Losing weight can be a challenge for furry friends, especially cats. Cats tend to face the problem of being overweight compared to other pets.
Obesity is related to various health conditions in cats. There can be a variety of problems a cat may face due to increased weight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, joint injuries, and high blood pressure. However, there are several ways we can easily control our weight. Here are the tips to help you with that.
Check your weight regularly
It is also advisable to regularly check your cat’s weight. Regular weight recording helps to monitor the slight changes. Weigh your cat at least once a week. The affordable digital scale, specially designed for small pets, is available at https://www.petstock.com.au/cat. These scales will help to accurately measure the pounds.
Talk to your veterinarian
Talking to your veterinarian about your cat’s weight can certainly give you an idea of the ideal weight. Your veterinarian will also help you develop a gradual weight loss program for your cat. According to the experts, you should always change your diet every 3 weeks. Make sure to visit your veterinarian every 6 months to assess your cat’s weight and general body condition.
Pay attention to the portion
It is important to pay attention to how much your cat eats each day to control weight. You can use different measuring cups or spoons to measure the cat food. These are easily available at pet stores. By controlling how much your cat eats, you can control their weight and reduce the excess too.
Check out what you are feeding
Aside from the portion size, it’s important to be careful what your cat is eating or what you are serving. Try to get foods that are high in fiber and protein. This type of food helps in reducing calories and carbohydrates. You can also try increasing the amount of wet food in your diet as this will fill you up. Adding a piece of pumpkin to cat food will help your cat stay full longer because it contains more moisture and fiber.
Monitor your treatment intake
Much like dog cats like treats. In general, these cat snacks are not full of nutrients and are well balanced. Most of these cat treats are loaded with high amounts of carbohydrates. Therefore, it is recommended not to provide more than 10% of the caloric intake. Excessive consumption of these treats can lead to obesity and excess weight. It can also lead to nutritional imbalance. Therefore, it is important to monitor their treatment intake as well.
Increase your physical activity
Increased physical activity can also contribute to weight loss. Therefore, most vets recommended daily exercise for the cat to keep weight under control. Make sure your cat engages in some of the other physical activities.
Use slow feeders or feeding puzzles
Slowing down food intake can also be very helpful in controlling your cat’s weight. This can be easily done by skipping the regular bowls or feeding them an interactive puzzle. Another option is to add some water to your food.
Monitor their medical issues
Talking to your veterinarian and understanding their medical issues can also help reduce your cat’s excess weight. There can be several reasons, such as fluid build-up, thyroid gland, or an overactive adrenal gland, that can contribute to being overweight. Consulting your veterinarian and devising an effective weight loss plan can certainly help your cat shed excess pounds.
Increase your water intake
Adding water to your cat’s food can also help keep them full and hydrated for longer. This in turn can also lead to weight loss. Drinking water regularly will help him feel full and eat small portions afterward.
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