Fat, Fluffy, and Portly Penny may seem rather cute waddling into the kitchen for food and cautiously navigating the sea of feet that wander through one of the busiest rooms in the house. But in reality, your cute “Pudgy Wudgy” is not in a healthy state and could be at risk of serious health complications related to feline obesity. Putting a cat on a diet is one of the healthiest steps you can take to ensure your Wally Whale lives a long and healthy life.
Just like with humans, reducing food intake alone may not be enough to curb the problem, especially if it has been ongoing for years. Besides putting your cat on a diet, they will need an increase in stimulation and physical exercise.
Addressing Feline Obesity and Its Risks
A high-fat content in any animal is not healthy. Just like humans, felines and other creatures that are obese run the risk of heart disease, joint and back problems, diabetes, and the complications that come with these issues. Obesity can shorten an animal’s lifespan by three to seven years. So, if your furry friend is carrying around a few extra pounds, it’s important to not only adjust their diet but also promote a healthier lifestyle.
Start with the extras. Just like with humans, meals are often not the culprit of the extra weight. Snacking too much between meals is the fastest way for your kitten to plump up. Cat treats are often a good source of iron and essential fatty acids that cats need in order to experience good health. However, a bag of treats per day is like a human eating a whole package of cookies throughout the day. Cutting out those calories alone can often help Fuzzy tone down. Adding just one fifteen-minute play session to his day can help develop muscle tone and burn fat. But when he turns into the buff envy of the alley, don’t let him return to old habits, or he may begin a feline version of yo-yo dieting.
One of the most tempting sins in the feline feeding frenzy includes table scraps. Table scraps make great treats, and some even believe they’re healthier than prepackaged treats. However, a cat’s body is not the same as a human’s. He is unlikely to process our foods the same way. That means he cannot tolerate the same amounts or concentrations of saturated fats, sugars, and even fats derived from artificial sources. Table scraps can easily add unwanted pounds to his waistline.
Of course, you may have already started the habit of allowing him to sample the dishes after mealtime, and changing his behavior will be a serious challenge. You may not even be fully comfortable asking him to endure total denial. He doesn’t understand why you’re suddenly requiring him to stay down off the counter while you clear the dishes. He’s been practicing his “dishwasher” act for the last six years. If this is the case, try cutting his portion down to a small amount. Instead of allowing him to clear the plates in their entirety, give him the smallest portion left on a paper plate or in his dish.
Because cats are nimble, putting a cat on a diet can be a significant challenge. Unlike a dog, who is unlikely to jump up and scour the countertops for extra tidbits, cats are able to leap wherever food is stored—even if it’s covered with plastic wrap. In many cases, cats who are suddenly denied spend a lot of time lurking around the countertops, hoping to find a scrap you left behind. While the extra activity may be good for him, it’s also likely to counteract your efforts and provide an unpleasant surprise when you go to retrieve the dessert you covered three hours ago for company.
When you commit to your cat’s waistline, you must make sure that everything he could potentially find is carefully tucked away. Remember, he will be particularly determined. Spend a moment thinking like a cat and discover all the places he might sneak a treat—countertops, refrigerator tops, even some cabinets.
Once you have cut out the treats, you might start seeing improvement almost immediately. However, for some particularly pudgy pals, a change in food may also be necessary. Reduced-calorie foods can be introduced gradually over about a week. For the first few days, mix ¼ low-calorie food with ¾ regular food. Gradually increase the low-calorie food while decreasing the regular food. By day five, you should be adding ¾ low-calorie food and ¼ regular food. Within one week, he should be on a low-calorie diet without digestive issues from the switch.
As mentioned earlier, putting a cat on a diet is often not enough. In fact, without exercise, your cat might not lose more than ½ pound. Use new toys or old favorites, and set aside scheduled playtime to ensure he has two to three fifteen-minute play sessions daily. If you haven’t noticed improvement within a month, consider taking him to the veterinarian. Sometimes a prescription weight loss program or medication may be necessary. However, approach this cautiously and only as a last resort after behavior modification. Remember, it’s your behavior that also needs modification. Allowing your cat to manipulate you with cuteness or annoying behavior isn’t doing him any favors.
Putting a cat on a diet is a commitment—a lengthy one that requires determination, time, and forethought. However, it’s vital for your cat’s health that you dedicate the appropriate energy. He relies on you for everything, including your good judgment. It’s not natural for any animal to become overweight, and it’s often the result of lifestyle choices or misunderstanding by humans. If you notice your cat gaining weight, a diet may be necessary before he hits the obese stage.
