Getting your cat to lose weight can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. There are a number of strategies you can employ to help your cat slim down. But it’s also important to understand the dangers of feline obesity, and also which cats are more prone to it. Read on to get the skinny on fat cats!
But first: why is being fat bad for your cat?
Obesity worsens to many diseases, and is directly responsible for the development of others. We know for a fact that obese cats are prone to developing diabetes. Cats get the kind of diabetes that obese humans get, in which they can still produce insulin (the hormone that helps the body use dietary sugars), but the cells don’t respond to it very well. This leaves the cat in a constant state of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, which produces a number of unwanted and unhealthy changes to the body.
Being obese makes it difficult for cats to clean themselves, since being fat means they can’t reach all of the areas they need to clean. And extra body fat takes a toll on the heart, can cause difficulty breathing, and worsens the pain associated with arthritis. It also makes it more difficult for a veterinarian to determine if all of the internal systems are working appropriately, since the ability to feel internal organs and hear the heart and lungs is compromised.
Prevent obesity before it happens
We understand several factors that seem to predispose cats to becoming overweight. Male cats seem more prone to it, as are indoor cats, and cats that have been sterilized.
As I believe the benefits of a feline life lived indoors and being neutered far outweigh the risks, you’ll be unlikely to find me suggesting that we start doing otherwise. And certainly we’re not performing sex changes in cats – yet – so if you’ve got a male, you’re likely stuck with him.
So be aware of the risk factors, even if you can’t change them. Many people are surprised to find out their cat is overweight, or surprised at how easily their cat gains weight. Feed conservatively, using the feeding amounts on the food containers as guidelines – I tend to recommend feeding 10-25% less than the containers suggest. Weigh your cat often, either in your veterinarian’s office or by stepping on your home scale while holding him, then doing the math using your own weight.
Change what you’re feeding
Wild cats are what we refer to as obligate carnivores. That means they do best on diets that contain a hefty portion of protein. Many commercially available dry cat foods, especially the less-expensive “grocery store” brands, contain a large percentage of carbohydrates in the form of grains. While many cats do well on these diets, many others become obese.
Veterinarians and veterinary researchers theorize that increased dietary carbohydrates play a role in the development of feline obesity, but a direct link has not been proven.
What about dry food? We do know that dry cat foods are a relatively dense form of calories. In addition, dry cat foods contribute to overfeeding, since it’s easy to fill up the bowl and allow the cat to munch at will.
Because canned cat foods contain nearly 70% water (compared to dry foods, which contain none), it’s likely that cats will feel satisfied sooner when eating these foods. So consider a change to canned food if you’re having trouble controlling your cat’s weight on a completely dry regimen.
Change how you’re feeding
One strategy is to make your cat interact with his food, and to “earn” it. You can buy “puzzle feeders” at pet stores and online, and you can even make your own. The idea is to put the adventure and excitement back in to obtaining food, and slow down eating so that the cat feels full sooner.
If you’re free-feeding your cat out of a giant never-ending bowl of dry food, stop. Using the label as a guideline, determine a daily feeding amount, then start by feeding 3 or even 4 small meals per day. If your cat is complaining for food, put a few kibbles in the bowl and vacate the room. Fill up the water bowl and offer that – sometimes cats just want a fresh drink of water instead of more food.
Change the location of feeding bowls
Most of us aren’t going to be successful at slimming down our cats by leashing them up for a brisk jog around the neighborhood. So how can you increase your cat’s activity level, when all he seems to want to do is nap?
One strategy that works is to move the food and water bowls around the house. Put one or more of them up high – yet in a place that’s still reachable – but high enough to encourage some athletic activity. And change locations frequently, to keep your cat “on the hunt” for his food.
Play with your cat
We used to believe that cats would stop eating when they were full, but I’d suggest that theory blows up when you consider the average bored housecat. For many of them, eating becomes something of a hobby, and the results are pretty disastrous for many.
But housecats are typically social animals, and they love to interact with us. Laser pointers, wand-type toys, feathers – all are good choices for playtime. Avoid strings and yarn, as they are extremely dangerous when swallowed, and toys that encourage attacking your hands.
Not too fast!
Always remember that rapid weight loss in obese cats can precipitate a condition known as fatty liver disease, or hepatic lipidosis. Never completely deprive your cat of food, and consult your veterinarian immediately if your cat suddenly shows no interest in food.