Proper feeding for overweight cats

Has your cat become cuddlier or simply overweight?
Obesity can cause many health problems for cats, similar to humans.

Proper feeding of overweight cats includes reducing calorie intake, using high-quality foods that stimulate metabolism, and avoiding rapid food reductions that can lead to liver problems.
In this article, you will learn everything about the causes, detection and consequences of obesity in cats as well as about suitable food, diet management and motivating exercise strategies.

Causes of Obesity in Cats

Obesity in cats is often caused by a combination of excessive calorie intake and lack of exercise. Many cat owners are unaware of how quickly a cat can become overweight, especially if they are neutered, as neutering lowers the animals' basal metabolic rate and can also increase their appetite. This means that the animals require less energy but want to eat more. Additionally, factors such as a cat's age and breed influence their tendency to become overweight.

The daily feeding routine plays a crucial role in the development of obesity. Cats are often offered large portions or foods that are too high in energy, such as treats, which are not included in their daily calorie intake. Feeding by eye instead of precise amounts can also lead to unintentional overfeeding. Another important aspect is lack of exercise, especially in indoor cats, who do not have the opportunity to move around as freely as outdoor cats.

Detecting Obesity in Cats

Detecting obesity in cats can be challenging, especially in long-haired or particularly fluffy breeds. Important signs of obesity include an impalpable waist, difficulty reaching certain parts of the body when grooming, and general lethargy. A helpful assessment tool is the Body Condition Score, which allows an objective assessment of a cat's weight. This score takes into account various physical characteristics such as the visibility of the ribs and the waist.

Diseases caused by obesity in cats

Obesity in cats can lead to a variety of health problems that can significantly affect both the quality of life and the lifespan of the animals. The most common diseases include diabetes mellitus, as overweight cats have an increased tendency to type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the extra weight often leads to joint problems such as osteoarthritis, as the joints are subjected to greater strain.

In addition to joint diseases, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and skin problems are also common consequences of obesity. Overweight cats can no longer care for their fur properly, which can lead to skin irritations. They are also more susceptible to urinary tract diseases and have an increased risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery. Early detection and weight reduction are therefore crucial to minimise these risks.

Suitable food for overweight cats

Choosing the right food plays a crucial role in weight loss for overweight cats. Dry food is often higher in calories than wet food because it contains less water and is therefore more energy dense. This can easily lead to excessive calorie intake if the amount of food is not carefully monitored. Wet food, on the other hand, contains more water, which dilutes the calories per portion and improves satiety without providing too many calories. Therefore, it is often better suited to controlling the cat's weight. It is important to choose food that meets the cat's needs while helping to reduce its weight.

When feeding overweight cats, special attention should be paid to the quality and composition of the food. High-quality food that is rich in important nutrients and essential fatty acids not only supports the cat's health, but can also help reduce its weight. Low-calorie food or special diet food developed for overweight cats can be a good choice. These foods are formulated in such a way that they still provide all the necessary nutrients despite a lower amount of calories. Regular checks and adjustments of the amount of food by the vet can be very helpful to ensure that the cat loses weight healthily.

The importance of diet food

Diet food is specifically designed to help overweight cats lose weight without having to sacrifice important nutrients. It contains fewer calories but still contains all the essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements that a cat needs for a healthy diet. The advantage of diet food is that it is often formulated to provide a good feeling of satiety and the cat is not constantly hungry. This prevents excessive begging and eating, which in turn makes weight control easier. Diet food is therefore an important tool in the fight against obesity in cats and should be used under veterinary supervision.

Dietary Management for Overweight Cats

Effective diet planning for overweight cats requires careful consideration of feeding quantity and frequency. It is advisable to give the total daily food amount in several small meals throughout the day, rather than feeding one or two large meals. This mimics the cat's natural eating behavior and helps to increase satiety. Additionally, the food should be high in fiber to aid digestion and support a longer feeling of fullness. A slow and steady weight loss of 1-2% of body weight per week is considered ideal to minimize health risks and ensure that the cat successfully loses weight and then keeps it off.

motivation to exercise more

One of the most effective ways to reduce your cat's weight is to encourage them to exercise more. However, this can be challenging, especially if your cat is more of a slacker or doesn't show much interest in exercise. Start by keeping playtimes short but regular. A few minutes several times a day can make a big difference. Here are some tips to encourage your cat to exercise more:

• Use interactive toys : Objects that move or make noise, such as laser pointers or motorized balls, can pique your cat's interest.
• Create an exciting play area : An area with different levels and hiding places encourages climbing and exploration.
• Establish a routine : Cats love routines. Setting set play times will help your cat look forward to the activities and actively participate in them.

Motivating your cat to exercise not only helps reduce excess weight, but also improves your cat's overall health and well-being. Increased muscle mass and better fitness are just some of the benefits of regular exercise. To keep your cat happy in the long term, you should consider the following points:

• Provide variety : Change toys and activities to avoid boredom.
• Use rewards : Occasional treats can serve as an incentive for exercise, but make sure they are low in calories.
• Shared activities : Spend time with your cat during playtimes. This will strengthen your bond and further motivate your cat to be active.

These strategies can encourage your cat to exercise more and help manage her weight effectively.

Safe Weight Loss in Cats

Safe weight loss in cats begins with setting realistic goals that are both achievable and safe for their health. The first step is to work with your veterinarian to determine your cat's normal weight . This will serve as a guideline for weight loss. It is important that the target weight is reached slowly and steadily so as not to endanger your cat's health. Weight loss should not exceed about 1-2% of body weight per week. Here are some points to consider:

• Check your cat’s weight on the scale regularly.
• Strictly follow the diet plan recommended by your veterinarian.
• Avoid any feeding outside of the diet plan so as not to jeopardize the goal.

In addition to controlling food intake, it is crucial to monitor your cat's progress regularly. This will not only help you make adjustments to the diet plan when necessary, but will also help you maintain motivation. Take photos of your cat from above at regular intervals to have visual confirmation of their change. This can be a great motivational aid and show you that your efforts are bearing fruit. Look for the following indicators:

• Development of a visible waist.
• Improved mobility and activity.
• Positive behavior and increased well-being. Using these methods, you can ensure that your cat's weight loss is safe and effective and helps him lead a healthy and active life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should an overweight cat eat?

The amount of food given to an overweight cat should be adjusted so that it loses weight slowly and steadily. It is important to use high-quality, low-calorie food and to feed the cat exactly as recommended by the veterinarian. Regular checks and adjustments by the veterinarian can help determine the right amount.

How do I get my cat to lose weight?

To get your cat to lose weight, you should use a combination of diet management and exercise. Reduce calorie intake by feeding a special diet food and divide the daily amount of food into several small meals. In addition, you should encourage your cat to exercise more by scheduling regular play times and using interactive toys.

How do I make my cat slimmer?

To get your cat to lose weight, it is important to monitor its diet and activity. Switch to a low-calorie diet and make sure you stick to the feeding amounts exactly. Encourage regular exercise through games and activities that appeal to your cat. A steady and slow weight loss is effective.

How often should a cat be fed per day?

It is advisable to give a cat's total daily food amount in several small meals throughout the day. This imitates the cat's natural eating behavior and helps to increase the feeling of satiety. The exact number of meals may vary depending on the cat's needs and state of health.