Healthy-weight cats are happier, more nimble, and typically live longer. The most common nutritional issue seen in domestic cats is obesity, which is typically defined as being 20% or more beyond normal weight. Fortunately, obesity is often treatable!
Tips for Overweight Cats
Tips for Overweight Cats
It normally takes a diverse approach in collaboration with veterinary specialists to manage a cat's weight loss program. A sound strategy won't include any fast cures and will require you to modify your daily activities in and around the house in order to best support your cat. Below are some of the best recommendations for encouraging your cat to lose weight.
1 - Make eating difficult.
To promote both physical and mental exercise, use a puzzle feeder. Puzzle feeders are beneficial for many reasons, including preventing boredom and decreasing the quantity of food your cat consumes.
2 - 30 minutes of game-play.
Cats are innately playful animals. Try to play with your cat for at least thirty minutes every day, using a variety of toys. By doing this, they burn more calories while also improving your relationship. To ensure that you don't forget it, include this period on your weekly "to-do" list. Try rewarding your cat with play rather than food if they frequently whine for food. Some cats will stop wanting to eat after they've received your complete attention.
3 - How do you score the physical condition of your cat?
The physical condition score of a cat determines what weight is appropriate for it. Based on the presence of a "waist," the transparency of the ribs, and the ease with which the vertebrae can be touched, this provides an objective assessment of the body composition of your cat. The following equations of resting energy requirement (RER) can be used by your veterinarian to help you determine your pet's objective weight or weekly calorie intake goal after an overall health score has been assigned.
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Another significant source of calories in your cat's diet are treats. It is advised that they cut back on their goodies or switch to a lower-calorie option. When giving out rewards, think about investing in an interactive feeding gadget to promote additional playing.
5 - Stop cats from eating together.
If you live with several cats, you'll need to take extra precautions to prevent your obese cat from overeating. Instead of letting your cats graze throughout the day or eat from a single bowl, Simpson advises serving them multiple little meals at particular times throughout the day in their individual, dedicated feeding bowls. As a result, cats are much more inclined to finish their meals, leaving less for a housemate to eat. If you can't be there to feed your cats during the day, use a programmable feeder.
6 - Take your vet's recommendations to heart.
If your vet suggests that your cat loses a few pounds during their yearly inspection and you haven't seen them gaining a few ounces on occasion, don't be offended. You must heed the advice of your veterinarian because they are knowledgeable in the subject. In the absence of any obvious root causes for the cat's weight gain, your veterinarian will normally propose a general target weight loss that can be achieved gradually. In extreme circumstances, they could suggest a unique prescription diet plan for losing weight. They may also advise frequent visits to the clinic to track their improvement.
7 - Conceal the litter box and their food.
Indoor cats frequently don't enjoy exercising, which adds to their weight issues. By shifting your cat's bowl of food and waste box around the room, you can promote greater mobility. Every day, move them to a new location so your cat has to search for them and gets some exercise. If your home has much more than one level, you may put them just on the floor where they spend the most time or on different floors so that they must frequently use the stairs.
8 - Change foods gradually.
Cats have a reputation for being picky. Thus, don't abruptly alter your cat's diet. If you're transitioning to a new cuisine to manage cat weight, you need to be cunning. For a few days, start by substituting a third of your cat's kibble with fresh food. The Society for Pet Obesity Prevention advises gradually adding more of the new food over a few more days. The transition may take between one and two weeks.