Diet for Overweight Cats
A cat who is overweight may be at risk for health problems. Whether your cat has always been on the heavy side or if the weight gain happened abruptly, an important part of getting your cat's weight down is its diet.
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Features
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A diet that helps a cat lose weight should be low in carbohydrates and high in proteins, with very little filler. Cats lack the enzyme amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates in their stomach, and enough carbohydrates in the cat's food over an extended period of time can lead to diabetes. Cats are carnivores and because of this their diet should be high in protein. Filler includes things like corn and beans, which allows pet food companies to charge less for larger quantities of food. Filler will encourage a cat to eat more because it is not getting what it needs from a smaller amount of food.
Time Frame
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Free feeding, where the cat's food bowl is constantly available, can contribute to a cat's weight gain and obesity. Instead, the Pet Center recommends feeding the cat two to four small meals on a daily basis. This allows your cat to stay more energetic and prevent it from routine gorging on food.
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Size
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The amount of food that you feed your cat also has an impact on its weight. The Pet Center states that a 7 lb. cat should have between .6 and 1 oz. of food per small meal. When a cat is fed too much at one meal, even if the meals are spaced throughout the day, weight gain can ensue.
Considerations
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A diet meant to curb obesity in a cat will work best if it is also combined with exercise. According to the Cat Clinic of Iowa City, interactive toys and playing with your cat regularly can help it get more exercise. Similarly, you can move the food to a place where the cat has to expend effort to reach it, whether it is up a flight of stairs or up a ramp.
Significance
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An overweight cat can be prone to many health issues. It might develop diabetes or skin issues, and it might also develop heart disease or hepatolipidosis, where fat starts affecting the function of the kidneys. Cats who have weight issues are also more prone to injuries related to their bones and joints as well as to depression and lethargy. Feeding your cat a diet that is meant to control its weight can help reduce or even eliminate these problems.
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References
- Photo Credit cat face image by Viktor Korpan from Fotolia.com
