Easy Ways Your Cat Can Lose Weight
Our cats are becoming rounder, says Kerri Marshall, DVM, and Executive Vice President of Customer Experience with Trupanion. This is partially because there’s been a transition from cats being indoor-outdoor cats to them staying indoors all the time and thus getting much less exercise, she says.
To return your cat to their pre-obese shape, you need to consider both exercise and food. Here are some other tips from Dr. Marshall…
First, check your cat’s body condition. Many websites provide pictures of cats from above and from the side to help you determine if your cat is overweight and by how much. In general, says Dr. Marshall, “you should be able to feel your cat’s ribs and backbone, check under the belly, which is a common place for fat to develop.”
Next, make sure you’re feeding high-quality food. “A low cost pet food could have more fat or not the right nutrients in it,” Dr. Marshall says. Studies also show that it’s not just how much cats eat but the quality of what they eat. Higher-quality cat food contains better protein, and nutrients that are more readily digested. Lower-quality cat food is often sprayed with fat for palatability, which is not the case with high quality brands.
Tasty Tips
Your vet can recommend good brands of cat food and advise you on the correct portion sizes — though most products contain recommendations on their packaging.
Don’t forget exercise! “Cats are one of the few pets that love to play and have a high play instinct—the predator instinct,” Dr. Marshall says.
Try to play with your cat and get them moving for at least 10 minutes a day.
For the complete article on cat weight loss tips, visit petMD!
Related products
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Sterilised Cat Dry Food with Salmon is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition, tailored to meet the needs of sterilised cats, to help keep sthem lean & healthy.
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Premium Mousse with Salmon is a complete and balanced pet food for adult cats aged 1-6 years, with a deliciously smooth texture they'll love
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult cat food with Chicken was formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential Omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur, mantaining them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Kitten & Mother Tender Mousse Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Kitten & Mother Tender Mousse Cat Food with Chicken & Turkey is a complete premium pet food for kittens from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing cats. Formulated with chicken, turkey and other specially selected ingredients to support gut health and optimal growth. It comes in a soft mousse texture they'll love.
Related articles
Cat Poo: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how your cat's poo can be a good indicator of her overall health, including how to spot unhealthy or abnormal cat poop and what it might mean.
Cat Eye Care: Recognizing and Preventing 6 Cat Eye Problems
Learn about common eye problems in cats, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, as well as their causes, symptoms and treatment options
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.
Is your cat putting on weight?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of cat obesity and weight management in cats and the conditions that affect on your cat.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.