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Snacking cats can easily pack on the pounds—and even one extra pound can spell trouble for a mid-size (10 pound) kitty. But there’s hope! Adding daily exercise while reducing treats and switching to a satisfying—but lower-calorie—food can make all the difference when you’re dealing with obesity in cats. If your kitty is battling the bulge, read on.
Obesity in cats is a growing problem, affecting as many as 40 percent of cats. It isn’t just an aesthetic issue—it can have devastating consequences for your cat’s health and longevity. Obesity can increase your cat’s risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and other health problems. It can also lead to a 2.8-fold increase in mortality, especially among older cats (age 8 to 12 years).
Talk with Your Vet About Obesity in Cats
If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight, a great way to start is by talking with your veterinarian. They can check for any metabolic issues, plus help you construct a plan to help your cat lose weight.
Your vet will also determine your cat’s ideal weight based on breed and bone structure. Great big floofy cats are not necessarily overweight!
Certain breeds, usually ones that are calm and less active, are at risk of becoming overweight as adults. These include the hairless Sphinx, the low-key Birman and Ragamuffin, the big Shorthairs (Oriental, British, Colorpoint, and American), the stocky Manx, and the peaceful Peke-Faced and Persian.
If your cat turns out to be overweight, don’t panic. Vets will tell you that healthy weight loss in cats should happen slowly. According to Tufts University veterinarians, a loss of 0.5% to 2% of a cat’s bodyweight per week is what’s safe.
Putting your cat on a drastic diet will not only upset your cat—it can kill them. Losing weight too quickly can trigger a dangerous condition for cats called fatty liver disease, which can result in liver failure. Your veterinarian can help you set a goal weight for your cat, and then you want to focus on slow and steady progress.
Choosing Foods to Fight Obesity in Cats
Once you’ve talked with your veterinarian, you’re ready to adjust your cat’s diet to control calories and fat. You don’t want to drastically drop your cat’s intake or change their eating patterns. If you just start feeding your cat less of their current food, they may not get the nutrients their body needs, and that could lead to other health problems.
A better approach is to limit their access to calorie-dense treats and switch to a low-fat, low-calorie cat food specially formulated for weight loss for their regular meals.
What makes a good weight-loss cat food? Here are some things to look for:
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Rich in high-quality, lean animal protein (at least 30%)
- Low-to-moderate fat content (about 10% to 12%)
- Digestible carbohydrates and dietary fiber
Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores. That means that protein is the foundation of their diet, including a weight-loss diet. You’ll want to select a cat food that lists high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient and has low to moderate fat content. The food will have a higher fiber content—this will boost your cat’s digestion and keep them satisfied even when they’re getting fewer calories.
Here are five of our favorite cat foods (wet and dry) for weight loss.
Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle Grain-Free Adult Dry Food
A holistic weight-control formula for cats, this recipe features fresh-caught Alaskan pollock to deliver protein-rich, low-calorie nutrition to help your cat lose weight.
Shop on AmazonPurina Pro Plan Healthy Metabolism Cat Food
Chunks of chicken in savory gravy provide plenty of taste for your dieting cat. This “healthy metabolism” formula is high in protein and relatively low in fat, making it a good choice for weaning your adult kitty off a high-calorie food.
Shop on AmazonBlue Buffalo Weight Control Adult Dry Cat Food
This tasty chicken-and-rice recipe is formulated for weight management, lean muscle maintenance, and healthy immunity. Plus, it’s supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for balanced nutrition.
Shop on AmazonChicken Soup Weight and Mature Care Cat Food
Many cats put on weight as they mature, and this canned food formula is designed to help your cat achieve and maintain a healthy body weight in their golden years. If your cat enjoys wet food, this ocean fish and poultry paté will likely appeal to them.
Shop on ChewyHalo Indoor Cat Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food
Made with wholesome, natural ingredients, this recipe is formulated to support your indoor cat’s healthy weight. It features wild salmon as the main ingredient.
Shop on AmazonActivities and Toys to Address Obesity in Cats
If your cat enjoys attention and play, adding extra activities should be easy. Get your cat to follow a wand toy through your house, or up and down stairs. Provide them with challenging surfaces to climb. Other good ways to increase your cat’s exercise include a catio with a cat tree—or adding another active cat to the household for them to play with.
Here are some sure-to-please toys and playthings, from simple wands to elaborate exercise wheels.
Cat Catcher Wand Toy
This cat toy for indoor cats was a gift from our groomer, and he knows a thing or two! Our kitties are just wild for it, and we think this life-sized mouse might be the best thing for your cat, too. It’s a toy they can really sink their teeth and claws into—and it still holds up.
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Yeowww! Catnip Fish Toy
Your cat will go wild over the famous Green Fish from Yeowww! Seven inches long, it’s the perfect indoor toy for your cat to chew and kick at the same time. It’s made of durable cotton twill and the only filler is pure organic catnip.
Shop on AmazonPetFusion Ultimate Cat Climbing Tower & Activity Tree
A cat tree is an excellent tool for encouraging your cat to stay active. The sturdy sisal-wrapped scratching posts on this tower encourage your kitty to blow off some steam, and the platforms make attractive perches. Just add catnip!
Find on AmazonPetSafe Bolt Laser Pointer Cat Toy
Inexpensive and easy to keep on hand, you can’t go wrong with a classic laser cat toy. This one from PetSafe can operate automatically, with a 15-minute shutoff timer, or manually if you’re ready for hands-on play. Your cat is likely to go wild chasing the light—but you’ll want to use laser toys in moderation to avoid frustrating your cat. A toy they can succeed at catching, such as a wand toy, is a good way to end a laser play session.
Find on AmazonPetSafe Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash
Not all indoor cats are up for strolling on a leash—but you might be surprised how many enjoy the chance to check out some new sights and smells. A short jaunt (or leisurely wander) can help your cat burn some calories. Just make sure you take a minute to read up on the best way to introduce your kitty to their new harness and practice proper safety precautions when out and about.
Find on AmazonOne Fast Cat Exercise Wheel
Last, but oh-so-not-least, the One Fast Cat wheel may be just the thing to get a younger hefty kitty back to fighting form. We took One Fast Cat for a spin and concluded that it’s well worth the investment if you have a young, curious cat. And if your cat is easily motivated by treats or toys, they can begin using the wheel after just one or two training sessions. The wheel assembles easily, and the One Fast Cat support team is on hand if you run into any technical problems.
Find on One Fast CatPaying for Vet Care for Your Cat
Vet bills can be expensive. While you are thinking about your cat’s long-term health, this is a great time to think about pet insurance. If you’re curious about whether pet insurance is right for you, we’ve weighed the costs and benefits and looked at the top insurance plans.