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.