How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Is your cat overweight?

If so, you’re not alone. Many cat owners struggle with maintaining a healthy weight for their cats. In fact, according to Pet Obesity Prevention, almost 58% of all cats living in the United States are overweight or obese. If your cat is overweight, it can put them at a much higher risk for many health issues and diseases, including diabetes, so it’s important to take steps to help them lose weight. At East Meadow Veterinary Center, we understand that this is easier said than done, and that’s why our veterinary clinic in Levittown has come up with these tips to help your cat lose weight:

#1. Visit the veterinarian.

If your cat is overweight, the first thing you should do is take them to see the veterinarian. This is important because there are some medical conditions that can actually cause obesity. The veterinarian will be able to tell you if there is an underlying health issue, and they will also be able to help you establish an effective weight loss program.

#2. Take a close look at their diet. 

Diet plays a huge part in your pet’s weight, so that is one of the first places to start when you want to help them lose weight. Cats are carnivores through and through, and that means that they need a lot more protein and fewer carbohydrates. Unfortunately, many of the dry cat foods are high in carbohydrates, so you need to take a good look at the food you are feeding your cat. Your cat’s diet should consist of approximately 45% protein, 40% fat and just a small amount of carbohydrates.

Learn about more things you can do to help your cat lose weight when you stay tuned for our next blog.

Our veterinarian in North Merrick can help your cat lose weight the healthy way!

Cats who are obese or overweight carry a much higher risk for developing a variety of health issues and diseases. However, weight loss in cats, just like in people, can be a challenge. That’s why, in our last blog, we started giving you a couple of tips to help your cat lose weight. Here are a few more cat weight loss tips that every cat owner should know:

#3. Don’t allow your cat to continuously eat. 

Leaving your cat’s food out all day is a recipe for failure, and it makes it all too easy for your cat to overeat. Instead, get advice from your veterinarian about how much you should be feeding your cat, and break that up into small meals throughout the day.

#4. Give your cat a different kind of treat. 

The cat treats that you can normally get at the store contain hight amounts of carbohydrates and flavor enhancers. The flavor enhancers encourage your cat to keep eating (even when they aren’t hungry) and the carbohydrates promote weight gain. Instead of giving your cat prepacked treats, make your own! Little bits of cooked chicken, cooked fish, cooked carrots, peas, broccoli and even green beans are healthy alternatives that your cat will love.

#5. Encourage your cat to get more exercise.

Many people think that they can’t exercise their cats, but it’s actually incredibly easy! Enrich their environment with shelves to climb on, empty boxes to play in, cat scratching posts and new toys. It’s also a good idea to actively play with your cat. Get a laser pointer for your cat to chase or pull a string around on the floor for them.

If you need help getting your cat to lose weight, contact us! We are always excited to help keep your pets happy and healthy.