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Why is my 9-month-old cat so thin? How can I help her gain weight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 16 days old | 4.4 lbs

My 9 month old female british shorthair is super underweight. Only 5 lbs. She's energetic, eats 1/4 cup dry kibble per day, and recently started her heat cycle (she's not spayed). When I feel her body, she doesn't seem to have much muscle, which is unusual for british shorthair breed. Everything else seem normal - she's using the litterbox, regularly, normal stool, no parasites. Drinks water, regularly. What can I do to help her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Jastin. First, I would have her evaluated by her veterinarian to determine if she is in fact underweight or just small in stature. Some perfectly healthy cats are petite and do not grow to the size typical of the breed. However, there are numerous disease that can affect weight gain and growth. You want to ensure there is not a medical issue that needs addressing. In the meantime, ensure that she is eating kitten food as this will be higher in calories, fat and protein. It will aid in growth. Offer her canned food as well to supplement her dry kibble. This will help her to take in extra calories. I hope this information helps!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Jastin. First, I would have her evaluated by her veterinarian to determine if she is in fact underweight or just small in stature. Some perfectly healthy cats are petite and do not grow to the size typical of the breed. However, there are numerous disease that can affect weight gain and growth. You want to ensure there is not a medical issue that needs addressing. In the meantime, ensure that she is eating kitten food as this will be higher in calories, fat and protein. It will aid in growth. Offer her canned food as well to supplement her dry kibble. This will help her to take in extra calories. I hope this information helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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