All cats are adorable, whether they’re big or little, lean or fat. But as cute as chonky kitties are, it’s important to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity in cats can lead to arthritis, hip dysplasia, diabetes, heart problems, cancer, and chronic pain. It also shortens their lifespans considerably.
As you’ve probably guessed, there are two key components to managing your cat’s weight: diet and exercise. Here’s how to keep your cat from getting too heavy, and what to do if your cat is overweight.
What Is the Best Diet for Cats?
Obesity in cats has less to do with what they’re eating than with how much they’re eating.
There’s no need to feed your cat a fancy diet. Whether you choose to feed them dry food, wet food, fresh food, or a combination, the important thing is portion control.
Most indoor cats do not have the self-control it takes to free feed and not overeat. So no matter how pitifully the meow at you, if you’ve already fed them, do not give in. Read the serving recommendations on their food packaging and only allow them the recommended daily portion for their weight.
But keep in mind that once-a-day feedings don’t work for all cats. If your cat is always begging for food, you can try feeding them small portions twice or three times a day. If you’re away from home a lot, an automatic feeder will prevent overeating as well as vomiting from eating too much at once.
How Much Exercise Do Cats Need?
Cats also need daily exercise. (Yes, even the ones that get the zoomies at 4am.)
The best way to keep your cat in good shape is to play with them every day. Interactive play should provide them with plenty of opportunities for running, jumping, and pouncing.
It also provides the mental stimulation they need to keep from getting bored. If your cat is meowing at you and leading you to their food bowl, they might just want to eat because they’re bored. Taking some time out to play with them gives them the attention they crave as well as some healthy exercise.
Figure out which toys your cat likes best, whether it’s a catnip mouse or a feather wand or a string toy. Just remember that some toys should only be used under supervision. Don’t leave any toys with small parts that could get swallowed out where your cat can get them when you’re away.
When Is a Cat Considered Obese?
If your cat weighs more than 20% over their recommended body weight, they may need to lose a pound or two.
But before you put your cat on a diet, talk to a vet. Reducing your cat’s portions too much can cause all sorts of problems. Suddenly restricting your cat’s diet could send their body into starvation mode, which can lead to serious conditions like hepatic lipidosis.
No matter their size, cats need to lose weight very gradually in order to prevent health problems. Your vet might recommend switching to wet food, since it usually has a higher protein content, or recommend a specific diet. They can also help you calculate the exact portion size needed for your cat to be able to shed about 1% of their body weight per week.
It’s best to start with exercise, and make an appointment to discuss diet with your veterinarian. Try to make sure they get a good 15 minutes of exercise at least twice a day. They might not be interested in playing very long at first, but they’ll enjoy the interaction with you and learn to like the exercise too.
Veterinary Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona
For dietary advice and complete cat care, come to Anasazi Animal Clinic. Our vets are the best of the best—they’re gentle, and caring, and highly trained. Cats can live for 20 years or more, and keeping your cat at a healthy weight will help them enjoy a long and happy life. Contact us to make an appointment today.
Photo by Joyful on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 10/31/24.