If your cat has been piling on the pounds, it’s time to take action. While it may seem like a daunting task, there are some simple steps you can take to help your cat lose weight and get back in shape. Let’s dive into how you can do just that.
The first step is to consult with your vet to determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. It’s always best practice to do this before starting any kind of weight loss program for your pet. Cats can have internal issues that cause them to gain weight unnaturally, just like people can. Once you have a plan from the vet, then you can start implementing the necessary changes in their diet and lifestyle.
One of the most important things for helping your cat lose weight is portion control. It’s easy for cats (or any pet!) to overeat since they don’t always understand when they have had enough food. It's important that we as kitty parents are aware of what our pets are eating and make sure they are not being overfed. Many cats will just eat what you provide, which is why filling a big bowl and letting them eat at their leisure isn't always the best idea.
Start by measuring out your cat’s food instead of free feeding or leaving food out all day long. This will help ensure they aren't consuming extra calories throughout the day without even realizing it. One thing you can try (and this works for us) is a slow feeder for cats. These are food bowls made with deep grooves to make it harder for your cat to just scarf their food down. It takes some time for them to eat from one of these bowls.
Exercise is also key! Exercise promotes healthy weight loss in cats just as it does in humans, so try and incorporate playtime into your cat's routine at least once a day. You could try using interactive toys like laser pointers or feather wands, or just engage them in some good old-fashioned quality time – whatever works best for both you and your kitty!
Additionally, many vets recommend adding natural supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics into their diets to improve digestion and overall health. Using a premium cat food that is made with meat as the first ingredients is also helpful, as cheaper cat foods often have grains and other fillers that have little nutritional value but they do pack the calories.
We have a nine-year-old male kitty who has gained a lot of weight in the last few years. He is a typical older cat - he sleeps most of the time and eats often. Very little exercise. We are using a slow feeder bowl (as mentioned above) and Science Diet's "Perfect Weight" formula. This seems to be working, although it is taking quite a bit of time.
Weight loss can be an intimidating process, but with these simple tips, it doesn't have to be! With dedication, patience, and consistency on your part, your kitty can easily reach their optimal weight goals in no time at all. Make sure you're always checking in with the vet throughout the process so you know everything is going smoothly – taking care of our pets' health should always be our number one priority!
We recently published a review for the best dry cat food for indoor cats. Some of these formulas are designed to help indoor cats who don't get much exercise avoid gaining unnecessary weight. We think you will find the information useful.
