How to Put Your Cat on a Diet

Your cat's optimal weight is its weight at one year of age - unless, of course, it was already obese. If your cat is 50 percent above optimal weight, it's time for a diet.

Things You'll Need

  • Diet Cat Food
  • Scales
  • Cat Dishes
  • Cat Toys
  • Pet Food Dispensers
  • Pet Vitamins
  • Pet Waterers

Instructions

    • 1

      Consult a veterinarian before putting any cat on a diet.

    • 2

      Have your vet help you determine the approximate number of pounds your cat needs to lose. In general, the amount will equal your cat's obese weight minus optimal weight.

    • 3

      Feed your cat food formulated specifically for weight reduction.

    • 4

      Provide dry food that contains less than 10 percent fat and more than 15 percent fiber.

    • 5

      Purchase food that has both Association of American Feeding Control Officials (AAFCO) and Animal Feeding Trials (or Animal Feeding Tests) on its label.

    • 6

      Provide weight-reducing food to your cat at every meal. Feed the allotted amount four times daily, or at least twice daily.

    • 7

      Reduce the amount of food you provide if your cat obtains additional food elsewhere - for instance, by catching mice or other small animals.

    • 8

      Weigh your cat every two weeks.

    • 9

      Play with your pet several times a day; this will help a lazy cat, in particular, get needed exercise.