How To Get Your Indoor Cat to Lose Weight by Coach Ekong

Like humans, it's vitally important for our pets to be at a healthy weight because for all of us obesity can lead to several health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and even a shortened lifespan. Recently, my client April who hired me for her own personal fitness needs, asked for advice in prolonging the health of her beloved cat, Garfield. After looking into some research, I was able to find some very interesting keys to helping cats sustain a healthy weight and live to their maximum life potential. Because of the value she states I provided in answering her request, it was only right to jot down these tips for other pet owners to take advantage of. Overweight pets, but specifically cats, can easily develop breathing problems, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions due to the extra strain on their bodies. Feeding cats, a balanced diet, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and making sure they don't become overweight is essential to their overall health and well being.


overweight orange and white feline with hazel eyes

Here are the best ways to make sure your cat is living a happy and healthy life. Topics will cover:

 
 

Toys THAT help cats lose weight.

Toys are an important part of helping cats lose weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential to cats' weight loss and overall health, but toys can also be beneficial. Toys can help cats stay active and engaged and can provide mental stimulation. Furthermore, when cats play with toys, they expend energy and can burn calories.

When selecting toys for cats that need to lose weight, it is important to choose items that promote movement. This can include toys that cats can kick, such as balls, or toys that are designed to move quickly. Additionally, toys that can keep cats engaged for long periods of time are ideal, as cats will use more energy playing with them. Items such as puzzle feeders, which require cats to figure out how to get treats out of the toy, are great for this purpose.

black and white cat leaping down to the floor from a furry platform

Toys are an important part of helping cats lose weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential to cats' weight loss and overall health, but toys can also be beneficial. Toys can help cats stay active and engaged and can provide mental stimulation. Furthermore, when cats play with toys, they expend energy and can burn calories.

When selecting toys for cats that need to lose weight, it is important to choose items that promote movement. This can include toys that cats can kick, such as balls, or toys that are designed to move quickly. Additionally, toys that can keep cats engaged for long periods of time are ideal, as cats will use more energy playing with them. Items such as puzzle feeders, which require cats to figure out how to get treats out of the toy, are great for this purpose.

 

Cat weight loss calculator.

This tool was designed to aid the veterinary health care team in making nutritional assessments and recommendations to help their patients maintain or achieve their healthy weight. You can share this information with clients with a take-home worksheet. Use the report function to generate a summary of the calculation.

 

Exercises that help cats lose weight.

Exercise is essential for cats to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight. Unfortunately, cats are not as active as other pets, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to engage in physical activity. Here are some of the top exercises for cats to help them lose weight:

  1. Chase Games – Cats love to chase things, so using toys like feathers on a string or a laser pointer can be a great way to encourage your cat to move around and burn off extra calories.

  2. Cat Trees – Cat trees are a great way to give your cat an opportunity to climb and jump around. This not only helps to keep them active, but also helps to keep their nails trimmed naturally.

  3. Outdoor Playtime – If your cat is an outdoor cat, then take advantage of the great outdoors and let them explore and play. This is an especially great option for cats that have a lot of energy to burn.

  4. Puzzle Toys – Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your cat mentally and physically active. Puzzle toys are designed to be challenging and require your cat to use their brain to figure out how to get the treat inside.

By providing your cat with plenty of opportunities to exercise, you can help them stay healthy and reach a healthy weight. Exercise is important for cats of all ages, so make sure to give your cat plenty of playtime every day.

cat eyes closed getting jaw stroked by owner
 
 

How to get a senior cat to lose weight.

senior and his cat rubbing noses

When it comes to helping a senior cat lose weight, the best approach is to create a balanced diet and exercise plan. Start by speaking to your vet about the cat's current diet and nutrition needs. Your vet can recommend a diet that is tailored to the cat's particular health needs and considers any medical issues the cat may have. It's important to feed your cat a balanced diet that contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber.

In addition to changing your cat's diet, exercise is key to helping your senior cat shed excess pounds. If your cat can get outside, make sure to provide them with plenty of toys to chase and explore. If your cat is unable to go outside, try to find toys and activities that will keep them active indoors. For example, try hiding treats around the house and encouraging your cat to search for them. This will help to keep them active and engaged.

Finally, remember that consistency is key when it comes to helping your senior cat lose weight. Make sure to stick to the diet and exercise plan that you and your vet have created. Keep track of your cat's weight and adjust the plan if necessary. With a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can help your senior cat lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

 

The Top 5 Best Cities to Be a Cat by Veterinarians.org

 
 

Best cat food for weight loss.

Its always about preference, however these are my top 3 best cat food brands:

The first would be Royal Canin Satiety Support Weight Management Cat Food – This formula is designed to help cats feel full for longer and is high in fiber and protein which helps cats to maintain an ideal weight. Next on the list was, Hill's Science Diet Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food – This formula contains a unique blend of nutrients that help cats feel full and satisfied while aiding in weight management. Lastly, Purina Pro Plan Focus Weight Management – This formula is high in protein and contains L-Carnitine to help cats maintain a healthy weight.

When looking for the best cat food for weight loss, you should look for a formula that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contains plenty of healthy fats. Additionally, make sure to read the labels carefully and choose a cat food that is specifically designed for weight loss.

 
 

TIPS FOR GETTING a female cat to lose weight.

