How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Cat owners everywhere know that our feline friends are absolutely brilliant at getting what they want. Unfortunately, the pattern of giving into their whims can lead to overfeeding. Overweight cats are at higher risk for developing all sorts of health problems, most of which are preventable.
We are able to develop customized feeding instructions, based on the cat’s health needs, once we examine them and determine an ideal body weight. We will also recommend a food specifically formulated for your cat’s weight loss while maintaining muscle mass, which often declines with age.
If your little fluff is a bit wider or heavier than they used to be, we can help your cat lose weight!
Before It Is Too Late
Considering that more than half of all cats are heavier than they should be, it may be time to make some changes to your cat’s routine. Maintaining a healthy weight is ideal to prevent weight-related health problems, but helping your cat lose weight they don’t need is second best.
Why It Matters
Diabetes, osetoarthritis, liver disease, heart disease, skin infections, circulatory conditions, and cancer are just a few of the risks facing obese cats. As they age, senior cats may have more health challenges if they are overweight.
Cat Weight Loss: Slow, but Fast
When they are 15-20% over their “ideal” body weight, a cat is considered overweight or obese. We use the Body Condition Score (BCS) to help us understand a cat’s ideal body size and shape. On a scale of 1-9, a cat’s optimal grade would be about 5.
We take note of your cat’s weight and appearance at every exam. If their BCS score is over 5-6, we might suggest ways to help your cat lose weight. We’ll rule out underlying medical conditions that may be contributing, and discuss their eating habits and food preferences.
The Obvious Choice
Cats gain weight when they consume too many calories and don’t burn them off. The easiest way to help your cat lose weight is to restrict their daily caloric intake. It is critical not to starve your cat in order to lose extra weight. It is not a process that happens overnight, and you don’t want your cat to lose essential muscle mass.
A New Routine
Free-feeding can undermine your goal. Choose 2-4 small meal times every day and stick to them. Measure their portions precisely.
We encourage you to limit how many snacks or treats they enjoy every day. Treats reward them for their cuteness, but an overweight cat will equally respond to extra affection and attention. Snuggle and play with them to distract them from what they really don’t need.
Help Your Cat Lose Weight
Kittens love to play and get a little crazy, but as cats age they do slow down a bit. This doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t enjoy a little directed physical activity. Invent games or sports that you can do together. If your cat likes catnip, employ it in order to get them moving. Exercise your cat 2-3 times a week for 10 minutes a day. You may eventually play together every day for 15 minutes at a time.
Healthy Days
Once your cat’s weight reaches the right range on the BCS, you will need to help them maintain it. We can discuss appropriate changes if necessary. As long as they are getting all of the nutritional and exercise needs met, you are doing your part to keep them healthy and happy.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s diet, nutritional needs, or behavior. We’re always here for you at Cat Care of Vinings.
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Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.