Dominic Stone
Cats are often thought of as agile creatures, but feline obesity is on the rise, and this can curb a cat's willingness to exercise. If your cat is underweight, it's important to consult a veterinarian, who can advise on a healthy diet and exercise regimen. To build muscle, cats need a diet high in protein and plenty of exercise. You can encourage your cat to move more by using toys that stimulate their natural hunting instincts, such as feather teasers, laser pointers, or balls. Cat trees can also promote climbing and jumping, and you can hide small portions of food around the house to encourage your cat to use its sense of smell to hunt for food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | Adult domesticated cats should be around 10 pounds to be at an ideal weight, but this depends on their breed. |
| Diet | Cats should be fed a diet that is low in carbohydrates and fillers, but high in protein. |
| Exercise | Cats should be encouraged to exercise for about 30 minutes each day. This can be done by playing with them, using their natural hunting instincts, or creating an exercise-positive environment, such as providing a "cat tree" for them to climb. |
| Supplements | There are supplements available that can help cats build muscle, such as Fortetropin® or lysine. |
| Massage | Giving your cat a massage can stimulate circulation and keep their muscles flexible and pain-free. |
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What You'll Learn
High-protein, low-carb diets
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their natural diet consists almost entirely of meat. Their bodies are designed to process protein from meat efficiently, and they require certain amino acids, such as taurine, that are found only in animal tissue. As a result, cats are metabolically adapted for higher-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Domestic cats are very similar to their wild predecessors and have evolved very little from them. In the wild, a cat's diet consists mainly of small rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, frogs, and reptiles.
A high-protein, low-carb diet can be an excellent way to help your cat maintain lean muscle mass while reducing the risk of obesity. Unlike other species, a cat's liver enzymes are constantly breaking down proteins for energy and the maintenance of blood glucose levels. When cats do not receive enough dietary protein, their bodies start breaking down their own muscle tissue to meet their protein and amino acid requirements. This can lead to a loss of lean body mass, which contributes to weight regain because cats' appetites are not reduced, and satiety is never reached.
To ensure your cat is getting enough protein, aim for their diet to consist of 30-50% protein. This can be achieved through canned foods, such as kitten foods or canned diets specially designed for adult diabetic cats. If your cat refuses to eat canned food, there are dry food options that provide high-protein and low-carbohydrate nutrition. However, it is important to note that dry foods tend to be very calorie-dense, so it is recommended that most cats be fed at least some canned food to reduce their overall caloric intake.
When choosing a high-protein, low-carb diet for your cat, it is important to consider their specific needs. Factors such as age, activity level, and existing health conditions should be taken into account. Consulting with a veterinarian can help you make the best dietary choices for your cat's overall health and longevity.
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Supplements and formulas
As cats age, their muscles and joints weaken, leading to decreased mobility and an increased risk of injury. Muscle and joint supplements can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, allowing cats to stay active and mobile. These supplements typically contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support joint health and promote the growth of healthy muscle tissue.
One example of a supplement is the MYOS Feline Muscle Formula, which is a clinically researched formula that aids in weight gain, muscle growth, and mobility support for senior cats. It is an all-natural supplement with Fortetropin as its single ingredient, which is a bioactive ingredient made from fertilized egg yolks. Fortetropin helps to build muscle and slow down muscle loss in ageing cats. It is also a natural source of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which promote healthy skin, strong bones, and good cognitive health. The supplement is easy to integrate into your cat's diet and can be added to their meals.
Another natural source of omega-3 fatty acids is green-lipped mussels, which can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, vitamin E may help to reduce inflammation and support muscle health in cats.
It is important to note that, in addition to supplements, adequate nutrition and exercise are crucial for maintaining healthy muscles and joints in cats. A diet that mimics what cats would naturally eat in the wild, low in carbohydrates and fillers but high in protein, can help support muscle growth.
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Play and exercise
A cat should exercise for around 30 minutes per day, which can be broken up into different-length sessions. For example, play sessions can be about 10–15 minutes long, with two to three daily play sessions for older cats and up to ten sessions for kittens and younger cats.
There are several ways to ensure your cat gets enough exercise:
- Interactive play: Cats are natural predators, with bodies suited to pursuing small, fast-moving prey. Toys that mimic birds, mice, or bugs can awaken their hunter instincts. Wand toys, or teasers, allow for interactive play, letting your cat feel like they're chasing and pouncing on prey while keeping a safe distance from your hands.
