Things You'll Need:
- Cat
- Patience
- Automatic pet feeder (recommended but not essential)
- Cat toys
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Step 1
The first step in getting your cat to lose weight is admitting that your cat IS overweight. Many people try to convince themselves that their cat is "big boned" when in fact the cat is just obese. There are some breeds of cat which are naturally larger and more muscular than others, but unless you own one of these purebreds, you can't use genetics as an excuse. Take a look at your cat from above - can you see a "waistline?" Does the cat's belly drag on the ground (or swing from side to side) when he walks? Is he able to jump up on things like he used to? Does he seem to tire more easily or breathe with some difficulty? Has your veterinarian told you the cat needs to lose weight? Excess weight is not "cute," it will take years off of your cat's life as the heart has to work harder, the joints get stressed and the kidneys and lungs are compressed by excess fat. Cats on poor diets can even develop diabetes or other serious conditions. Keeping your cat healthy is the most loving thing you can do, and overweight cats are not healthy! Once you know your cat is overweight, get his actual accurate weight so you can keep track of his "diet" progress!
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Step 2
Consider your cat's diet. Generally (but not always) you "get what you pay for" when it comes to pet foods. Less expensive generic or store brands may taste great to the cat (like fast foods taste great to me) but they are not the healthiest choice. You may think a "premium" cat food is too expensive, but actually cats will eat less of the better food and feel more full because they're getting the nutrition they need from smaller portions. You'll save money in the long run by purchasing less food and keeping your cat healthier. If the cat is already on a "premium" diet, how much is he eating? Many owners "free feed," leaving food out all day and assuming the cat will self-regulate. This works for some cats but not for others. If your cat is overweight, this strategy is not working! You need to begin making choices for the cat - feeding at particular times of day and measuring how much is fed. If a month goes by and the cat hasn't lost any weight, cut back on the amount you're feeding. Check the recommended feeding amount on the bag of food - but pick the amount corresponding to how much you WANT your cat to weigh, not what he actually weighs. For example, if you have a 20 lb. cat and you want him to weigh 15 lbs., see what the recommended feeding amount is for a 15 lb. cat according to the food manufacturer. If you try feeding that amount without success, try feeding 20 percent less than that amount.
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Step 3
Your next consideration is the type of premium cat food to be feeding. Is there a "light" version of the diet your cat is already eating? If your cat is over 7 years of age, consider feeding a "senior" formula (which will be reduced in calories). Your veterinarian will have prescription weight loss diets available which are an excellent option. Foods designed for weight loss will help your pet feel more full (so he won't drive you crazy) while still helping him lose some fat. Another factor to consider is the type of food - wet vs. dry. Dry kibble is better for a cat's teeth (obviously) but believe it or not, cats will lose weight if they eat more wet food than dry. The reason for this is that canned cat foods are mostly water (up to 80%) and water helps the cat feel "full" but doesn't add calories. If you are feeding strictly dry, consider substituting wet food for one meal a day, or even wet food exclusively until your cat gets to the target weight. Remember that any time you change foods, introduce the new food gradually (over the course of a week or more) until the cat gets used to it and accepts it. Cats can be very picky eaters so this may take a lot of experimentation and patience! Remind yourself that the cat will not starve himself; sooner or later he'll eat what you offer - be strong!
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Step 4
The next consideration is what time of day you are feeding your cat. Ideally the meals should be before the cat is most active. Some cats sleep all day and run around all night, and some cats are just the opposite. You want the cat to burn off the calories, so try to time the meals accordingly. I highly recommend an automated feeder which can control portions and also dispense food at particular times. One owner whose cat was keeping him up at night meowing for food decided to set his automatic feeder for 4 am and he restricted the food the cat ate during the day while it was more sleepy. The cat lost weight and the owner got more sleep! In my experience automated feeders work best with dry kibble, so perhaps your cat's "other" meal could be canned.
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Step 5
Caught in the act!Is cat food all your cat is eating? Is he stealing food from Fido? Are you feeling sorry for him and feeding scraps from the table? These all need to be eliminated during the "diet" phase.
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Step 6
One of the benefits of losing weight is that your cat will naturally become more active. Take advantage of this by playing with him! Find a toy (or several) that your cat enjoys and set aside some time just to give him a workout. The laser light pointers (available at pet stores) are very popular with cats and are easy to use. Cats like to chase strings (be careful they don't eat them!), feathers, balls, etc. Give your cat "safe" places to jump and climb (hopefully not into your plants). Just as in people, the equation for losing weight is simple - the cat needs to burn more calories than he is eating. Fewer calories and more activity = success!
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Step 7
If you have tried all of these things and your cat still looks like a beach ball, consider that there may be underlying factors involved. Cats can have joint disease (arthritis), heart conditions and other physical limitations which may keep them from wanting to play or exercise. Have your veterinarian do a thorough physical exam and follow his or her recommendations. Together you can help your cat live a long and healthy life!
