How Do I Make My Cat Loose Weight?

Answer 1

Hi Jordan...generally, it's first recommended to discuss an appropriate weight loss guideline with your vet. Sudden changes in dietary requirements can be distressing to a cat and could contribute to other health problems. Cats who have dramatic caloric intake can suffer from something called fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) which shuts the liver down and is fatal. Therefore, before beginning any weight loss plan, please be sure to get approval from the vet to make sure this will not cause any other un-necessary health problems for your cat. Some cats can be overweight as a result of thyroid problems so this should be checked as well.

In the wild, animals will naturally eat what they need and no more. The task of searching for food and other basic necessities involves lots of exercise and so wild animals remain naturally fit and healthy.

The food available to them in their natural habitat is perfectly designed to meet their needs in an environment that has not been tampered with.

Domestic animals are provided with food which they do not have to hunt for and which is not always suited for their bodies. Cats who are free fed as well as given table scraps are more noted to have obesity problems because they eat out of boredom. In addition, they are often exposed to a lifestyle which contributes to sluggish metabolism, underactive thyroids and livers which are not able to remove toxins or eliminate unwanted fat from their bodies.

Most commercial grade cat foods contain corn, corn meal which are fillers (carbohydrates) that bind the dry food together as a way of keeping foods lasting longer. Try finding cat food products which are devoid of these ingedients. The first ingredients should show chicken, chicken meal, etc. Most show the first ingredients as corn on the ingredient labels. IAMs, Science Diet, Purina, Whiskas, Friskies ...all have corn listed as the main ingredient. Cats who eat these tend to always feel hungry because the carbs don't metabolize fast enough and cats are obligate carnivores so they need a diet devoid of these types of carbs. Products such as Innova EVO, Nature's Variety Prairie, James Wellbeloved (UK), are premium brands. Most cats who eat these find that they do not eat to eat as much because their appetite is better satiated.

Additionally, it's important to schedule feed a cat so you can monitor servings taken in during the day. Each product lists the recommended servings based on a age and weight. For an overweight cat you would be reducing the intake gradually by 10% each week that the vet recommends is an appropriate caloric intake. Cats who are switched from a free-fed diet shoudl be fed multiple times a day (if permittable) such as once in the morning, mid-day, and then evening before your bedtime.

When switching to a new brand of cat food it is also important to note that sudden changes can cause sever bowel distress. Cats have very sensitive digestive systems so the quick change will cause bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting. Any vet can confirm this fact. Cat food should be changed gradually by mixing the current brand with the new brand over the course of several weeks. For example you would take 3/4 servings of the old cat food to 1/4 servings with the new for one week...then the next week 1/2 to 1/2...then following 1/4 of the old to 3/4 of the new in the third week before completing the switch in the final week.

Furthermore, some cats can take off the weight faster by feeding a canned food diet. For some reason the hydration in the canned products helps metabolize food better and are also completely devoid of carbohydrates, which is more optimal for the feline's body. When cats eat raw meat in the wild they get hydration from the fresh meat juices as well as some roughage from the animals who are natural herbivores. A mixture of canned and dry are always best for cats in the long-term, which many people are unaware of. We are have been exposed to so many commercial ads regarding dry food for cats, but in reality it's the manufacturer's who benefit rather than the cats. Cats are not naturally designed to eat dry--the products were designed for convenience for the owner.

Here's an article about commercial cat food; dry vs. canned, proper nutritional needs, etc: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/cat-food/review.html

Finally, most cats become bored with toys quickly. It's important to rotate them by hiding them and then bringing them back out again so the appear to be like new toys. Interactive toys are the best ones to use to get a cat moving such as a laser light. Most cats love chasing the light. The goal is to get the cat to move back and forth at least for 5 minutes to begin as some tire more easily than others especially if they are overweight. You can increase play time more if they enjoy it. Some cats love chasing feather teasers tied on a string too. Experiment to what gets your cat moving. Just please remember most overweight cats tire easily so keep the sessions short and fun. Interactive toys are the best ways to get your cat to exercise rather than leaving toys for them to play with. They only bat at those and really don't move enough. Not only does the interactive toys work better, but it's a bonding experience for both of you as well.

Answer 2

Doesn't sound overweight, but meow mix is crappy food. It will only cause health problems in the future. Get a better food with animal protien in the highest protein amount you can find. But make sure it's protein from animal, chicken, turkey, lamb, not from rice or veggies. Check the first 5 ingredients, should have no by-products at all in any of the ingredients. Cats need food available 24/7 or it affects their kidneys. Try a high protein lower fat food from a pet store or animal feed store not the grocery store. Also more exercise as your cat doesn't seen to be very over weight.

Answer 3

To start off, choose a food desgnated for weight control. Do not "free feed" which means do not leave the food down on the floor and let the cat have as much as it wants. There are specific measurments on the bag for the cat. Measure the amount. Do not feed table scraps. If the cat will pay with toys, play with them. Make it a good workout. It will be fun for the cat and you.

Answer 4

It's important that you get food that is lower in calories, without cutting down too much on the actually quantity that you give the cat. Cats' digestive systems don't respond well to a dramatic decrease in their daily food intake. A vet or pet store will sell cat food that is meant for overweight cats. You may want to begin by mixing it with the regular food, gradually giving the cat more and more of the 'diet' food.

Answer 5

First off, you need to make sure your cat is not eating too much. On the label of your cat food should be a recommended portion size.

Then, you'll probably need to get a food that will help her shape her body. But first, buy a small bag of that food to make sure she likes it. If she likes it, then try feeding that to her.

Make sure your cat is getting enough exercise. Does she have toys around the house/yard that she can run around and chase or play with? Running around chasing toys will give her exercise.

Answer 6

First and foremost, get the cat to your vet for an evaluation. Follow the vet's orders for what and how much to feed your dear kitty. Weight loss must occur over an extended period of time because cats are prone to develop a life threatening problem called hepatic lipidosis or "fatty liver" if they are forced to fast or not fed enough. So, please, check first with a professional and then you can proceed to help kitty get back to a healthy weight.

Answer 7

Yes, less food is probably the answer - the cat should only need two meals per day consisting of a small bowl of cat food, with water to drink. Avoid giving biscuity snacks. You can also get special 'obesity diet' cat food from your vet, along with good advice. Good luck to you and Kitty!

Answer 8

My cat was over weight also.
I purchased her Purina Cat Food, for over weight cats.
In about a month she lost her 5 pounds.
Hope this helps.

Answer 9

ask your vet how many calories a cat of its size requires, make sure u specify whether its a house cat or if its allowed outside as this makes a huge difference. gradually reduce its feed so that it should be losing at most 5% of its weight each week. engage it in play and get things to encourage climbing.

Answer 10

well my cat is over weight too.
the vet put him on a diet as i cant let him outside (cats are being stolen in my neighbourhood and i live next to a main road)
but he lost only a little bit of weight.
exersize and feeding it less should help.
i encorage my cat to play as much as i can.

Answer 11

Stand up and walk atleast 5 mins after evry 2 hours while working