How do I put cat on diet?

QUESTION:

My cat is overweight. What is the best way to put her on a diet?

answered by Kathy Gervais

ANSWER:

The best way to start a diet is to reduce feeding amounts. The recommended daily feeding amount listed on the food bag is based on the metabolic needs of unaltered animals. Most family owned cats are spayed or neutered. Their metabolic needs are 80% when compared to unaltered animals, so they need 20% less calories, thus 20% less food.

Another strategy is to replace dry food with wet food. Cats utilize protein calories better than carbohydrate calories. Wet food accomplishes this better.

It is also important to try to increase a cat's exercise. Laser pens, cat dancers, and various other toys encourage activity and provide quality time for you and your cat.

Weight loss in a cat is a slow process. A cat should not lose more than 1/2 pound per month. Rapid weight loss can affect a cat's liver function or be a sign of a metabolic condition like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or diabetes.