Many cat owners tend to overfeed their companions until felines become overweight and even obese. They often ignore the fact that obesity is one of the top reasons felines develop diabetes and heart conditions. Also, they consider that putting their cats on a diet may be a cruel thing.
But, making a cat lose weight is a process that helps it live a longer and healthier life.
By following these simple steps, a smooth transition to a healthy, balanced diet will be ensured.
Here’s a complementary chart, to help in assessing if a cat is overweight, if you need it.
Finding The Appropriate Cat Food
First of all, different cats need different food types. A neutered cat cannot eat the same food as an intact one and an obese cat cannot lose weight using normal cat food.
It’s very important to slowly and gradually reduce the cat’s daily food intake.
Whether normal or overweight, adult cats require only two separate meals daily. Feeding should be done according to the cat’s weight. Every food package lists the daily food quantity.
For example, a sterilized adult cat that weighs around 6 pounds (2.72 kg) needs 0.103 lbs (47g) of kibbles.
The same overweight cat needs only 0.081 lbs (37g) of dry food. Some cats are big fans of treats and can be fed with weight management treats, that contain fewer calories.
If cats prefer moist food, an appropriate and tasty diet can be found easily, which the feline will enjoy.
Feeding a cat with food scraps and leftovers from the table is strictly forbidden, and if there are multiple cats in the same household, owners must ensure that each cat eats separately.
Neutered cats should always eat specially formulated kibbles, because of the rapid weight gain and urinary disorders that may occur later in life.
These diet kibbles contain a lower mineral level, to support urinary health and L-carnitine, an endogenous molecule that controls fatty acid metabolism. Research has proven that it increases body lean in cats.
Obese cats need specially formulated cat food. This type of food has higher protein levels and low fat and calorie levels, which promote weight loss with the preservation of the muscles.
Turning A Couch Potato Into An Athlete
Helping a cat get more exercise is another important step in weight loss. The first thing to do is add another play session with the cat to the regular schedule.
Things may be more difficult if the cat hasn’t exercised in a long time. Patience is required and we recommend that the owner initiates play sessions.
However, turning a cat into an athlete doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process and no one should exaggerate and exhaust the feline within the first days.
Laser pointers can be a great aid in alleviating the cat’s idleness. They will run, chase, and follow around the red dot. But it is never supposed to be pointed directly into their eyes. A white light on the wall makes a great substitute if a laser pointer isn’t available.
Automatic laser toys were created for busy people. These are motion-activated, meaning the laser beam will start moving around when the kitty walks by.
Besides stimulating their instincts, chasing toys promotes exercise and mental stimulation and keeps the kitty engaged.
Puzzle toy feeders are another great aid in this weight loss process. A hungry cat must work to be rewarded. By making the cat work for its food, it promotes movement, along with gradual feeding.
Most cats will be irritable in the first days when they start their diet. A little help can be provided by using a catnip spray or toy that contains it, to boost the feline’s mood and make them less grumpy.
