Cat Food for Weight Loss of Overweight Cats

Is your cat getting chubbier every year?  Has your vet started labeling her as “obese” during her annual checkup? Statistics has it on record that six cats out of ten in the USA are overweight.  Overweight cats are at an increased risk of health problems, including lower urinary tract disease, arthritis, and diabetes.  Obese cats also have difficulty grooming themselves and may have a greasy or oily coat, especially on their buttocks (which is the most difficult area an obese cat can reach).  Getting your cat to shed her excess weight may sometimes look like an impossible task; it can often be very beneficial to make some lifestyle changes.  With the five tips provided in this article, you’re on your way to keeping your cat in good shape.

1. Set A Weight Loss Plan with Specific Targets

The basic step to make in returning an overweight cat back to good shape is to know what a healthy weight will look like.  Your veterinarian will help you determine your cat’s current BCS (physical condition) and determine your ideal value. If you have a specific weight target, track your cat’s progress towards that target.  Keep a diary where you record your cat’s weekly weight and visit a vet to check your cat’s progress.

2. Feed them on Fewer Calories

Like humans, your cats must cut in on calories to lose weight, so you have to cut down on their calorie intake.  An error most pet owners make is they assume that cats do not need to be monitored like dogs on a regular basis when eating- they can reach for a bowl of food whenever they want.  However, most cats do not have this kind of self-control, and this irregular feeding pattern leads to high levels of overweight in domestic cats.  Try to regulate what you are currently feeding your cat (how much “spoonful”?) And take the information to the vet when discussing about your weight loss food plan for your pet. 

3. Feed on A Canned Diet

Unlike their regular meals, canned cat food contains fewer calories.  The amount of water in them helps your cat feel fuller after eating. Dry meals contain more calories per unit in comparison to canned meals.  Feeding your pet with a canned version of their regular diet can reduce the calories your cat consumes.

4. Switch To A Low-Calorie Prescription Weight Loss Diet

 Although overweight pets may lose weight when fed less of the current diet, a very overweight pet may have to be placed on a diet specifically designed to help lose weight.  There are many cat feeds that are sold on the counter; they contain low calories and can be labeled “low calorie,” “light,” and “healthy.”  This can be an excellent place to start.  However, cats with significant excess weight or obesity would require a prescribed weight loss diet.  Although very limited in nutrition, these meals are explicitly designed to ensure that they are nutritious, low in calories, and high in fiber.  A doctor should prescribe diets for this weight loss.  When you make changes to your diet, you should gradually switch to a new one from the old one, mixing a little more each day into the latest diet to prevent stomach problems.

5. Get Up and Move!

Managing your cat’s calories is a crucial part of getting her to lose weight.  Increased physical activity helps for the development of muscle and increased metabolism.  Consider introducing toys, such as feather toys and laser pointers, that encourage exercise.  Try to develop a playing session with your cat each day.  Make sure you have a vertical room in your home, such as a bathroom—cat scratching post or platform for your cat to explore.  Keeping your cat outside can take a short leash and a harnessed gait to increase physical activity and improve your morale.  If walking out is part of your cat’s fitness program, talk to your vet about a product you can use for the prevention of parasites.

Conclusion 

Cats make our life fun, and they are adoring creatures. An important thing you can do to keep yours healthy is to make sure that she is always at the right weight.  Explore any of five options that you have learned in this article and keep your cat safe from the negative effects of obesity. Do not forget that regular checkups and discussions with an expert are vital when you have finally decided to start implementing your cat’s diet plan.