Weight gain is a common pet care concern. Cats can be particularly prone to gaining weight, as they typically don’t go on long walks or have backyard fetch sessions. Yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t help your feline achieve a healthier weight. There are compelling incentives for doing so, as maintaining a healthy weight could reduce their risk of certain health issues, including diabetes and arthritis. Below are a few practical tips for promoting weight loss in cats.

3 Pet Care Strategies to Promote Cat Weight Loss

1. Establish a Goal & Track Weight

Most cats weigh seven to 12 pounds, but that figure can vary based on their individual body frame. For this reason, it’s a smart idea to get input from a vet if you think your cat is overweight. In general, you shouldn’t be able to feel excess padding around their ribcage. If it’s deemed your cat does need to lose weight, have the vet recommend a goal weight. Then, set a reminder on your phone to do weekly weigh-ins so you can track the progress.  

2. Reduce Calorie Intake

At the most basic level, weight loss is achieved by burning more calories than you take in. The same principle applies to animals. Thus, the key to helping your cat lose weight is to feed them fewer calories. Many cat owners give their pets freedom to graze as they see fit. Yet, some cats go overboard with this approach. Work with your pet care team to determine your cat’s nutritional needs, and make any adjustments as needed. For instance, you may have to start putting food out less frequently, using a feeder that dispenses bits at a time, or try switching to a prescription food designed for weight loss.  

3. Get Them Moving

Indoor cats don’t have the traditional exercise opportunities that other pets may, but owners can get creative with ways to keep them active. Using a laser pointer, you can encourage them to play “chase.” You can also distribute food throughout the house to get them to hunt for it. Another helpful idea is to invest in a cat condo or a similar climbing toy, which is available from most pet care retailers. This will allow them to use their muscles to jump and climb on the different levels of the tower. 

Whether you have a health concern for your pet or they’re simply due for an exam, turn to High Point Veterinary Hospital for quality pet care. Serving Guilford County, NC, this trusted veterinarian’s office provides a broad range of services for animals, including wellness checkups, dental services, vaccinations, and surgical procedures. View their full list of services online or call (336) 889-3832 to schedule an appointment for your pet.