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How to Enforce Cat Weight Loss for Health
by Leelee Shane
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Overview
Trim cats tend to live longer and healthier lives than overweight and obese cats. Maintaining a healthy weight for a cat is a matter of calories consumed vs. calories expended. It seems logical and simple. However, it can be difficult to enforce the weight loss of a cat, especially if there are other cats living in the household. Fortunately, by following a step-by-step plan, a cat owner can help her cat lose weight and enjoy better health.
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Step 1
Take the cat to the veterinarian for an examination. Sometimes underlying medical causes can make it difficult for a cat to maintain a healthy weight.
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Step 2
Work with your veterinarian to create a weight loss plan specifically for your cat. Dropping weight too quickly may be detrimental to your cat's health. Generally, you should aim for 1 to 2 percent loss of body weight each week.
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Step 3
Confirm that everyone in your household will stick to the plan. You will only be able to enforce weight loss if all members of your home cooperate.
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Step 4
Limit treats. Treats should make up 10 percent or less of your cat's diet. Do not feed him table scraps. Feed your cat before you prepare and eat food to cut back on begging.
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Step 5
Cut back on the amount of dry food that is normally left out for your cat. If your cat usually gets ¾ cup of dry food, give him ½ cup. Purchase a feeder with a timer if you are away from home a lot, to spread the food more evenly throughout the day.
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Step 6
Feed your cat a lower calorie food if you prefer not to cut back on the amount of dry food. Feed the cat 2 to 4 small meals a day. If you have more than one cat, and they are not on the same diet plan, feed them separately. Purchase a simple cat tree, and feed the overweight cat on the floor and the other cat or cats on the limbs of the tree.
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Step 7
Exercise your cat. Buy him new toys and try using catnip to stimulate play.
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Step 8
Evaluate the program. Write down what your cat eats, how much he exercises, and his weight each week. Use the same scale, and weigh him the same time of day each week. Adjust the program every two to four weeks. Maintain the weight loss by continuing to weigh him and gradually increasing the amount of food you provide. If your cat gains more than 3 percent in one week, go back to the start of the program.
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- Feeder with timer (optional)
Low-calorie cat food
Scale
- Feeder with timer (optional)
- Low-calorie cat food
- Scale
- If your cat goes outside, make sure you tell the neighbors not to feed it.
Use a baby scale to weigh the cat, or using your scale, hold your cat and subtract your own weight each time.
Remind yourself that you are enforcing this weight loss plan for your cat's health.
- If your cat goes outside, make sure you tell the neighbors not to feed it.
- Use a baby scale to weigh the cat, or using your scale, hold your cat and subtract your own weight each time.
- Remind yourself that you are enforcing this weight loss plan for your cat's health.
- Always consult a veterinarian before beginning a weight loss plan for your cat.
- Always consult a veterinarian before beginning a weight loss plan for your cat.
