Many cat owners want to make sure their cats have as long and happy lives as possible and a healthy diet is an important part of their care. For some cats, this may include being put on a diet.
Although putting your cat on a diet may seem like a daunting task, with the right approach, it can be a rewarding journey towards improving their health and well-being. In this article, we will guide you through effective strategies, practical tips, and expert advice to help your furry friend shed those extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Why Do Cats Need to be Put on a Diet?
There are a variety of reasons a cat may be recommended to be put on a diet by a vet. However, the two most common are allergies and obesity.
In the case of allergies, your vet may put your cat on an elimination diet, or even prescribe allergen-free foods. If your cat is prescribed an allergen-free diet, it is also essential that you check the ingredient labels on treats.
Cats who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer from health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues. It is important to consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your cat. Our article below is going to primarily focus on dieting in the case of obesity, you can look at our allergy article here.
Does My Cat Need to be Put on a Diet?
If you’re reading this article, you may be thinking about putting your cat on a diet, but is it really necessary? To determine this, there are a couple of things you need to look at.
Breed & Weight
Before looking at putting your cat on a diet, it’s important to research your breed of cat. Different breeds have different dietary needs and may require different amounts of food. We have attached an infographic and list of healthy weights of popular cat breeds below.
Age
Age is another big consideration when it comes to putting your cat on a diet, as cats of different ages have varying nutritional needs. Kittens typically need a high protein diet that focuses on bulking up on calories to promote healthy growth. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends a diet of 30% protein and 9% fat.
Adult and senior cats, however, typically need lower protein and calorie diets to prevent obesity and strain on their kidneys. AAFCO typically recommends a diet with 26% protein and 9% fat.
Your Cats Coat
One unexpected sign that your cat needs a new diet is their fur. A dull or dry coat can be a sign that your cat is not getting enough nutrients, and can even cause hair loss in some cats.
Additionally, obese cats often have issues grooming themselves, This can cause matting and tangles in their fur, as well as skin irritation. A healthy diet with the right amount of protein and fat can help your cat maintain a healthy and shiny coat.
Veterinarian Opinion
The most important step of putting your cat on a diet is taking a trip to your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend a specific diet plan, portion control, or even prescribe specialized food to help your cat achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It’s important to follow their advice and monitor your cat’s progress closely to ensure their well-being.
How Do I Put my Cat on a Diet?
Once you have to go-ahead from your vet to put your cat on a diet, there are a few things you can do to make this transition easier on both you and your furry friend.
1. Gradually Decrease/Change Food
One of the most important things to do when putting your cat on a diet is to ease them into it. If you start the process by taking a large amount of food away at once, you may cause digestive upset.
Similarly, if your vet has prescribed a new food, you need to slowly mix the new food into your cat’s current food. The best way to transition your cat over to the new food is to start with 75% of their current food and mix in 25% of their new food, gradually switching the new food over 25% at a time over the course of seven days.
Our picks for diet food: Hill’s Science Perfect Weight Dry Cat Food, IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food, Purina ONE High Protein Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food
2. Reduce or Cut Out Treats
Cutting out or reducing treats is important when putting a cat on a diet because they can often be high in calories and can quickly add up, sabotaging the weight loss efforts. By eliminating treats or replacing them with healthier alternatives, such as low-calorie treats or small portions of the cat’s regular food, it helps to control the cat’s calorie intake and support their weight management goals.
Although every cat owner loves to treat their cat, excessive amounts of treats that are high in calories can hinder many weight loss goals. You don’t have to completely cut out treats, but greatly reducing the amount of treats you give and making swaps for healthier options such as prescription treats or freeze dried fish or poultry.
Our picks for healthy treats: Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats, Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Cat Treats, Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Minnows
3. Avoid Free Feeding
Free feeding, which is keeping a food bowl filled at all times for your cat, can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when a cat needs to put on weight or comes from a food scarce home.
For a cat on a diet, free feeding is another thing that can hinder weight loss goals with your cat. This is because cats tend to overeat when given access to an unlimited amount of food, and it can be difficult to regulate how much they are eating, leading to many health issues.
To curb this, we recommend portioned meals twice a day is the most optimal way to avoid overeating or gorging on food. Consistency is key if you opt to use this method, as cats thrive when they have a routine.
4. Incorporate Exercise
Regular exercise is vital to keep any cat happy and healthy, but especially when they are on a diet. Exercise can help burn extra calories and help maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can be done in a few forms, such as with laser pointers or string toys, one unique way of exercise that vets are beginning to recommend is a running wheel like the one below.
It is crucial to note that this should be done in small steps, as your cat may overexert itself in the beginning stages. If there is any noticeable panting or exhaustion, you should take a break and return to play later.
5. Checking on Progress at Home
Although you may be asked by your veterinarian to visit more often if your cat is on a diet plan, there are a few ways you can keep tabs on your cat’s progress at home. Many owners who have put their cats on diets recommend a baby scale, as this will give you the most accurate read.
You can also easily weigh your cat with your bathroom scale. We recommend standing on the scale without your cat to get a starting number, picking your cat up, and then weighing yourself again, subtracting your own weight from the combined number. This method is not as accurate as the baby scale, but still offers a way to check in on your cat’s progress.
How Do I Put Only One Cat on a Diet
If you have multiple cats, putting one on a diet may seem impossible at first. However, there are a few things you can do to help the process along.
Separating your cats during feeding time is the number one way to ensure that your dieting cat won’t try to sneak more food. Choosing different times to feed is also an effective way of controlling how much your cat eats.
Do I Need to Use an Automatic Feeder?
One investment many cat owners wonder about is automatic feeders. While there are many benefits, there is often a hefty price tag involved. This decision is ultimately up to the owner, as each situation is different, but we highly recommend them for owners with busy schedules and some multi-cat households
There are two types of common automatic feeders: timer-based feeders and microchip feeders. Timer based feeders like this one are a fantastic way to keep your cat on a consistent feeding schedule and allow you to have peace of mind that their cat is being fed even when you’re running errands.
Microchip based feeders are fantastic for owners that have multiple cats, as they allow each cat to have their own food supply and avoid stealing from others. Typically, these are much more expensive than timer-based options, but it is a great option to look into if you want to ensure your cat that is not on a diet has free access to food.
How to Keep a Cat on a Diet While Away From Home
If you have a cat on a diet, a vacation may seem like a daunting task, however with the right cat-sitter, keeping your cat on their diet is a breeze!
If you are meeting your cat-sitter for the first time, it is important to talk to them about your cat’s weight loss goals, including if they have specific portions that they need to stick with. This will give your sitter a good understanding of your cat’s needs and help to ensure that your cat is properly taken care of.
If you currently have a cat-sitter, you should discuss any changes that have been made to your cat’s diet or exercise routine since the sitter last saw your cat. You can also ask your cat-sitter to provide weight check-ins if you’re weighing on a frequent basis.
If you’re looking for expert cat-sitters with experience in treating cats with unique needs, then we might be the perfect match. Our sitters are highly trained and experienced in cat handling and care. They can provide all the care and attention your cat needs and will be happy to help in any way they can. If you’re interested, send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you shortly!
In Conclusion
Managing your cat’s diet while you’re away from home doesn’t have to be a challenge. By implementing strategies such as swapping out food, using automatic feeders, and engaging your cat in frequent exercise, you can ensure that your feline friend stays on track with their diet. With proper planning and support, you can help your cat achieve a healthy weight and improve their overall well-being.