Diet for an Overerweight Cat

Obesity in cats is common, yet extremely unhealthy. Not only does obesity predispose a cat to arthritis because of all the weight it has to carry on its joints, but it also puts it at risk for diabetes and hepatic lipidosis, or a fatty liver. In order for a cat to lose weight, it must reduce its calorie intake as well as burn off the excess fat. Choose from among a few highly effective diets to help your kitty drop a few pounds.

  1. Feline Weight Loss Facts

    • According to the Pet Center website, about 40 percent of the cats in the United States are considered obese; therefore, if your kitty is pleasantly plump, you are definitely not alone. Weight loss is so common because cats generally do not exert much energy, so they do not burn off a lot of the food they eat. Cats also become overweight because many of their owners leave food down all day for the cats, which causes them to eat more than they need to.

      Cats should be feed four small meals daily, and owners should take up the bowls after the cat has walked away from eating whether it intends to come back or not. Cat weight loss needs to be done gradually and safely, as a feline can become severely sick if it loses too much too fast. A combination of activity and reduced-calorie food can help your overweight cat to lose weight.

    Types of Diets

    • There are quite a few diets available that claim to help your cat lose weight. Light diets, such as those you will find at the pet or grocery stores, often have fewer calories, however, most are not too good at helping a cat actually lose weight. They may prevent further weight being put on, put they don't do much to help cats shed the extra pounds. Veterinarians carry prescription diets designed to reduce a cat's weight, including those made by Hill's, Royal Canin and Purina. Consult your veterinarian as to what diet would best help your cat lose its extra weight.

    How They Work

    • Each diet has its own method for aiding in weight loss. Some diets have high amounts of protein, where as others may contain lowered amounts of carbohydrates. In addition, some diets have high amounts of fiber, which can help with weight loss. Some cats respond better to certain weight loss approaches than others. You may need to try several types and brands before you find what works best for your cat.

    Considerations

    • Check how much food you are actually giving your cat. The cat may lose weight on its current food if you reduce the amount you are actually giving. Be sure to measure the food, not just fill up the bowl. Ask your veterinarian or the manufacturer of your cat's food how much food you should give the cat. Some weight-loss diets have disadvantages along with their advantages. For instance, high-fiber diets may help kitty to drop a few pounds, but it may also make it have to use the litter box more frequently, which means more work for you.

    Supplements

    • Holly Nash of the Doctors Foster and Smith website states that nutritional supplements may help your cat lose weight. Dehydroepiandrosterone and the herbal compound garcinia cambogia have both been shown to have anti-obesity activity in rodents. In addition, coenzyme Q10 and chromium picolinate are other substances that may help aid in cat weight loss.