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Many cat owners don’t take into account that their cat has started to gain weight. They need to understand that feline obesity isn’t funny but concerning as it could lead to multiple health conditions which may shorten your pet’s life span.
Did you know that if your cat gains 1 extra kg of weight, it is equivalent to you gaining 15 kg of weight?
So now that you understand how important it is to keep your cat’s weight under control, here are some smart ways to help it shed some to lead a healthier and longer life along your side.
Many vets present the following formula to cat owners when they come for weight loss advice.
(Cat’s weight in kg x 30) + 70 = Answer x 0.8 = number of calories per day.
So, if your cat currently weighs 5kgs, the equation will become:
(5 x 30) + 70 = 220 x 0.8 = 176
This is the maximum level of calories your cat must intake. Feed it less than that amount if you want it to lose weight. If you feed more it more, it is bound to gain weight.
2. Substitute Dry food:
Most of the dry food brands are full of calories that could rack up to 400 cals per bowl. You can’t let your cat take in that many calories in a single serving when it is putting on weight. Try substituting dry food for canned food as they are about 80% water and protein-rich which is what your cat needs right now.
3 .Encourage Hunting Games
Like other animals, cats too love hunting games. When weight loss is a concern, you can always incorporate a little play in two ways. You can either scatter the dry food on the floor so that your cat has to move from one place to another in order to get it or hide it in different places for them to find it on their own. Both of these ways will allow your cat to get some physical exercise 3-4 times a day rather than just lying in one corner of the house.
4. Stop Free Feeding:
Those who don’t know, the concept of free food means leaving out some food in your pet’s food bowl so that they don’t come asking for it every time they feel starved. It may have lessened your burden of getting up every now and then but it also makes your cat consume extra calories than it should. Your cat might not feel hungry but just it seeing the food laid out in front of it might make it consume it. Practicing such a routine means you will not be able to keep count of the calories your feline is taking, as a result of which it won’t help in losing weight.
Stop refilling the bowl once your cat has finished eating and only allow controlled proportions of food to be consumed in a single day.
5. Stair Climbing:
If you live in a house with more than one level, increase your cat’s exercising routine by making it climb the stairs. How can you do so? Simply place its litter box on the second floor so that every time it needs to use it, it has to climb the stairs. You can also increase their activity level by occasionally hiding their favorite toys for them to find as it will keep it active all day.
Whichever way you choose to adopt, just keep in mind not to make any drastic changes. Your cat may find it difficult to comprehend as to why all of a sudden there is no food in the bowl, why are you taking it on walks, hiding food, or why have the treats stopped.