How do I help my overweight cat lose weight?
For many cats, the best way to lose weight is with a canned diet food fed several times per day, rather than leaving food down all of the time. One of the reasons canned diet foods work better is because finicky felines often prefer wet food to dry.
How much exercise does an overweight cat need?
Begin exercising for 10 minutes multiple times per week and increase the activity until you reach at least 30 minutes daily. Exercising your cat for at least 15 minutes twice daily will help him/her expend energy, increase his/her metabolic rate and retain lean body mass.
Why is my overweight cat always hungry?
Lack of insulin, or lack of response to it, causes blood glucose levels to rise (hyperglycaemia) so cells can’t use glucose efficiently for energy. In cats, insulin resistance is commonly caused by obesity with 60% of obese cats becoming diabetic over time. The rise in diabetes may be linked to the rise in obesity.
How can I stimulate my cats fat?
Making your cat work to find their food, using scatter feeding and puzzle feeding is also a good way to get them to be more active. Cats Protection recommends placing some of their daily rations inside feeding balls and encouraging them to exercise by playing with fishing rod toys and other toys they can chase.
Why did my cat suddenly lose weight?
Causes of Cat Weight Loss. Anxiety, stress, or depression. Cats under psychological stress may go off their food, which can result in weight loss. Situations that may upset your cat include excessive noise, other animals in the feeding area, dirty food dishes, or proximity of the food dish to the litter box.
How do I exercise my overweight cat?
Can an overweight cat be healthy?
Obese cats are at a greater risk for many diseases like diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, urinary problems, lameness, pancreatitis and GI diseases of all types, and skin problems such as dandruff. Fat cats also experience a decreased quality of life and even an increased possibility of cancer.
What food is best for overweight cats?
The 13 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss and Kitty Fitness
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food.
- Wellness Complete Health Dry Cat Food.
- Halo Indoor Cat Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food.
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Healthy Weight Adult Dry Food.
- Natural Balance Fat Cats Formula Dry Cat Food.
What happens if you don’t help your cat lose weight?
Overweight cats also tend to have a shorter lifespan and becomes less energetic and playful as they age. With the right approach, you can help your obese cat lose weight and ensure she is around for years to come. Get your cat checked by your vet.
How to know if your cat is overweight or obese?
(See the Muscle Condition Score chart: Cats or Dogs) Your cat is overweight if he is 10% more than the ideal weight and obese if over 20% of the ideal weight. 2.
Why does my cat have a lot of weight?
“Is my cat overweight?” You might be asking that question after noticing your beloved Fluffy is looking a little, well, fluffy. Weight gain is a common issue with cats, especially as they get older and their metabolism slows down.
How can I help my diabetic cat lose weight?
If your vet determines your cat is diabetic, she will likely recommend a nutritional program to help your diabetic cat lose weight safely. Your cat may also need insulin injections, which can be discussed in more detail with your vet. Determine your cat’s target weight.
Why does my cat lose so much weight?
In many cases, cats lose weight when they are not eating enough. However, some diseases cause weight loss despite adequate food intake. Depending on the cause, weight loss may or may not accompany other signs of illness. Many health problems can cause weight loss in cats, some more serious than others.
(See the Muscle Condition Score chart: Cats or Dogs) Your cat is overweight if he is 10% more than the ideal weight and obese if over 20% of the ideal weight. 2.
Is it normal for senior cats to lose weight?
Many owners think that weight loss is normal for senior cats, but this is not the case. It’s important to take action if you notice unexplained weight loss in your cat. It is hard to tell if your cat is really losing weight if it happens gradually.
How to calculate a weight loss plan for cats?
The formula for weight loss in cats is based on the resting energy requirement (calorie requirement for a cat that is not performing any physical activity), or RER, calculated as follows: RER in kcal/day = [70 x (ideal weight in kg)] ¾ or [70 x (ideal weight in kg)] to the ¾ power.
