Large Main Coon cat lounging on a dining room chair

Help Your Cat Lose Weight

You are not sure how it happened or when it started, but the trips to the neighbors to eat the food left out for their cat, and all the snacks you love to feed them has taken its toll and now your cat is fat. Over 50% of cats are either overweight or obese. Sure, it’s cute to see him waddling around the house but obesity is very dangerous for a cat (and for any animal) and it is time to help your cat lose weight.

Limit Food

  • This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people miss the mark when it comes to balancing their cat’s caloric intake and energy output.
  • Free-feeding an overweight cat is counterproductive. Choose feeding times and stick to them.
  • Feed your cat two to four small meals a day.
  • Think in ounces, not cups.

Limit Carbs

  • Unlike people and dogs, cats lack an enzyme to digest carbohydrates.
  • Dry cat food has to have carbohydrates to bind it together, so limit dry food in your cat’s diet.

Feed the Carnivore

  • Cats are carnivores and need juicy meat.
  • A cat’s diet should have between 35 to 45% protein.

Cut out the Treats and Snacks

  • Many people think their cats are wandering around meowing out of a lack of something, so they give them a treat.
  • This is normal cat behavior and a few minutes of petting is the best treat you can give your cat.

Encourage Exercise

  • Play with your cat and try to get him or her to go up and down the stairs or around the yard.
  • Buy interactive toys for your cat to try to get him or her moving.

If you need personalized advice to help your cat live a long, lean life, call Ironhorse Vetcare, your Dublin, CA local veterinary clinic at (925) 556-1234.

Good luck with these tips! If you have any more tips to offer cat owners or if any of these tips were helpful, leave us a comment below.

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