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How do I get my Ragdoll to gain weight?
Sent to Pet Experts August 24 09:20 PM

How do I get my Ragdoll to gain weight? I give him dry food for all day and wet food at night. He just doesn't seem to gain weight.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
August 24 9:46 PM (25 minutes and 42 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

When was the last time that you saw the vet for a fecal exam? Parasites can be a cause for unknown weight loss.

You should see your vet for a fecal exam to rule this out.

What brand of food are you feeding him?

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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
August 24 9:56 PM (10 minutes and 27 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: He went to the vet last month and he was fine. I've tried pretty much every type of food.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 24 10:33 PM (37 minutes and 24 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

I would switch him over to a high quality pet food. If you can buy it at the grocery store, the quality is not high enough. I would "free feed" with this and leave it out all day. Then I would feed him canned food (or something else that he likes) twice a day.

Some cats are just made to be thin so this is not terribly worrisome.

I would mention it to the vet at his next scheduled visit.

Let me know if you still have questions.

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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
August 24 10:55 PM (21 minutes and 24 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: I do "free feed" and his food comes from PetSmart. I've tried the most expensive foods and those didn't work either. I give him wet food (those packets) and even tuna sometimes. Thanks for your help but I'm still left with him not getting any bigger and he is suppose to be a big cat.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
August 24 10:56 PM (1 minute and 5 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
How old is he? Has he been neutered?
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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
August 24 10:57 PM (56 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: He'll be 2 in September and no he's not neutered.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 24 10:59 PM (2 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Some cats don't start to thicken up until they are 5 or 6 years old and others never will. Some are destined to be thin because both of their parents were. If you were able to see the parents, you can guage his size a little better based on that.

Keep in mind that being thin and active is more healthy for your cat than being thick and sedentary.

You might want to talk with the vet about getting the cat started on a kitten diet. This usually has higher calories and might help to put some weight on your cat.

Let me know if you still have specific questions. I would be happy to tell you what I know.

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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
August 24 11:03 PM (3 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: Thanks for your help. He just use to be bigger and fluffier. I don't mind him being skinny -- I just worry b/c he use to be a little bigger. His parents were both big.
I've even tried kitten food -- the science diet and another one that's top quality.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 24 11:05 PM (1 minute and 59 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

If it's his hair that concerns you, you might want to get him started on a supplement that contains omega three fatty acids. This can help to build a healthy coat. Good skin and hair start on the inside. Many people are not aware of this fact.

Your vet can help you choose a product that would be beneficial.

I hope this helps more!

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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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