Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent. Cats that are overweight or obese face significant health challenges, including an increased risk of diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems. 

These conditions can not only reduce your cat’s quality of life but also shorten their lifespan. If you’ve noticed your cat is starting to carry extra weight, help them manage it now. The sooner you help them shed those extra pounds, the easier it will be to prevent any issues down the road.

The Benefits of a Healthy Weight for Your Cat

Keeping your cat at a good weight helps prevent some serious health problems. It also improves their overall well-being. Here are some of the biggest benefits of a healthy weight for cats:

• Improved Mobility and Flexibility

A cat with a good weight can easily do physical activities. This means that they can easily play around the house without any difficulty. Extra weight can strain their joints, making movement uncomfortable.

• Better Energy Levels

Cats with a healthy weight are more active and playful. They’re more likely to engage in activities that keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit.

• Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Maintaining a healthy weight significantly lowers the chances of developing dangerous conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, keeping your cat healthier for longer.

• Longer Lifespan

Cats at a healthy weight tend to have longer lives, giving you more years of love, companionship, and cuddles.

• Better Quality of Life

When your cat feels good physically, it shows in their mood and behavior. They’ll be happier, more curious, and more excited about anything that happens in their lives.

10 Tips to Help Cats Lose Weight

Tip 1: Measure Food Portions Carefully

When helping your cat lose weight, first know how much they eat. Overeating is one of the most common reasons cats gain weight, and it’s easy to give them more food than they need accidentally.

Cats require a specific number of calories based on weight, age, and activity level. Even a small overestimation can lead to gradual weight gain over time. Typically, a cat would need 25 to 35 calories per pound of body weight. 

If you’re unsure, you can also ask our vets about your cat’s needs. We’ll calculate this based on your cat’s weight and body condition score. Once we have given you a guide, you can use measuring cups or kitchen scales at home to help measure your cat’s food portions.

Tip 2: Transition to Weight-Management Cat Food

What your cat eats plays a big role in their weight. If your cat is on a standard diet high in calories, even strict portion control might not be enough to help them slim down. That’s where weight-management cat food comes in. These specialized formulas are designed to help your cat feel full while consuming fewer calories. They typically include:

• Higher protein levels

• Lower fat and calories

• Added fiber

When changing your cat’s food, look for high-quality weight-management cat food that’s recommended by experts. Cat food brands like Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin have great weight loss and management options. Just make sure to slowly transition your cat’s food to avoid shock.

Tip 3: Follow a Feeding Schedule

Cats love a good routine, and creating a structured feeding schedule can be a game-changer when it comes to managing their weight. A feeding schedule prevents overfeeding, maintains a comfortable routine, and helps with monitoring your cat’s weight.

Typically, cats need to eat 2 to 3 times a day. Decide on when your cat should eat. It can be any time you are able to. Just make sure that these times are consistent and evenly spaced. For example, you can feed your cat every 12 hours or once for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Tip 4: Use Puzzle Feeders or Food-Dispensing Toys

Feeding time doesn’t have to be boring. It can be an opportunity for exercise and mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys help slow down your cat’s eating while encouraging movement, which helps with weight loss. Puzzle feeders work because they encourage physical activity. Because of this, the toys help slow down a cat’s pace when it comes to eating. 

Tip 5: Engage in Daily Playtime

Helping your cat lose weight can be done in a fun way. Daily play sessions are a fantastic way to get your cat moving, burn calories, and strengthen your bond. By playing, your cat will be able to burn calories, promote mental stimulation, and help them feel happy. To do so, you can also use toys such as laser pointers, chasing toys, and simple obstacle courses.

Tip 6: Provide Vertical Spaces for Climbing

Cats love to climb, and it’s a natural behavior that keeps them active and engaged. Adding vertical spaces in your home satisfies this instinct and encourages more movement, helping your cat burn calories and lose weight while also helping stimulate their minds.

What’s great about these spaces is that you’ll have lots of choices for your home. Cat trees, wall shelves, and window perches are just some of the many options you have for any play areas your cat needs.

Tip 7: Limit Treats

Cat treats are a common culprit when it comes to a cat’s weight gain. While giving your cat a tasty snack is a great way to show love, too many treats can quickly add unnecessary calories to their diet. Even simple fruits such as strawberries and blueberries can have too much sugar.

Treats need to be limited because they are calorie-dense, especially commercial ones. Additionally, they can also ruin a cat’s diet if given too much or if the wrong type is given. Your cat needs to have a diet made mostly of proteins, which means treats can only be given in tiny amounts. Cat treats should only be given in small amounts and not exceed 10% of your cat’s diet.

Tip 8: Weigh Your Cat Regularly

Tracking your cat’s progress is important for safe and successful weight loss. Regular weighing allows you to monitor changes and make adjustments to your cat’s weight loss program. Weight loss should be slow and steady, about 1 to 2% of body weight per week. 

Regularly weighing your cat helps make sure your best friend loses weight at a safe and consistent rate. To do so, you can use a pet scale. If you don’t have this, you can also use a bathroom scale. Weigh your cat regularly, preferably every 2 to 4 weeks.

Tip 9: Use Wet Food

Hydration helps in weight management for cats. Switching to wet food or incorporating it into your cat’s diet can help them feel fuller while consuming fewer calories. Plus, it supports overall health by keeping your cat well-hydrated.

Wet food contains fewer calories because of the inclusion of water in its composition. This allows your cat to eat a good portion without overeating. It helps your cat feel fuller. Additionally, because of the water included in the wet food, your cat will have better hydration levels and urinary tract health.

If your cat is used to dry food, introduce wet food gradually by mixing small amounts into their current diet. Look for wet food with good amounts of protein and low in calories, ideally formulated for weight management.

Tip 10: Work with a Vet

Helping your cat lose weight is a team effort, and our vets will be your go-to partner throughout the process. At the clinic, we provide specialized advice and recommendations tailored to help your cats lose weight. If you can’t visit the clinic, our vets can also visit your cat at home for a checkup.

Our vets can calculate the right calorie intake, recommend specific foods, and suggest activity levels tailored to your cat’s needs. We’ll check your cat’s condition at every visit. What’s great about this is you’re receiving the right advice you need to help your cats lose weight.

Since weight loss can also be linked to several diseases, that field is also something we can look out for. By making sure your cat loses weight safely and not because of some disease, we can help your cat stay healthy.

Conclusion

Helping your cat lose weight is one of the most impactful things you can do for their long-term health and happiness. A healthy weight for your cat not only reduces the risk of serious illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease but also allows your cat to enjoy a more active and fulfilling life.