How to Help Your Cat Achieve a Healthier Weight

Before embarking on your cat's weight loss journey, consult with your veterinarian to ensure a safe approach. Cat weight management is more than just limiting food intake, as swift weight loss can pose significant risks. It is crucial to develop a cat weight loss plan in collaboration with your vet.

Here are several ways to help your cat achieve a healthier weight and more prosperous lifestyle.

Help Your Cat Achieve a Healthier Weight safely

To begin with, consult your veterinarian before implementing a weight loss plan for your cat. They will assist you in formulating a gradual and healthy cat dieting strategy that avoids overly restrictive food intake.

It's important to note that severe food restriction leading to rapid weight loss can result in serious feline health issues, such as hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease.

Determining Your Cat's Body Condition Score

The ideal weight for a cat is determined by assessing their body condition score, which objectively evaluates their body composition based on factors like rib visibility, the presence of a "waist," and the ease of feeling their vertebrae.

Once the body condition score is determined, your veterinarian can help establish your pet's target weight and daily calorie intake goal. This is calculated using the resting energy requirement (RER) formula:

70×(body weight in kg)0.75=RER70×(body weight in kg)0.75=RER

Determining the Ideal Weekly Weight Loss for a Cat

Cats should aim to lose no more than 1-2% of their total body weight per week.

By adjusting their calorie intake to 80% of their resting energy requirement (RER), you can expect a weekly weight loss rate of 1-2% (individual variations may apply depending on the cat).

Your veterinarian can assist you in calculating calorie intake, weight loss goals, and appropriate portion sizes. Regularly weigh your pet to ensure adherence to the vet's plan. If your cat experiences a weight loss exceeding 2% per week, collaborate with your vet to increase their calorie consumption by 10%. Conversely, if the weight loss is below 1% per week, consult your vet to reduce calorie intake by 5-10%.

In case your cat ceases eating at any point, promptly seek a veterinary examination.

Three Approaches to Assisting Your Cat in Weight Loss

Here are some guidelines for assisting your cat in achieving weight loss in a safe and controlled manner.

1. Cat Weight Loss Food Consult your vet or visit Waggers food selections (recipes prepared by US veterinarians) to determine the appropriate food, portions, and feeding schedule for your cat.

• High fiber/low fat diets: Increased fiber content supports satiety and adds bulk, helping your cat feel fuller.

• High protein/low carbohydrate diets: These can delay stomach emptying, contributing to a sense of fullness.

• Wet food with higher water content aids weight loss by increasing food volume without raising calorie count.

1. Exercise While calorie restriction is vital, enhancing your cat's activity level is also crucial for weight loss.

• Schedule playtimes with laser pointers or wand toys.

• Introduce vertical spaces for jumping, such as cat trees or shelves.

• Provide puzzle toys like treat balls or puzzle feeders.

1. Automatic Feeders and Treat Balls

Like any nutritional plan, the incorporation of dietary changes and exercise routines should be introduced gradually, with guidance from your local veterinarian. Just as in human weight loss, optimal results are attained through a gradual, long-term approach.