Humans aren't the only ones struggling with obesity. Obesity is also a challenge for cats. Unfortunately, obesity is closely related to poor health in cats, especially increasing the risk of liver disease and diabetes mellitus (diabetes). With high-calorie foods that are easily available for cats to enjoy – as well as the lack of need for domestic cats to exercise or use their hunting instincts – it's no wonder many pet cats have become petty slackers. Fortunately, there are ways to lose a cat's weight, including putting him on a strict diet.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Determining If Your Cat Needs To Lose Weight
Step 1. Perform a body condition assessment
Before putting your cat on a diet, it's important to determine if your cat really needs to lose weight. Assessment of body condition consists of a scale of one to five – with five being fat and one being thin. The ideal value is three. Rate your cat on a scale according to the following standards:
- Grade 1: Ribs, spine and pelvis are prominent and can be seen even from a distance. The cat has no body fat and looks hungry and the bones are clearly visible.
- Grade 2: Ribs, spine, and pelvis can be felt easily. When viewed from above, the cat's waist is clearly visible. When viewed from the side, his stomach looks in. Cats look skinny.
- Grade 3: Ribs and spine can be felt but not seen. The cat's waist is slightly visible from above, and the belly looks flat (but not slack) from the side. Ideal.
- Grade 4: Ribs and spine are hard to find. The belly is pear-shaped when viewed from above and sag down when viewed from the side. Can be said to be fat or stuffy.
- Score 5: Protruding bones are blocked by fat. A thick layer of fat covers the chest and abdomen. Oval shaped silhouette. Fat.
Step 2. Visit the vet
If your cat's condition is four or five, see your vet for further instructions. The vet will have the equipment to determine a target weight for the cat based on the cat's exact size, using a range of measurements such as head length, head width, spine length, ankle radius, and circumference measurements.
A visit to the vet is just as important as the vet will perform a physical examination of the cat to ensure that the cause of the cat's weight problems is overeating, not a more serious medical condition
Step 3. Discuss the various options
Several methods are available to help cats lose weight. When your vet sets a target weight for your cat, discuss the various options available. The vet may recommend a combination of options which may include limiting the cat's caloric intake, putting the cat on a metabolic diet, and/or making changes to the cat's lifestyle.
Whatever strategy your vet decides on is best for your cat, be prepared for a long-term commitment because gradual weight loss is healthier for cats than sudden changes. In fact, starving a cat puts it at risk for hepatic lipidosis (or fatty liver disease), which causes large amounts of fat stores to flood and affect the cat's liver function
Method 2 of 4: Limiting Cats' Calorie Intake
Step 1. Learn how calorie intake affects weight
Weight loss from a calorie-controlled diet follows a simple equation: calories in versus calories out equals weight loss or gain. Therefore, if the cat consumes more calories than it burns in one day, the cat will gain weight. Thus, in order for a cat to lose weight, the cat must consume fewer calories than its daily needs.
Step 2. Determine the ideal caloric intake for your cat
This option means limiting the cat's calories while switching the cat to a reduced diet. Veterinarians recommend feeding cats 75 to 80 percent of their resting energy requirements to reach their ideal weight. This amount should help your cat lose weight at a healthy rate of one to two percent of her body weight each week. You should consult your veterinarian for the exact number of calories, but more or less:
- 180 calories/day for an ideal body weight of 3.6 kg
- 210 calories/day for an ideal body weight of 4.5 kg
- 230 calories/day for ideal body weight 5.4 kg
Step 3. Consider switching to a prescription weight loss formula cat food
You may have difficulty regulating this calorie intake by using a standard high-calorie cat food because the amount of food will be much less. Your cat won't like it. The formula specially made to aid weight loss in cats is a low-calorie and high-fiber food. In this way, the cat eats almost the same amount of food each day while still achieving the desired reduction in calories.
- Cutting back on standard foods will leave your cat feeling hungry and undernourished, which means your cat will whine at you for more food and her metabolism will slow down due to the perception of underfeeding, which will make it harder for her to lose weight.
- Your vet will determine the best weight loss formula for your cat. Options include Hills R/D and Purina OM. These formulas also often contain L-carnitine, which is a supplement that can encourage your cat's body to burn fat instead of muscle.
- Use a kitchen scale when measuring instead of a measuring cup for more accuracy.
Step 4. Weigh the cat weekly
Weigh the cat and record its weight weekly. At some point, the cat's weight will stop dropping before it reaches the target. This is very normal. Consult your veterinarian about reducing your calorie intake by another five to ten percent for further results.
