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Is your cat obese? 5 ways to help them slim down

Mary Johnson
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National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is October 13. According to a survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, roughly 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States alone are overweight or obese. While few things are more adorable than an obese cat, obesity in cats comes with a multitude of health risks. Have you been wondering if your cat needs to lose a few pounds? We’re here to share how you can tell if your cat is obese, the potential health problems caused by cat obesity, and five helpful things you can do to help them lose the weight. 

An obese tabby cat perched on a red wooden table.

What causes obesity in cats?

Just like in humans, the main cause of obesity in most cats comes down to an excess in caloric consumption and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of us have tried fad diets and health food that tastes like cardboard covered in chalk, and most of us have failed to maintain our weight-loss goals for any length of time. In reality, restrictive diets won’t work in the long term because we soon return to our former eating habits. The same holds true for cats. Weight loss requires a lifestyle change, not a diet. If your cat is in a calorie deficit — meaning she burns more calories than she consumes —she’ll be able to lose weight and keep it off. 

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However, there are contributing factors to weight gain, ranging from unexpected pregnancy to illness. Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are potential side effects for certain medications. Spayed and neutered cats may gain weight and have a difficult time losing it, too. Certain illnesses, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease (also called feline hyperadrenocorticism) slow the metabolism and lead to weight gain. If your cat suddenly puts on weight despite her food and activity levels remaining constant, it’s time for a trip to the vet. 

Why obesity is dangerous

While a chubby-cheeked feline is undeniably cute, obesity increases your cat’s risk of developing a chronic disease. Even more unsettling, obesity raises your cat’s risk of mortality 2.8 times. If your cat is obese, she’s at risk of developing one or more of the following conditions:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Urinary bladder stones
  • Decreased heat tolerance
  • Cancer
  • Skin conditions
  • Weakened immune system
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes mellitus 
  • Hepatic lipidosis

Although larger breeds weigh more, the average cat weighs 7.9–9.9 pounds. If a cat weighs 10%–20% more than average, she’s considered obese. Even without knowing the exact percentage of body fat your cat carries, you’ll be able to see visual changes that indicate weight gain. Overweight cats have soft bellies and a layer of fat over their rib cages. Obese cats begin to look extremely round and may even develop a double chin. We recommend speaking with your vet if you’re concerned that your cat may be gaining weight.

An obese gray and white cat sitting on the floor.

How to help your cat lose weight

If your cat is overweight or obese, she needs to lose weight before she develops a potentially life-threatening condition. Here are five ways you can help your fur baby slim down. 

1. Consult your veterinarian

Before you put your cat on a diet, take her in for a checkup. She may have an underlying condition that’s causing her weight gain, so the vet may want to run tests to determine why your formerly svelte companion has packed on the pounds. Your vet may also recommend a prescription diet to ensure your fur baby’s nutritional needs are being met. 

2. Monitor your cat’s calorie intake

Most of us have counted calories at some point, and it’s equally effective for cats. The average indoor cat needs only 20 calories per pound of body weight. Don’t fill her bowl until it’s overflowing. Instead, feed her the recommended amount and cut back on the treats. 

3. Spend time playing with your cat

Unlike dogs, who will happily run in circles for hours, cats tend to play in short bursts. Grab a laser pointer or your cat’s favorite toy and sprinkle several play exercises throughout her day. Exercise will not only give her metabolism a boost, helping her lose weight, but active cats also are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. 

4. Make her work for her food

If your cat prefers dry food over canned, try making her work for her meal with a food ball. She’ll burn extra calories while rolling the ball across the floor to collect her morsels, providing her with mental stimulation, exercise, and a tasty meal. Food balls also reward your cat for exercising, creating a positive connection between burning calories and having fun. 

5. Keep her distracted

It’s hard to say no to your cat when she’s begging for food, but you’ll have to stick to your guns. Make sure she has plenty of water to drink, which will help her feel full when she’s hungry, and distract her from craving food with cuddles and playtime. 

An obese tabby cat leaning against a corner.

Maintaining weight loss

Yo-yo diets never work for us, and they won’t work for your cat. Speak to your vet about the best way to help your fur baby maintain her weight loss. (You should take your cat to the vet during her weight-loss journey to make sure you’re staying on track.) Continue to control her portions and ensure she gets plenty of exercise, take your vet’s advice, and your cat should be able to keep the weight off in the long term. 

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Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
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