape by the time you get her to the vet.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You can try raw foods like chicken or fish, but I'd stick with the wet cat food for now because she's probably not used to eating. Feed her slowly and give her lots of fresh water.

I'd also check to see if there's another vet available. They should be willing to work with you if you tell them it's an emergency. Bring the cat in there and fake tears or something. They're more likely to help you if you bring the sick animal in and express your need for help.

Answer 5

Backed chicken is easily digested and won't cause stomach problems. Take the skin off though, the fat in that may be too much for an underweight cat to digest.

Keep offering soft foods, but no milk (you don't want diarhea to happen!). Water too.

Cooked meats are all protein, so those are ok to give but make sure there's no salt on them. Don't give bacon (too salty) or ham. Cooked fish without bones is ok too, as is cooked pork. Cut it up small so the cat won't choke trying to eat too fast. No gravy, no sauces.

Answer 6

Stick with cat food. I suggest dry Evo. It's quite high in calories and is also grainless. The canned food is a good idea too as it will help with keeping the cat hydrated as well.

Answer 7

No just watch her and feed her little by little.

Don't let her eat too much, just like with starving humans. Eat a little at a time and let her body get used to food again. Just nuture her back to health slowly

Answer 8

have you got a local blue cross that you can take her to if you have explain that you can't get an appointment for two weeks and that you are very concerned about this cats health and that you would be very greatful if they would have a look at her.good luck and hope she gets better soon

Answer 9

I rescued a 5lb adult cat last year in oct...unfortunately she was suffering from kidney disease, but what I did was feed her meat flavored baby food such as the ones made by gerber, they make beef, chicken, turkey, veal and ham...I wouldnt use the ham too often and dont restrict her food at all let her eat what she wants and even if you feed her soft food you still need to leave her dry food to eat when she is hungry and I would use kitten dry food such as purina one for kittens it has the vitamins and nutrients that she needs right now

Answer 10

you don't need to overload her with calories, and human food in not usually something a vet would suggest. I DO recommend giving her a raw egg once or twice. it will help. Otherwise, she will eat, and eat, and poop, til she is back to where she eneds to be. It just takes some time. I wager by the time that vet appt rolls around, she will be close to fighting weight :)
I do suggest not mixing her with the other kitty tho, until she is tested and vaccinated. Should she be ill, you dont want to risk infecting the other kitty!
Good luck and kudos for rescuing!