Obesity is a prevalent health problem in cats and can lead to critical health concerns. Regrettably, the number of obese cats is on the rise. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, about 50% of cats that get examined at vet clinics are overweight or obese. The good news is there are simple modifications to the cat’s diet and exercise schedule that can help deal with the issue.

Here are practical ways to help an overweight cat:

Set an appointment with your vet

It’s prudent to speak to your vet before commencing any weight loss plan. They will do some tests to ascertain whether your cat suffers from medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems. The vet will also determine the ideal weight of your cat and guide you on the best dietary plan.

Change the diet

Feeding your cat with a lot of Food will trigger weight gain. To help the cat shed some weight, check the type and quantity of food given and consider products made from natural ingredients free from corn, grain, and other types of fillers. Gradually shift to weight loss foods, avoid snacks or human food, and use an overweight cat chart to monitor the progress.

However, changing the cat’s diet may not be easy. Your pet is likely to get upset or anxious during feeding. In case this happens, CBD oil for cats will help resolve the matter. It’s ordinarily used by many pet lovers to help pets experiencing discomfort, nervousness, or noise phobia.

Downsize the food portions

The size of food portions plays a significant role in your cat’s weight. Limit what you usually consider to be a proper meal and give smaller servings of food. You can as well talk to the vet on the right amount of calories.

Avoid free-choice feeding

Indoor cats are unlikely to exercise, and the calories consumed matters a lot. As such, you can’t let your overweight cat eat anytime they want. Although a high-protein low-fat cat food may help, it doesn’t work well if you free-feed your cat. And this is because the cat may end up consuming lots of calories, and this encourages weight gain.

Opt for canned food

Canned cat food contains controlled portions, and this makes it challenging to overfeed your cat. We are all aware of the effects of overeating on weight gain. So, giving the best-canned cat food for weight loss is an excellent way of preventing weight gain in cats. But, confirm the calorie content before making purchases.

Encourage exercises

Exercising is an excellent way of helping your cat shed excess weight. Let your pet run up and down or regularly walk for this helps burn more calories. However, this may not be easy for cats used to a relaxed lifestyle.

 Intrigue the pet with attractive toys, and this will prompt the pet to play more. The idea here is to make your pet active. For instance, acquire a few cat toys with sounds and hide them in a paper bag, include other gadgets that can dangle behind you, and have the cat chase you.

What about the buddy system?

Your cat is likely to feed well and exercise more if you bring in another pet. If your feline friend is the only one in your home and a new kitten, the new companion will provoke your cat to become more active, happier, and ultimately lose weight.

Bottom line

Pets make great companions, but no one wants to own an overweight cat. As a pet owner, you have a role to play in helping your pet maintain a healthy weight. So, consider the ideas discussed above and watch your overweight cat shed off the excess fat.

The post Effective tips to help your cat lose weight appeared first on smartfamilypets.