Before you begin any weight loss program for your cat, consult with your veterinarian about how to do it safely. Dieting a cat is not as simple as restricting food, and rapid weight loss can be very dangerous. A weight loss plan for your cat should be developed in collaboration between you and your veterinarian.
Here are some ways to help your cat lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight Safely
First, consult with your veterinarian before putting your cat on a diet. Your veterinarian can help you create a diet plan for your cat that will support gradual, healthy weight loss without drastically restricting food intake.
Putting your cat on a strict diet or allowing it to lose weight too quickly can cause your pet to become seriously ill and develop hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease.
Calculating your cat’s body condition score
Your cat’s ideal weight is determined by its body condition score, which is an objective measurement of your cat’s body composition based on the visibility of the ribs, the presence or absence of a waist and the palpability of the spine.
Once a body condition score has been assigned, your veterinarian can help you set your pet’s target weight and daily calorie intake goal using the following formula for Resting Energy Requirement (RER):
70 x (weight kg)0.75=RER
How much weight should a cat lose each week?
Cats should not lose more than 1-2% of their total body weight per week.
Reducing caloric intake to 80% of the RER should result in a weight loss of 1-2% each week (this may vary slightly for each individual cat).
Your veterinarian can help you with all the calculations regarding calorie intake, weight loss and food portions. Weigh your pet weekly to make sure your cat is growing according to your veterinarian’s plan. If your cat is losing more than 2% weight per week, increase calorie intake by 10% with your veterinarian’s help. If your cat is losing less than 1% weight per week, reduce calorie intake by 5-10%.
If your cat stops eating, be sure to take him to the veterinarian for an examination.
3 ways to help your cat lose weight
Here are some tips to help support your cat’s weight loss goals in a safe and controlled way.
Weight loss food for cats
Your veterinarian can help determine the right food, amount, and feeding schedule for your cat.
Most weight loss diets for cats will be some combination of the following:
High Fiber/Low Fat—High fiber content increases satiety and bulk, allowing your cat to eat more and feel fuller.
High Protein/Low Carb—This diet can slow gastric emptying, making your pet feel fuller.
The high moisture content of wet food can help your pet lose weight by increasing the amount they eat without increasing the calorie count.
exercise
While calorie restriction is important for weight loss, increasing your cat’s activity level also plays a key role.
To help your cat lose weight through exercise, you can:
Automatic feeder and treat bowls
Using an automatic feeder can help your pet get used to eating at regular times, which can aid in weight loss and long-term weight management.
Using treat balls or food puzzle toys to encourage your cat to eat can also help slow down her eating while providing stimulation and exercise.
Featured image: iStock.com/pat138241
