How to Prevent Obesity in Cats?

Obesity is a health condition that is equally harmful to cats just as it is for humans. An overweight cat is vulnerable to several problems like Diabetes, Arthritis, Hypertension, Heart Disease, etc. This is why all cat owners should focus on keeping an ideal body weight for their cats.

In this blog, you will see 10 simple tips to maintain excellent weight in cats, which will, in turn, benefit their overall health. So let us begin,

• Notice Their Food Intake

One of the primary reasons for obesity in cats is overeating. Many cat owners have this habit of leaving out the cat food open so that the cats can eat it whenever they like. This makes the cats consume more than their daily calorie limit and suddenly gain much weight. Instead, you should set a fixed time for feeding and offer only that much food that is needed per your cat’s age and activity level.

• Hide their Food Bowl and Litter Box

Indoor cats like to lead a sedentary lifestyle, which often results in them gaining weight. One great way to make your cat move is by placing their food bowl and litter box at a distance from their usual space. Place them in different locations each day, so that your cat has to find it out and get some exercise along the way.

If your house has more than one story, place their bowl and litter box on different floors, so that they will go up and down the stairs regularly.

• Choose High-Quality Cat Food

Not all cat foods can nourish the cats. If you are a cat owner, you should opt for high-quality, nutritionally balanced cat food that is apt for your cat’s age and health status. Avoid feeding them cheap fillers and excessive carbohydrates, as these can make the cat overweight quickly. You can consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cat.

• Replace High-Carb Foods With Grain-Free Cat Food

The amount of food your cats eat is just one aspect of their weight-loss plan. The quality of their food also matters. In the wild, cats are carnivorous with their diet completely consisting of fresh protein. However, many modern cat foods and kibbles are full of carbohydrates and are highly processed as well.

Top-quality foods, especially grain-free cat foods are made with carefully sourced protein as the prime ingredient. Also, they are devoid of grain and other fillers as well. This means that each cup is filled with nutrition that your cat needs, without the extra carbs and preservatives that they don’t.

• Add Water or Replace With Gravy Foods

Consider adding some water to the dry cat food that you are feeding your felines, as it will make them feel full. Adding water improves hydration, as dehydration is a common health issue in cats. You can also offer gravy cat food or wet cat food to your cats which offers good moisture content to them.

If your cat still yearns for food and it’s not mealtime, consider providing them with fresh water instead. If they drink, it can stave off feelings of hunger for a little longer. You can slowly train them to drink more water.,

• Provide Regular Exercise

Just like us, cats, too, need regular physical exercise to stay fit and healthy. The easiest way to make them move around is by offering them cat toys like Interactive Toys, Plush Toys, and Catnip Toys, which help stimulate them physically and mentally. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of playtime each day so that your cats can burn off the extra calories they have consumed.

• Try Using a Treat Toy

Cats don’t mind working hard if they will receive some delicious cat treats at the end. You can make a treat toy and feeding balls that will make your cat put in some physical effort to retrieve it. Not only does this method turn mealtime into playtime, but it offers physical and mental stimulation to the cats as well. As these toys release food a little at a time, they also help slow down the pace at which your cat rapidly eats.

• Give Them a Nice Environment

Since cats are natural hunters, they thrive in an environment that stimulates their instincts. This is why cat owners should allow their felines to play, climb and explore. To keep your cats physically and mentally stimulated, you can offer them accessories like cat trees, scratching posts, motorised string toys, etc., making them strong and healthy.

• Monitor Their Weight Regularly

Cats are animals who quickly gain weight, so you should keep checking their weight regularly. If you see a sudden increase in their weight, it may indicate an underlying illness.  Contact your vet immediately if you see an abrupt change in their weight or a change in their behaviour.

• Avoid Feeding Table Scraps

While it may be tempting for owners to share their food with the cats, it is not a good idea. The main reason for this is the excessive calories present in these table scraps, which can make the cats quickly gain a lot of weight. Also, if you feed them cat treats, do not feed them more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

In a Nutshell,

Keeping an ideal body weight in the cats goes a long way in maintaining excellent health in them. These 9 tips will tremendously help you to prevent obesity in cats and promote a vibrant life in them. Remember that a healthy cat is a happy cat.