When welcoming a pet into your home, it’s important to understand the different aspects of animal care, from what you are feeding them to daily exercise. Whether your cat is getting older or they’re simply not as active as they used to be, gaining too much weight can put a strain on their bodies and health. If you’ve noticed that your cat has been adding on more pounds recently, consider the following ways you can help them lose weight.

How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight

1. Set a Target Weight

When helping your cat shed extra pounds, it’s crucial to determine what the target weight will be. If your cat is a smaller breed, they should typically weigh between eight and 10 pounds, while larger breeds, like the Maine Coon, can average between 13-18 pounds. Once you have set the goal weight, keep a chart or note handy to track your cat’s progress.

2. Reduce Caloric Intake

One of the easiest ways to help your cat lose weight is by reducing the number of calories they consume daily. Many people believe their cat doesn’t need to be fed regular meals and that they can simply leave food out all the time, but this actually contributes to weight gain. On average, cats should eat approximately 4/5 cups of dry food per day, so you can help your cat lose weight by feeding them three meals a day, adding up to 4/5 cups.

3. Switch to Wet Food

Compared to dry food, canned food contains fewer calories because it doesn’t use grains as a filler. A cup of dry food contains almost 300 calories, while wet food averages around 250. Additionally, because of the moisture content in canned food, your cat will feel fuller and more satisfied after consuming wet food due to the added water content that the dry variety doesn’t contain.

4. Encourage Play

An essential aspect of animal care is regular play and exercise, particularly if your cat is overweight. Invest in a few small toys, like a laser pointer, toy mouse, or small ball. Dedicate at least 20-60 minutes every day to play with your cat and help them lose weight through activity.

If you’re looking for additional guidance on how to help your cat reach a healthy weight, consult the team at Hayward Animal Hospital in Hayward, WI. For the last 30 years, this veterinary practice has provided the animal care services you need for your pets, whether it’s a routine checkup or reconstructive procedures. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (715) 634-8971.