Helping your feline friend shed extra pounds is crucial for their overall health and well-being. While it might require a shift in their diet and daily routine, with a little dedication from you, your cat can achieve an ideal weight and enjoy a better quality of life.
Understanding Calorie Needs
Maintenance:
The general guideline for maintaining a healthy weight in cats is approximately 20 calories per pound of body weight for indoor cats. Outdoor cats typically require more, around 35 calories per pound. Indoor/outdoor cats fall somewhere in between. For instance, a 10-pound indoor cat should consume around 200 calories daily to maintain its weight, while a 15-pound cat would need about 300 calories.
Weight Loss:
To initiate weight loss, aim to feed your cat for a weight that is two pounds less than their current weight, or reduce their daily intake by about 40 calories. It’s essential to re-evaluate and adjust this target every time your cat loses a pound, continuing until they reach a healthy weight. Once they’ve achieved their goal, maintain this feeding level.
Metabolic Differences:
It’s important to remember that these calorie guidelines are just rough estimates. Just like people, cats have different metabolisms. If your cat isn’t losing weight after six months on the recommended plan, you may need to further decrease their caloric intake.
Calculating Current Intake:
A practical way to understand your cat’s individual metabolic rate is to monitor their daily food intake for several days, assuming their weight has been stable. By calculating the calories per pound they are currently consuming, you can get a good idea of their metabolic rate. This helps determine if they are consuming too many calories for their current weight or if their metabolism is naturally higher. If you free-feed and have multiple cats, you can still get an estimate. Measure a large pre-portioned amount of food in the morning and track any additional wet food or treats given throughout the day. The next day, measure the remaining food to estimate the total daily consumption. Divide this by the cats’ combined weight to get an average calorie intake per pound.
Finding Calorie Information:
If the calorie content isn’t listed on your cat’s food packaging, most manufacturers provide this information on their websites.
Choosing the Right Food
The type and quality of cat food significantly impact your cat’s satiety and weight management. Some foods are more filling, reducing hunger pangs, while others may leave your cat perpetually hungry. The key is to find a palatable food that satisfies your cat without contributing to weight gain.
Meat-Based Diets:
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet. Unlike omnivorous humans and dogs, they don’t thrive on grain and cereal-heavy diets. Grain-based foods can lead to dissatisfaction and overeating. Opt for foods that are labeled “grain-free” or have meat as the primary ingredient.
Moderate Fats:
Fats are essential for a cat’s feeling of fullness. Low-fat diets can leave cats feeling constantly hungry. While fats are beneficial in the right proportion, many over-the-counter weight management diets are too low in fat and lack sufficient fillers, leading to persistent hunger.
Fiber Content:
Fiber aids in digestion and calorie utilization, helping your cat feel fuller for longer. Finding meat-based diets with high fiber can be challenging. In such cases, supplemental fiber can be beneficial for cats of any age or health status, provided they don’t have severe constipation issues.
- Canned Pumpkin: A tablespoon of canned pumpkin daily can be a palatable way to increase fiber intake for most cats.
- Benefiber: Mixing a teaspoon of Benefiber into moist food daily is often unnoticeable to cats and aids digestion.
Canned Foods:
Canned foods generally make weight loss easier for cats. They are typically higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates and calories, and contain moderate fats compared to dry food. Canned food also makes it simple to add fiber supplements and increases your cat’s water intake, as most are about 70% water. Some cats lose weight effectively on high-calorie canned foods simply because they feel full faster and eat less overall. However, if your cat has a history of urinary crystal formation, consult your veterinarian before switching to an all-canned diet, as some formulations can predispose cats to struvite crystals. If your cat is a grazer, transitioning them to meal-based canned feeding might take time, but breaking meals into three or four servings a day can be effective.
Dry Foods:
While canned foods are often preferred for weight loss, dry food can still be a viable option if your lifestyle doesn’t accommodate frequent canned feedings or if your cat refuses wet food. The most critical aspect of feeding dry food for weight loss is precise calorie counting. Dry food is generally more calorie-dense than wet food, so portion control is paramount. Avoid over-the-counter weight management dry foods, as they often lack sufficient fat and fiber to keep your cat satiated. If you are feeding as little as 1/3 cup of dry food per day and your cat is still overweight, a prescription weight-loss diet may be necessary. Feeding less than 1/3 cup of any dry food can risk nutrient deficiencies.
Traditional prescription weight-loss diets are typically low in calories and fat but high in fiber to compensate. Newer prescription diets are often more meat-based, aiming for longer satiety, though they may be higher in calories, so careful monitoring is still required. Regardless of the diet type, always count calories and do not rely solely on the feeding recommendations on the packaging.
Encouraging Exercise
Increasing your cat’s activity level is another effective way to help them burn calories. While cats are known for their lounging habits, they can be motivated to move with the right strategies.
Stair Climbing:
If your home has multiple levels, place the litter box on a different floor than the food and water bowls. This encourages your cat to navigate the stairs several times a day. This strategy should not be used if your cat has litter box issues. For a more ambitious approach, you can engage in “meal feeding” where you offer tiny amounts of food at the top of the stairs, then carry your cat down, encouraging them to climb back up for the next morsel.
Interactive Play:
Feather wands on a fishing pole are excellent for engaging most cats in play. Laser pointers can also be effective in encouraging movement.
Leash Training:
With patience, you can train your cat to walk on a harness and leash.
- Find a suitable harness: Ensure it fits well and is adjustable. You might find better options in the dog section of pet stores. Gradually acclimate your cat to wearing the harness for short periods.
- Attach a leash: Once comfortable with the harness, attach a leash and spend time in a safe outdoor area, allowing your cat to explore while remaining tethered. Never leave your cat unsupervised on a leash outdoors.
- Short walks: Begin with brief walks around the neighborhood, letting your cat set the pace and explore. Be vigilant for dogs and be prepared to quickly pick up your cat if a loose dog approaches. Carrying dog repellent can offer an extra layer of safety.
Treats in Moderation
While most cats adore treats, they can be calorie-dense and hinder weight loss efforts. If you choose to continue giving treats, they must be factored into your cat’s total daily calorie intake. The most beneficial treats are those designed to help clean your cat’s teeth or administer medication. Remember to always account for these additional calories.
Summary for Weight Loss Success
- Count Calories: For maintenance, aim for about 20 calories per pound of body weight. For weight loss, feed for two pounds less.
- Diet Composition: Prioritize meat-based diets with moderate fats and increased fiber. If necessary, supplement fiber separately.
- Food Type: Canned foods are generally more conducive to weight loss but may not always be practical.
- Dry Food Strategy: If feeding dry food, do not go below 1/3 cup per day without considering a prescription diet. Avoid over-the-counter weight control formulas.
- Boost Activity: Increase your cat’s exercise through play and environmental enrichment.
- Treats Wisely: Offer treats sparingly and always include them in the daily calorie count.
For any questions or concerns regarding your cat’s weight management, please contact All Feline Hospital at info@allfelinehospital.com.
This handout was written by Dr. Shelley Knudsen, DVM.