Step 5. Consider taking your cat to a pet weight control clinic
Cats that follow body weight monitoring are more likely to reach their target weight than those that don't. This is due to regular weighing and staff morale so you are less likely to give in to a cat whining for food. What's more, staff can often spot things that could make a difference or might have missed.
Weight monitoring clinics for these cats may be provided through a vet's office, or your veterinarian may have more information about their location in your area
Step 6. Feed the cat separately
If you have two cats but only one is overweight, feed the cats in separate rooms. This will ensure that each cat gets a portion of the food that fits its diet.
Method 3 of 4: Using a Metabolic Diet
Step 1. Understand how metabolic diets work
This diet works by stimulating the cat's metabolism to work harder and burn fat, while protecting the cat's muscles. Researchers found that lean cats coded for genes for higher metabolic rates, and instead found certain food molecules were more likely to activate these genes than other foods.
In contrast, research shows that calorie-restricted diets turn off this gene, making it more difficult for some cats to lose weight
Step 2. Consult a veterinarian
If your cat doesn't seem to be losing weight on a calorie-reduced diet – or isn't losing weight anymore before reaching your goal – then ask your vet about a metabolic diet for your cat.
Hills is a major producer of metabolic formula diets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions based on your cat's target weight
Step 3. Consider a catkins diet for a cat with diabetes
Another metabolic diet option for cats is the “catkins” diet, which is a high-protein, low-carb diet that works especially well in obese cats who have developed diabetes. One study showed that 68 percent of diabetic cats on a catkins diet were able to abandon insulin compared to 40 percent of cats on a regular high-fiber weight loss diet.
- The vet will check for diabetes in an overweight cat and discuss these options with you.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your cat's target weight on a low-fat, high-protein weight loss formula.
Method 4 of 4: Making Behavioral Changes
Step 1. Get the cat to exercise
The more activity, the more calories burned. Active cats will lose weight more effectively than cats that never exercise. In addition to the extra calories burned, exercising for your cat reduces appetite and increases metabolic rate – which can counteract the slowed metabolism caused by a calorie-reduced diet.
- Take part in a game of chase by projecting a laser pointer on the floor and letting the cat chase it.
- You can also use a toy with a string to play with your cat and make it burn calories.
- If you're having trouble getting a lazy cat up and running, try using a catnip toy.
Step 2. Provide plenty of water
Water is important to keep cats active and to support metabolic function. As in humans, drinks can also help cats feel fuller on a strict diet. Make sure the cat's water bowl is always clean and full.
Step 3. Entertain the cat
Like humans, cats can eat out of boredom. Many cat owners make the mistake of paying attention almost entirely to providing food and treats. Instead, spend more time playing with the cat and brushing it to reduce any possible boredom.
Step 4. Provide smaller meals at more frequent intervals
Don't put all the cat food for one day – be it diet formula or otherwise – at one time for the cat to eat freely throughout the day. Cats do better on controlled portions provided at intervals, so it's best to divide cat food into two or three servings a day.
Step 5. Cut back on snacks
You'll need to make a big reduction in the number of treats you give your cat as these are the equivalent of empty calories. Instead, use play, body care, and other mindfulness as positive reinforcements.
Step 6. Take advantage of your cat's hunting instincts
Another behavioral strategy you can try is to get your cat to imitate hunting behavior. A feral cat who lives on mice kills three to four times a day and is used to eating a few small treats throughout the day. To mimic hunting behavior, fill several small food bowls and hide them around the house. This will force the cat to go 'hunting' and use energy trying to find the food bowl.
- This fake hunt helps keep the cat mentally and physically active.
- Another option is to use a toy ball filled with food. Balls like this require the cat to play with the ball and hit it to get the food out.
Tips
- A dieting cat requires commitment and communication from all family members. Diets don't work if you measure out the portions of food for the day, but someone gives the cat a second breakfast when you're not home. Make sure everyone in the house follows the diet plan.
- The health benefits of dieting include a lower risk of diabetes and pancreatitis. Cats will also experience less strain on their joints, reducing the risk of early arthritis.
- Putting your cat on a diet can be frustrating because you're reducing your food rations but your cat doesn't appear to be losing weight. This is because your cat is likely to have been gaining constant weight, and even if you have had success limiting calories to stop the gain, your efforts are not enough to lose weight.
