How To

How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Member
By kjones83
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)

Got a chubby kitty? While a little extra meat on your cat's bones may make them all the more adorable, an overweight cat faces a number of potential health problems.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Raw meat
  • Weight loss cat food
  • A veterinarian
  1. Step 1

    When a pet is overweight, it is almost always due to how much food they eat rather than how much they exercise. While you can't put Kitty on a treadmill, regulating her food intake is the most effective way for her to lose weight.

  2. Step 2

    Before you start any change to your cat's diet, take them to a vet. Never drastically alter your pet's lifestyle without consulting a professional.

  3. Step 3

    Most vets recommend simply switching your cat to a diet or weight control dry pet food. This is probably the easiest on your cat's digestive system, but it will take longer for you to see results.

  4. Step 4

    For some cats, canned food works on the same principle as the Atkins' diet for humans. Cats are designed to digest protein rather than carbohydrates, so a meat-based diet can lead to weight loss. However, be advised many canned foods do contain some carb-based fillers such as rice or cornmeal.

  5. Step 5

    As a result, some pet owners opt for a raw diet. This is a complicated way to feed your kitty. In order for your cat to get all the proteins and enzymes they need to stay healthy, you must combine raw meat with added supplements. Do NOT begin a raw diet for your cat without seeing the vet and doing thorough research.

  6. Step 6

    Play with your cat often. Cats are naturally active, but the more overweight they are, the more encouragement they need to chase the little catnip-filled mouse around.

Tips & Warnings
  • A healthy weight loss for a cat will take a lot of time and patience. Your cat may only lose one or two pounds a year, but remember, this is a relatively large amount for a small creature.
  • If at any time your cat seems sluggish or unresponsive, or his eating, drinking or digestive habits change drastically, see a vet immediately.

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