Does it appear that your cat is gaining weight? Even while they may look beautiful, overweight cats may have more serious health problems.
Cats love to eat, and without regular exercise, it is easy for them to gain weight. In actuality, specialists claim that more than half of cats are overweight or obese. This is regrettable because having excess body weight increases the chance of developing a number of ailments.
If you’re the not-so-proud owner of your overweight cat, there are steps you can take to help him lose weight and reach a healthier weight. To get started, look at the tips mentioned below.
Stop sharing food.
Even while it’s convenient to leave a bowl of food out for your cat to enjoy throughout the day and night, especially when you’re not home, free feeding is a contributing factor in cats accumulating too much weight. In the wild, cats must use a lot of energy searching for prey and then rest to recoup before going out again for another meal.
Instead of overfeeding your cat, give it two to four smaller doses of food each day. To avoid weight gain from overeating or eating out of boredom, talk to your veterinarian about how much food you should be feeding your cat.
Pet owners usually need to reduce the amount of food they give their animals since what they think is regular is actually too much. For example, a 7-pound cat should consume 0.6 to 1 ounces of food each time.
Don’t overindulge in treats.
Snacking excessively throughout the day will also cause your cat to put on weight. Avoid rewarding vocalizations with food every time your overweight cat makes one because doing so may teach your cat that doing so will result in a treat, which will only encourage him to vocalize more. Keep in mind that your overweight cat may be vocalizing and trying to get your attention for reasons other than hunger.
If your cat is already overweight, you shouldn’t offer him typical cat treats because they are frequently loaded with flavor enhancers and carbohydrates. Instead of offering your cat a treat that is filled with grains and artificial ingredients, consider slicing up little bits of cooked fish or chicken if you must.
Diets for shedding pounds in cats
Cat-specific diets can also be helpful for weight loss. Remember that you shouldn’t “crash diet” your cat by forcing him to fast. Overweight cats need to gradually shed their additional pounds. When food intake is quickly and drastically reduced, the ailment Hepatic Lipidosis, which is hazardous and potentially fatal, may emerge.
Carnitine is a plentiful amino acid found in meat-based, high-protein diets that helps break down fat into glucose. Essentially, the fat is changed to glucose to create energy, and this process promotes weight loss.
Exercise and Activity
In order to burn calories, your overweight cat needs to stay active both when you are home and when you are not. To get him interested about hunting, buy him some toys that he can play with when you’re not looking and play with him for a short while every day. You might also consider adopting another cat to make sure your cat always has someone to play with.
A Quick Guide
In conclusion, you can take the following steps to help your cat lose weight significantly:
- Have a veterinarian examine him to rule out any conditions including hypothyroidism and metabolic disorders that could lead to weight gain.
- Free feeding should be halted, and meals should only be given two to four times day in small portions. Make sure the dish is heavy in protein and animal fat and low in carbohydrates.
- Your cat’s exercise and activity levels will increase thanks to playtime and environmental stimulation.
- Weighing your cat will allow you to monitor its progress every three to four weeks. This will give you the chance to evaluate your plan and make any required modifications.
- Once you’ve attained your ideal weight, eat the correct amount of food to maintain it.
Consult a veterinarian
Be aware that working with your vet is actually the best way to make sure your cat eats the right things and maintains the right weight. Particularly if your cat has a chronic condition, your veterinarian is the best person to provide you advice on the proper foods to feed your cat and how much food to give her every day.
