Weight-Loss Strategies for Cats

Weight gain and obesity are major concerns for pet cats in the United States. More than a quarter of cats are obese or are likely to become obese, according to Dr. Rebecca Remillard of PetPlace. Overweight cats can have difficulty breathing, walking and exercising, and cannot tolerate heat. Putting a cat on a diet and exercise routine is not easy, but it is important to your pet's health and it can be done.

Veterinarian

Your first step in helping your cat to lose weight should be a trip to the veterinarian. There are certain diseases that can cause a cat to put on pounds. These possibilities need to be ruled out before the cat begins a weight-loss plan. It is also important to use caution when putting a cat on a diet. If calories are restricted too quickly in felines, cats may develop a type of life-threatening liver disorder. Your veterinarian will be able to give you the best advice on how to safely limit your cat's caloric intake and get the cat into an exercise routine.

Feeding

There are several ways to decrease your cat's calories, and your veterinarian might present you with several options. One option is to continue feeding your cat the same type of food you currently do, but to cut portion sizes. There are also therapeutic diets available by prescription from your veterinarian that are designed to be lower in calories and to be fed to cats on weight-loss plans. To keep your cat from feeling deprived, it is often best to divide the meals into three or four smaller portions throughout the day.

Exercise

While you can't take your overweight cat for a jog in the way you would a dog on a diet, you can help your feline burn some calories. Periods of interactive play using feathers, wand toys and laser pointers are a good place to start. You can also train your cat to walk on a harness and work with the pet on learning tricks. If your cat is an only pet, you might think about adopting another cat. The two cats might play together, helping the overweight pet to burn some calories.

Commitment

Everyone in the cat's family must be committed to helping the feline lose weight. If one family member is measuring portions and helping the cat get exercise, all of that work is going to do no good if another member of the family is slipping the pet fatty treats. The weight-loss plan is probably going to require eight to 12 months of commitment to be successful. And, even when the goals have been met, it's important to keep calorie consumption reasonable while continuing the cat's exercise program.

References

• Obesity in Cats
• Keeping Your Cat's Weight Under Control
• Feeding Fat Cats