How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight

You might call your cat lazy or relaxed or laid back. That’s a cats’ lifestyle. Many cats spend a lot of time sleeping and resting, which means it’s easy for them to pack on the pounds. But overweight and obese cats have a higher risk of health problems such as diabetes, which can shorten your cat’s lifespan. Help your cat shed excess weight and stay healthy by changing his diet and exercise level.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Examine Your Cat’s Diet

1. Read the ingredients of your cat's food, paying close attention to sources of fiber that affect a cat’s digestive system. Note what percentage of fat content the food contains and how many grains there are in the food. You might be surprised how much of the food is nutritious and how much is filler.
2. Switch to a healthier food. Alternatively, reduce the amount of food your cat gets in a day if you are happy with the food you have.
3. Stop giving your cat treats or table scraps. Make sure your cats have an adequate amount of food, but make sure you are not overfeeding.
4. Feed your cat multiple times a day instead of once. A few smaller meals might help speed up his metabolism.
5. Play with or pet your cat when he meows. Many people give their cats food when they make a fuss, but the cat might really be asking for affection.

Add to your cat’s activity

6. Play with your cat. Many cats are happy to play with their owners, but won’t play by themselves. Try buying some new toys or dragging a string around your house for your cat to chase.
7. Take your cat for a walk. Sure, it’s unusual, but there are cat harnesses and leashes available. Walking your cat can help him burn calories. Not all cats will do well on a leash, but some enjoy exploring their neighborhoods with their owners.
8. Hide from your cat and then call out his name. Many cats love to find their owners.

Tips & Warnings

• Your vet can provide suggestions on food brands or amounts.
• Don’t switch a cat’s food quickly. You must gradually add the new food and phase out the old food to avoid your cat having digestive problems. Watch your cat carefully during the adjustment period. Any vomiting, diarrhea or excess water intake could signal a problem.
• Don’t rush out and buy a “diet” or “weight management” food. Make sure you know how nutritious a food is before you feed it to your cats.