How to Prevent Cats From Overeating

Domestic cats have a tendency to be less active and more likely to overeat than their wild counterparts. Twenty-five to 30 percent of domestic cats that see veterinarians weigh more than the recommended weight for their age, sex and breed. Cats that eat too much are prone to breathing difficulties, problems urinating, diabetes, jaundice and more. That is why it is important to prevent cats from overeating. Not only does it protect a cat's health, but it also saves money in veterinarian bills.

Things You'll Need

  • A cat or cats
  • Measuring cup
  • Cat food
  • Veterinarian
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Instructions

  1. Control How Much Your Cat Eats

    • 1

      Take your cat to a veterinarian. While there, have the veterinarian check its weight to ascertain if it is overeating. In addition, ask your vet how much your cat should be eating and how many times per day. If you have a cat that need special food, your veterinarian should tell you this as well. Your veterinarian may assign a special weight-loss diet that you have to adjust once the animals have reached their ideal weight.

    • 2

      Using a measuring cup, give your cat the amount of food your veterinarian specified. Leave the food down until it is clear your cat is no longer interested in eating. If you have more than one cat, feed them in separate parts of the house so they do not eat the other animal's food. When the cats finish eating, discard any leftover cat food to prevent overeating.

    • 3

      Check your house for food sources that are accessible to your cats. If there are any, make them inaccessible by storing them in containers or cupboards. If you have other animals that eat food a cat may like, feed them away from the cat and store their food where the cat cannot get into it. Do not feed the cat extra treats or human food between feedings of cat food.

    • 4

      Do not give in to your cat's begging for food, should it happen. Follow your veterinarian's suggestion for feedings precisely. If your cat begs for food, play with it instead of feeding it. Distract it with toys, catnip, petting or games. This should keep it from expecting food between feedings.