Weight loss in cats is an important topic to consider, especially if your female cat is overweight. Here are some tips to help her slim down:

  1. Make sure she is getting sufficient exercise. Take her for daily walks outdoors or play with her using interactive games like laser pointers or feather toys. Even just a few minutes of physical activity can make a big difference in her weight loss goals.

  2. Provide her with healthy, low-calorie food. Look for foods that have fewer carbohydrates and more proteins and fiber. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet plan for your cat.

  3. Monitor her food intake. Try to avoid free-feeding and instead, provide her with meals at specific times throughout the day. This will help you keep track of how much she is eating.

  4. Don't give in to begging. If your cat is begging for food, try to distract her with playtime or some other activity.

  5. Stick to a regular routine. Keep mealtimes consistent and don't change her diet too often.

By following these tips, you can help your female cat lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way. With the right diet and exercise plan, she can reach her weight loss goals in no time.

a brown basket filled with baby cats

My cat is overweight but not overeating?

Caring for cats that are overweight but not overeating can be a difficult task. However, with the right plan, it is possible to help your cat maintain a healthy weight. The first step is to consult your veterinarian to make sure the weight gain is not due to an underlying health condition. Once any medical issues are ruled out, the following tips can help you get your cat back to a healthy weight.

First, be sure to provide plenty of exercise opportunities for your cat. This can include interactive toys, like feather wands and laser pointers, as well as other activities like chasing a ball or playing hide and seek. Be sure to provide a variety of activities that engage both the mind and body.

Second, make sure your cat is being fed a nutritious diet. Look for cat food that is high in protein and low in fat. Avoid food with added sugars, as well as processed treats. Additionally, use an appropriate size bowl for your cat. A bowl that is too large can cause your cat to overeat.

Finally, if your cat needs to lose weight, it is important to do so gradually. Sudden weight loss can be dangerous for your cat. Talk to your veterinarian about creating a safe weight loss plan that is tailored to your cat’s individual needs.

With the right plan and a little patience, you can help your cat achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

 
 

How much should I feed my cat to lose weight?

If your cat is overweight, it is important to make sure they are getting enough of the right nutrition while they are trying to lose weight. To make sure your cat is getting the right amount of food, you should consult your veterinarian. They can recommend an appropriate diet and give you instructions on how much food to feed your cat each day.

Although a calorie-restricted diet is necessary for cats to lose weight, it is important to remember that cats need to get all their essential nutrients from the food they eat. To ensure your cat is getting the proper nutrition, make sure to feed him/her a diet specifically designed for cats that are overweight. These diets are often higher in fiber and lower in calories, which can help your cat feel full without eating too much. Additionally, be sure to provide plenty of fresh water for your cat to stay hydrated.

In addition to diet changes, increasing your cat's activity level can also help them lose weight. Try to incorporate more interactive playtime with your cat into your daily routine. This can include playing with toys or encouraging your cat to get more exercise. You can also try to switch up your cat's routine to keep them mentally stimulated.

Overall, it is important to remember that weight loss should be done slowly and carefully, and that the amount of food your cat needs depend on their individual needs and health. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to come up with a healthy weight-loss plan that is tailored to your cat's individual needs.

 

Affordable diet cat food

Here are my top five affordable cat foods to assist with your feline’s dietary needs:

  1. Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat Food: This cat food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, plus farm-raised vegetables. It is a grain-free formula, with added vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition. It is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

  2. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Cat Food: This cat food is made with a single animal protein source—deboned turkey—plus potatoes, peas, and pumpkin. It is free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, and other fillers. It has added vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition.

  3. Wellness Simple Natural Grain-Free Dry Cat Food: This cat food is made with salmon as the first ingredient, plus potatoes and peas. It is grain-free and contains no fillers, by-products, or artificial flavors. It is also formulated with added vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition.

  4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food: This cat food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, plus garden vegetables and accents of fruit. It is free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. It also contains added vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition.

  5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Cat Food: This cat food is made with a single animal protein source—salmon—plus potatoes, peas, and cranberries. It is free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, and other fillers. It is also formulated with added vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition.

 
 

How to get a cat to lose weight with multiple cats.

If you have multiple cats, getting them to lose weight can be challenging but it is possible with patience and dedication. The most important step is to make sure all cats in the home are eating the same diet. This will help ensure that one cat is not eating more than the others, which can lead to weight gain.

It is also important to keep an eye on how much food is being provided to each cat. Overfeeding can cause weight gain, so make sure to properly measure each cats’ food portion and stick to that amount. Additionally, try to make sure that any food treats are kept to a minimum and try to offer more interactive activities such as playing with toys instead.

If you find that your cats still aren't losing weight, it might be a good idea to consult a veterinarian. They can recommend a diet specifically tailored to your cats’ needs. They may also recommend a specialized exercise plan to help your cats get moving and burn off those extra calories.

Finally, remember to be patient when trying to get your cats to lose weight. It is a process that requires dedication and consistency. With the right approach, you will be able to help your cats achieve a healthy weight in no time.

 

Keeping your indoor cat at a healthy weight is important for maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. To help your indoor cat lose weight, start by monitoring their food intake and reducing their portion sizes, if necessary. You can also incorporate low-calorie treats and plenty of playtime to help your cat burn more calories. Additionally, introduce new toys and activities to keep your cat entertained and active. With regular exercise and a healthy diet, your indoor cat can reach a healthy weight and live a long, happy life.