How many times have you given your cat something to try? I admit it's been many, so many that I actually give them something every day. But the truth is, we have to control ourselves and learn. how to control your cat's weight, especially if it is not allowed to go outside or if it is a sedentary animal, since otherwise it would start to gain a few extra kilos which, in the short or medium term, would cause you any health problems, like diabetes.
But What do we have to do if we already have a fat cat? As we all know, cats are felines that spend practically the entire day sleeping, and the rest of the time they're eating, drinking, exploring their home, and playing a little. They're not animals that like to run around too much, except when they want to chase their toys or hear you open their can. So, How can we help you lose weight?
Signs and risks of overweight in cats
Identify excess weight It is the first step: if the ribs are difficult to palpate, the waist cannot be seen from above or the abdomen hangs when walking (known as hanging belly), you are likely to be overweight. You may also have difficulty jumping, get tired sooner or grooming worse because it doesn't reach certain areas. Excess fat increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver if you lose weight suddenly), urinary disorders and anesthetic complications.
Safe Weight Loss Plan: What to Do and What to Avoid
Weight loss should be slow and steadyA reasonable goal is 1–2% of body weight per week. Weigh your child every 2–3 weeks (key check-up at two weeks) and adjust rations with your veterinarianAvoid drastic reductions: lowering your intake by more than 10-15% without supervision can cause shortages and hepatic lipidosis. Never resort to fasting or sudden changes in diet; transitions the new food gradually.
If you live with several people, make sure that the whole family follows the rules (no "catch-alls" or extras). In multi-cat households, feed separately or use microchip feeders to prevent food theft.
Well, even if you don't like the idea at all, you have to try keep it active during that time while you're awake. How? For example, like this:
- Put the feeder on a slightly high surface so that it has a jump before you get to your food.
- Give him only the amount of food he needs, no more. You do not need to give it a »Light» feed, but rather control how much it eats. You can even choose to give him a high-quality one, without grains or by-products, which will satisfy him much more even if he eats less.
- Play with it, daily, several times a day. Not only will you help him regain his weight, but you will make him very happy.
- Consult with your veterinarian any questions you have. Helping a cat, or any animal, lose weight is not a game: doing it wrong could put your life in danger.
Food and rations: how to adjust safely
Divide your daily meal into small, frequent portions to avoid binge eating and improve satiety. It establishes fixed hours and remove free access to the feeder; this way you will better control the calories. Bring a record of what you eat and the exact amount.
Your veterinarian may recommend reduce portions or switch to a specific weight control food and assess the role of diet in healthQuality low-calorie formulas are less calorie dense but they maintain proteins, fiber and essential micronutrients so that there is no deficit even if the quantity is adjusted. If you already use a veterinary diet, don't change without consulting him.
Regarding “light” or not: a “light” feed is not always mandatory if the ration and quality are controlled; however, in cats with difficulty losing, a food formulated for weight loss can facilitate the process without causing hunger.
Physical activity and environmental enrichment
Exercise helps burn excess energy and improves your mood. Propose daily play sessions 5-10 minutes, several times a day: wands, balls, tunnels, or pointers (always with a catch reward at the end). If you need ideas to get him playing again, see how to get him to play with you again. Enter dispenser toys of food with part of his ration so that he “works” for it.
reinforces the verticality with climbing towers and scratching posts; place part of the ration in high levels (stairs or tree) to encourage movement. If your cat lives only indoors, consider a secure outdoor pen or fence catio type for more controlled exercise (ask about the access to the outside responsible).
Multi-cat households and environmental control
For the plan to work, avoid the cat on a diet steal leftovers. Separate feeders, use doors or heights, and consider microchip feeders. Ask everyone in the house to do not offer extras and replace the sweets with rations of their own feed or low-calorie snacks included in the daily count.
Long-term monitoring and maintenance
Healthy weight loss can last Several monthsBe patient, check his body condition every few weeks, and adjust with your vet. When he reaches his optimal weight, adjust the ration to stabilize and maintain habits: daily play, enriched environment, regular measurements and portion controlIf you stop losing or lose weight too quickly, reevaluate: a rapid drop may indicate an underlying problem.
So little by little will be back in shape and with more energy. With consistency, measured portions, activity, and follow-up, your cat will not only lose weight: will gain health and well-being.
