How To Feed Your Cat To Lose Weight

The obesity epidemic among humans in the U.S. is well-publicized these days, and tips for losing weight seem to come from all directions. Interestingly, despite obesity affecting over 50% of domestic cats in the U.S., we don’t see nearly as much information on feline fitness. RAWZ is on a mission to change that! In this post, we’ll help cat parents develop a plan to guide their cats toward a healthy weight, leading them to longer and happier lives.

For many of us, looks are a major motivation for slimming down, but we also know that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight has numerous health benefits. While cats may not have the equivalent of a “bathing suit season” that motivates them to lose weight, there are multiple health benefits associated with healthy weight loss. In fact, cats that carry excess weight can experience health issues ranging from skin problems to organ failure to a reduced lifespan.

The first step of any weight loss plan is to establish a target or goal weight. Consult with your veterinarian to identify or rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your cat to gain weight, especially if the weight gain was sudden. PetMD also provides a helpful tool for determining your cat’s healthy weight range.

Weight Loss In Cats: Causes & What To Do

As with humans, weight loss in cats can be affected by two variables: diet and exercise. Your veterinarian will help you develop a sustainable and safe plan for helping your cat slim down.

It’s easy to get in the habit of free-feeding your cat: simply filling their food bowl when you notice it’s empty (or when your cat draws your attention to it). Unfortunately, this is an easy way to overfeed your cat. Cats can also fall into a pattern of eating out of boredom, or filling downtime by eating readily available food. You may find it easier to monitor your cat’s food intake by feeding measured amounts at scheduled times.

Most adult cats do well on a feeding schedule of two meals per day, roughly 12 hours apart. A cat’s stomach can only hold about 1–2 tablespoons of food at a time, so feeding them the correct amount of food at each meal is crucial to avoid overeating. Meals should contain adequate amounts of protein, nutrients and moisture (in the form of wet food). Always make sure your cat’s water bowl is filled with clean, fresh water, as adequate hydration can aid their metabolism and food satiety levels.

How Do You Help Your Cat Lose Weight?

Download our guide, How to Read & Decode a Pet Food Label, to learn what all the pet food industry jargon really means. > Veterinary Weight Loss Diets For Cats

While there are many commercially available weight management diets for cats, veterinarians will often recommend a prescription diet when substantial weight loss is required. These prescribed diets range from protein-focused foods with minimal carbohydrates, to recipes that increase metabolism by emphasizing specific nutrients. Your veterinary can guide you through the options that will be safest and most suited to your cat’s needs.

Most cat parents are well aware that cats can be picky eaters, so the thought of switching up your cat’s diet may be daunting. While it will generally take 5–7 days for a cat’s GI tract to adjust to a new food’s nutritional profile, finicky cats can take as long as 2–3 weeks. It often helps your cat’s digestion to keep the protein source in both the new and old foods as similar as possible (e.g., replacing one predominantly chicken-based food with another). Patience is key as you and your cat work toward improving their health. Monitor their response to the new food, and call your vet if they have any reactions that seem out of the ordinary.

How To Put Your Cat On A Diet

Exercise doesn't have to involve a treadmill and a gym membership for your cat — exercise is simply movement that results in energy expenditure. Whether your cat prefers chasing a laser pointer, playing with a stick-and-string toy or climbing a scratching “tree, ” any kind of playful engagement activity counts as exercise.

For those who own multiple cats, it’s often convenient to feed all the cats at once. However, this can result in unequal caloric intake. While the term “alpha” is typically associated with dogs, a strong-willed leader will often emerge in multi-cat homes. Cats who exert dominance over others, or who possess a greater drive to eat, will often consume unnecessarily large amounts of food. While not as convenient for cat owners, it may be necessary to feed each individual cat in a separate area to ensure that they consume an appropriate amount of food.

Famous for being strong-willed — if not downright stubborn — cats may resist any efforts to get them moving. Capitalize on your cat’s classification as an obligate carnivore by incorporating hunting into their meal time. A cat’s natural hunting instinct can also be integrated into play: Cats love to “catch” toys that are dragged, dangled or tossed. Just be sure not to offer your cat any toys that may splinter, break or pose a choking hazard.

Cats & Obesity: What You Need To Know

Cats possess a naturally low thirst drive, and they will often interpret the feeling of dehydration as hunger. This can lead to overeating or near-constant begging for food. Any food with a high moisture content can increase hydration while reducing overall caloric consumption — win-win! RAWZ offers many nutritionally complete wet food options that are all gum-free. Consult your vet if your cat continues to beg for food despite increased hydration, as it may be a sign of a more serious health issue.  

While not specifically formulated or marketed for weight loss, RAWZ offers many options that can be included in your cat’s weight reduction plan. Our two meal-free dry recipes for cats are protein-rich and contain optimal fat levels. Both low-carbohydrate formulas have a high meat content and low glycemic load. Our gum-free wet foods offer real, delicious protein and crucial hydration without filler ingredients.

Make meal time a treat with our delectable Tapa and Sashi toppers, which provide your cat with another great source of moisture.

Ask The Vet: How Much Should I Feed My Cat? Feeding Chart

A third-generation RAWZ family member, Jim spreads the word of optimal pet nutrition through in-store product demos and regular articles for the RAWZ blog. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury in 2006, Jim began participating in the writing program at the Krempels Center in Portsmouth, NH. Writing was a way to process and heal from his injury — but Jim realized he could also use this skill to spread awareness of the RAWZ brand and mission. Jim covers a range of pet health issues for the company blog, as well as more personal stories that connect to the causes RAWZ supports. His favorite thing to write about? People’s strong bonds with their pets.

Pet Health The 10 Most Popular Breeds of Cats Read More Pet Health Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: What is Better for Cats? Read MoreOur Cat Weight Management program is designed by pet nutritionists and behaviour experts to help your cat reach their optimal weight and maintain the best health possible. You will also learn about the best way to feed and exercise your cat.

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Easy Ways To Get Your Cat To Lose Weight

Our 4 Week Cat Weight Management Program is designed to get your cat in their best health possible. We will empower, inform and educate you.

It contains a full 4 week program designed by animal nutritionists and experts. The program includes home made recipes and exercises to follow that are designed to help your cat reach their optimal weight.

By following this program your cat will in their best health and you will also learn about the best way to feed your cat to ensure their receive the best nutrition possible for them

How To Help Your Cat Lose Weight: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

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