Like human being cats can also suffer from obesity issues. As an overweight cat owner, you are finding some easy ways how to cat lose weight. There is no shortcut, but by following some tricks and routines your cat can lose weight.
I am going to discuss what obesity really is, what should be considered a fat cat, how it happens, what are the symptoms, what precautions can be taken and what can we do at the stage of obesity.
What is Obesity in Cats?
Obesity is defined as an excess accumulation of body fat that may impair health. In cats, obesity is defined as having a body condition score (BCS) greater than 5/9 on a 9 point scale, or greater than 30% body fat. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems in cats, including diabetes, joint problems, and respiratory difficulties.
By the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention survey, about 60% of cats suffer in excessively overweight in America. USAToday reported, “The majority of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight or obese – 59.5 percent of cats and 55.8 percent of dogs – a statistic that hasn’t budged in recent years, according to a survey of pet owners and veterinarians out Tuesday.”
Owners can’t realize this as they see their pets on a regular basis. It can be observed if they see their photos that are taken a couple of years old.
We love our pets very much and we can’t feed them in little amounts for excess affection. Obesity doesn’t happen all of a sudden. It’s a result of daily food intake and activities.
Why should my cat lose weight?
A fat cat such problems can lead to diabetes, kidney failure, liver disease, heart attack, urinary problems, arthritis, pancreatitis, lameness and so on. An Overweight cat can face problems on the skin like dandruff, also there is the possibility of cancer.
Another side, healthy cats are happier and tend to live longer. You will get a lot of entertainment from your lovely feline. Besides, he is a faithful companion of yours.
How to set a goal for cat weight loss?
First of all, we need to set up a goal for Cat to lose weight. Without a target, we can’t go to a final destiny. We need to know the weight of it and what is the ideal weight. A vet can suggest to you about the ideal weight. This will help us to make the right decisions.
After deciding the perfect measure, it is easy to deal with it. Taking steps will be easy after doing it. Make sure to measure your cat’s weight on weekly basis. A bathroom scale is good for this purpose. Take weight of yourself along with the cat.
Then measure your personal weight alone. Deduct those numbers. There you have the cat’s weight. Maintain a chart on regular basis to see the progress.
How to Help a Cat Lose Weight
So you need to help your cat lose weight. The solution is not that easy. There are many things that can be done to get the situation make better. Here are few important tricks and ways to help your cat lose weight:
Give it less calories
Fewer calories are now to be considered. Like us, pets also need to lower their food intake to lose extra pounds. One thing must be considered that taking food is one kind of recreation for them Giving it less will make it unhappy.
At the beginning of diet control, cats will seek more food and so they will eat in excess if they have any chance. The more you feed them, the more they will consume calories and as a result, obesity is must. Try to calculate how much you are giving to it and replace them with food alternatives.
Before doing anything, consult with a vet about healthy food. Show him the detailed food chart that your pet is taking per serving. Then he can make a chart about how much is needed per serving to get weight loss.
Considering canned food for weight lose
Dry kibble contains higher calories compared to wet canned food. It could be an alternative food for your cat. The extra water content of canned wet food will make the cat feel that they are eating enough. This trick will help the Cat lose weight.
This will work well for those who want more food again and again. The extra amount of protein that have in canned wet food stays in the stomach for long time which will reduce the want of food for long. They will consume less in this process.
Put them on a diet program
The above-mentioned process is for those cats that gained a little amount of weight. For those that gained extra amount of weight must undergo in dieting plan. Before proceeding, contact with your vet to have better suggestions.
He will give you advice on the basis of how much information you give to him. He will run some examinations to have an idea about the current status of the pet. Always follow the instructions and the other advice that he give to you.
If the situation is worse, then he might suggest some weight loss supplement. Try not to let it eat some extra reward food. It will not help in diet program. Treats are on of the reasons of overweight. Stop those rewards during a diet for cat lose Weight.
Increase their activities
The above mentioned processes must be continued strictly. You can put some extra effort into these. Increase cat’s daily activities. This will burn some extra calories from their body. Exercises and different activities will increase its metabolism rate. Simple playing with it will not do. Some walking, running and exercise are also needed.
Have some toys such that they can play with them by chasing vigorously. Some toys are specially made for this purpose. Consult with the toy store and explain your demand. Online shop is also helpful. Search Google for it and you will find varieties of toys available in the market. Teleshopping is also possible.
Those are good for cats that don’t want to play outside. If your cat loves to go outside, then go out for a walk or run with it.
Avoid watching TV with your pet
Some people love to watch TV with their beloved cat. The cat forgets to move around and stick with its master silently. This is one of the reasons for being fat. This is also unhealthy for you.
Having snacks during your favorite TV shows and also feeding to pet at the same time will mislead you to have more food as you will forget about the amount of having food for yourself and feeding the pet. All the weight loss programs will be ruined at this.
Remember that, all your bad habits will make bad effect on the pet. Some pets can figure out the mental condition of the owner. Now you have learned how to deal with a cat with obesity. Different steps should be taken on the basis of its obesity level.
Help a Cat Lose Weight: Final Thoughts
To have good health for your cat you need to undergo those processes. A vet will guide you through the whole process. Try to visit him on regular basis. He can be a good partner in this war of losing weight program. Show him the weekly progress chart. He may advise some tips for the well being of the pet.
His professional interests include humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, and veterinary. As a pet lover from school life, having grown up with two cats and a dog. If he isn’t spending time with his friends and family, Justin enjoys traveling. Learn more about Justin here.
