“Hey, fat cat! Yeah, I am talking to you! Isn’t it time you shaved a few pounds off your frame?” (No, I am not talking to you; that’s my husband, referring to our pet. When it comes to treats, I tend to indulge my four-legged friend. I know – I need to stop. Having an overweight pet is not a good thing. In fact, it is downright unhealthy for the pet. When it comes to your cat, would you even know he needs to trim down? I mean, so many cats are fat that you might not even realize your cat is tipping the scales in the wrong direction.
Just a couple of extra pounds on a cat can create some serious health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, increased issues with arthritis or worse. Extra weight can even keep your cat from properly grooming himself. If you want a healthier and happier cat, it’s time to help him shed the extra weight.
How much should my cat weigh?
According to the experts at pets.webmd.com, most domestic cats should weigh about 10 pounds, but that can vary by breed and by frame. In other words, a Maine Coon cat can weigh in at 25 pounds and be healthy, while a Siamese cat may weigh but a mere five pounds and be fine.
Be the weight expert
While your veterinarian should know what your cat should weigh, there are things you can assess and look for on your own. For example, when you look down at your cat, you should expect to see an hourglass figure, not a saggy belly hanging down. Also, you should be able to feel his ribs.
Get real about the issue
Just as in humans, they type and quantity of food your cat consumes can contribute to weight gain. Plus, if he gets bored, overeating may become the activity of choice for him. Some owners may also give in to a whining cat who wants more food. “Look at him….he’s so cute when he does that!”
So….here’s what you need to do…
Get rid of the dry food and replace it with canned food, which typically has more protein and fewer carbohydrates. Plus, canned foods allow you to schedule set meal times. When you have dry food, it offers a bowl of kibble from which your cat can unnecessarily graze all day.
Here’s an easy one: cut back on the treats! Wait! That might not be so easy! We like to make our cats happy, right? Consider other rewards, however. Offer more one-on-one playtime with your cat instead.
Use a food puzzle to appeal to your cat’s natural instincts to hunt and forage. Hide some kibble in the compartments of a wine box, for example, or cut a few small holes in a plastic bottle and fill it with kibble.
Always consult your veterinarian
Before putting your cat on a diet, be sure to speak with your vet. A physical exam is important to determine if there is an underlying medical condition contributing to the excess weight. Patience is key, as well. It can take time for a cat to lose the extra pounds. However, never starve your cat. Cats can go into liver failure if they don’t eat even for a couple of days. Again, consult with your vet for the proper plan of action specific to your cat.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