- Climbing and jumping: Cats are natural climbers and jumpers. Cat trees provide elevated rest or play areas and often have scratching posts that encourage healthy scratching behaviour. A carpeted cat tree is almost irresistible to most cats. If your cat is hesitant, you can use a feather teaser to entice them to climb or place a small treat on each perch.
- Hiding treats and toys: Hiding small portions of food or treats around the house can make your cat work for its meals, employing their keen sense of smell. This can also be done with toys, such as a treat ball with catnip inside, to entice sedentary cats to play.
- Walking on a leash: You can train your cat to walk outdoors on a leash and harness to get active while staying safe from dangers like other animals or cars.
- Swimming: Contrary to popular belief, cats can be taught to swim, providing an excellent low-impact exercise for overweight cats.
- Agility courses: Competitive play encourages your cat to watch you for cues while moving through an agility course that includes ramps, steps, poles, tunnels, and hoops.
- Play with another cat: Having another cat in the home will help ensure your cat exercises even when you're not around.
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Cat trees and climbing
Cats are natural-born climbers and hunters. They climb trees to increase their field of vision, allowing them to identify threats and locate prey. They also climb trees to escape predators. While climbing is a natural and enjoyable activity for cats, it can be dangerous, as they may get stuck or injured.
If you want to prevent your cat from climbing trees, you can keep them indoors. However, indoor cats need physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Cat trees are an excellent way to provide this, especially for indoor cats. They offer a space for climbing, jumping, and scratching—activities that are essential for muscle development, weight management, and fulfilling natural feline instincts.
The design of cat trees encourages activities that improve a cat's agility and muscle strength. Climbing engages multiple muscle groups, especially in the hind legs, abdomen, and back, helping maintain muscle tone and overall physical strength. Jumping to different levels on the cat tree enhances a cat's coordination and balance, which are crucial for their agility and physical fitness.
To encourage your cat to use a cat tree, place it in a familiar and accessible spot. Cats are naturally curious and will likely investigate new additions to their environment on their own. Avoid forcing or coaxing your cat to use the tree, as this may create a negative association. Instead, use positive reinforcement techniques: place treats, toys, or catnip on different levels or platforms of the cat tree to grab their attention and create positive associations. Regularly refresh the toys and offer interactive elements to maintain your cat's interest.
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Veterinary guidance
If you are concerned that your cat is underweight, you should seek veterinary guidance. A veterinarian will be able to perform a general check-up and advise on a suitable diet and exercise plan. They can also advise on any other health concerns that may be causing your cat to lose weight. It is important to get a professional opinion, as simply feeding your cat more food may cause obesity.
Veterinarians can advise on the best diet for your cat's specific needs. A cat's diet should be high in protein to build and maintain muscle mass. This can include foods designed for senior cats or raw meat. It is also important to ensure your cat is eating enough food and getting the right nutrients. If your cat is a fussy eater, a veterinarian may suggest ways to encourage your cat to eat more, such as hiding small portions of food around the house to encourage your cat's hunting instincts.
Exercise is also key to building muscle mass. Cats should be encouraged to be active for around 30 minutes each day. This can include playing with toys, such as feather teasers, laser pointers, or balls. You can also encourage your cat to climb and jump by providing a "cat tree" with tunnels and scratching areas. If your cat is reluctant to play, catnip can be used to encourage them to be more active.
Supplements can also be used to support muscle gain and overall health. For example, Fortetropin® is an all-natural product that has been clinically proven to help build muscle, improve mobility, and aid recovery from injury. Green-lipped mussel is another natural supplement that can be used to reduce inflammation and promote joint health. Always check with your veterinarian before giving your cat any new supplements, as they will be able to advise on the most suitable option for your cat's individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
If your cat is noticeably skinny and underweight, it may be a good idea to take it to the vet. Being skinny can be an indication that your cat is underfed and has little nutrients in its body.
Cats should be fed a diet that is low in carbohydrates and fillers and high in protein. Foods designed for senior cats are best, or you can look for food that lists some type of meat, not meat byproducts, as the first ingredient.
Cats naturally express their energy in short bursts of frantic play several times a day. Set aside a few minutes two or three times a day to play with your cat using a feather teaser, a laser pointer, a squeaky toy, or even a ball of wadded paper. You can also try hiding small portions of food around the house to make your cat work for its meals and employ its hunting instincts.
A carpeted "cat tree" with lots of tunnels, hiding places, and scratching areas can encourage your cat to climb and jump. Some cat trees even feature an exercise wheel similar to a large hamster wheel.
Yes, there are supplements available that can help your cat maintain healthy muscle and reduce muscle loss due to aging, injury, or surgery. You should always check with your veterinarian before starting your cat on any new supplement.
