Obesity is a prevalent issue among cats, affecting nearly half of the feline population seen in veterinary clinics in the United States. Similar to humans, obesity in cats arises from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. However, this condition is more than just extra weight; it can lead to various health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, kidney and pancreatic diseases, cardiovascular issues, and infections, potentially reducing a cat's lifespan.
Importance of Weight Loss
Weight loss plays a pivotal role in managing and even reversing some of these conditions, particularly diabetes. Fortunately, obesity is both preventable and treatable. Addressing obesity involves choosing high-quality cat food, controlling food portions, encouraging physical activity, monitoring weight changes, and adjusting food intake accordingly.
Determining Ideal Weight
Veterinarians use a Body Condition Score (BCS) measured on a 9-point scale to assess a cat's ideal weight. Cats are considered overweight if they weigh 10-20% more than this ideal weight and obese if the excess weight exceeds 20%.
Setting Weight Loss Goals
- Identify Ideal Body Weight: Determine the ideal weight based on the cat's BCS.
- Calculate Weight Loss Percentage: Cats need to lose 10-15% of their body weight for every 1-point increase from the ideal BCS.
- Set Weekly Goals: Aim for a weight loss of 0.5-1.5% of their body weight per week, avoiding rapid weight loss to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Diet and Feeding Changes
- Assess Current Food Intake: Evaluate the type of food, portion size, feeding frequency, and extra treats.
- Switch to Isolated Meals: Divide daily food ration into 2-3 meals and eliminate free-feeding.
- Eliminate Treats: Stop giving table scraps or extra treats.
- Consider Specialized Diets: Consult a veterinarian for weight loss-specific cat food with reduced calories and balanced nutrients.
- Choose Canned Food: If possible, opt for canned food with lower calorie content due to its higher water content.
Monitoring and Adjusting
- Weigh Food: Use a small gram scale for accurate measurement before each meal.
- Weigh the Cat: Regularly monitor your cat's weight, preferably every 2-3 weeks.
- Calculate Caloric Needs: Use an equation to estimate daily caloric requirements, but adjust based on your cat's progress and needs.
- Increase Activity: Use toys, interactive feeders, or outdoor enclosures to encourage physical activity.
Ensuring Long-term Success
- Maintain Healthy Lifestyle: Once the cat reaches the ideal weight, continue the new feeding plan and activity level.
- Prevent Relapse: Be vigilant about portion control and regular exercise to prevent weight gain recurrence.
While adapting to these changes might be challenging, the long-term health benefits for your feline companion are invaluable. By promoting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and monitoring, you can help your cat achieve and maintain a healthy weight, ensuring a longer and happier life.
Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.
If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Telehealth platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.