Proper nutrition is the most important thing for a malnourished cat. The animal is probably suffering from deficiency symptoms due to being underweight, which is why normal cat food is not sufficient to eliminate these. Special build-up diets with selected ingredients help the cat to regain its normal weight without having to eat large additional quantities. When refeeding, it is also important to ensure that the gastrointestinal tract is spared. It is therefore better to feed your cat several small portions at a lukewarm temperature than a few large portions straight from the fridge. If your cat is still hesitant about the food, you can also make it more interesting with a little tuna.

Cats have different ideal weights depending on their breed or sex. However, you can also tell whether a cat is too thin by its external appearance. If you look at the animal from above, sunken flanks are a sign of underweight. The same applies to a flat or even inwardly curved belly. Protruding hip bones and ribs also clearly indicate malnutrition. If the cat has thick and long fur, you can also carefully run your fingers along the ribs. You should only be able to feel them slightly. If you can feel them easily, the cat is probably too thin.

There are many causes of weight loss in cats. Poor nutrition or food refusal due to an incorrect bowl can be responsible. However, parasites and various diseases can also cause loss of appetite and consequently weight loss. If your cat becomes steadily thinner, you should look out for other symptoms and consult a vet.

If cats have been operated on under anaesthetic, the body initially needs a few hours to re-sort itself. Coordination and the swallowing mechanism are still impaired immediately after the anaesthetic and the gastrointestinal tract also needs some time to function as before. You should therefore not offer your cat anything to eat in the first few hours after an operation anyway. Only provide water, but supervise your cat while it drinks. You can observe your cat to best judge when it will be able to eat again without any problems. When your cat's gait, behaviour, breathing and swallowing have returned to normal and the animal signals that it is hungry, you can start again with small, easily digestible portions. If the loss of appetite persists over a longer period of time or if the cat refuses to eat for other reasons, you should contact a vet.