Weight Management
Just as we resolve to eat better and trim up, we should also make the same resolutions for our cats as the health risks associated with obesity in cats are a very real concern.
Why is it important to manage my cat's weight?
Overweight and obese cats are at greater risk of developing diabetes and the extra weight is harder on their joints as they age, to name a few. Both as a veterinarian, and an owner to two very spoiled kitties, I can adamantly say that weight management in cats is not easy but is a key component to maintaining good health.
What causes a cat to become overweight?
Just like in people, an overconsumption of calories (or lack of burning off extra calories) will lead to obesity. This is, of course, a very simple view as differences in metabolic rates, genetic factors, and emotional factors can all contribute. Cats are built to be survivors so some cats may have a tendency towards over eating and weight gain because of this.
One feline veterinarian, Dr. Margie Scherk, determined that over feeding a cat by 10 kibbles a day equates to 1lb of fat in a year so it does not take a lot of over feeding (and over eating) to create a problem. How much is 10 kibbles? As the picture shows, very little!
One feline veterinarian, Dr. Margie Scherk, determined that over feeding a cat by 10 kibbles a day equates to 1lb of fat in a year so it does not take a lot of over feeding (and over eating) to create a problem. How much is 10 kibbles? As the picture shows, very little!
How do I know if my cat is overweight?
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The best place to start when starting a weight management strategy for your cat is to understand what an ideal cat body should look like. This is easily done by employing a “healthy hug” way of assessing body condition. In the healthy hug, the ribs, backbone and pelvis should be easily felt but not seen and a tucked waist should be noted when viewing your cat from both above and the side. The healthy hug takes into account both frame size and degrees of coat fluffiness. The next step is to get a current weight and record it (so we can keep track of progress). If you happen to have a Wii Fit Plus®, use it to create a pet Mii as a fun way to keep track. Based on the healthy hug and body weight you, your cat is given a body condition score. The BCS is used to approximate % of obesity just as the Body Mass Index (BMI) is used in people.
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How much should I feed my cat?
Determining how many calories your cat needs is based on assessment and calculations done by you veterinarian however, the average cat needs between 180 and 240 calories per day, fed in small meals and ideally working between each one. Cats that are overweight will need less calories then this.
Once we know how many calories we can feed in a day, it is easy to calculate what proportion of calories will come from dry food and how much from canned. Although canned food is higher in calories on a dry matter bases, the extra water lowers the as fed calorie content thereby making canned food an excellent option from a satiety point of view. Treats are important (I love chocolate and would be very upset if it was cut out from my diet) but should be supplying no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. If you wish to incorporate treats, simply adjust how much of their regular diet you are feeding so we stay within our caloric needs.
Once we know how many calories we can feed in a day, it is easy to calculate what proportion of calories will come from dry food and how much from canned. Although canned food is higher in calories on a dry matter bases, the extra water lowers the as fed calorie content thereby making canned food an excellent option from a satiety point of view. Treats are important (I love chocolate and would be very upset if it was cut out from my diet) but should be supplying no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. If you wish to incorporate treats, simply adjust how much of their regular diet you are feeding so we stay within our caloric needs.
What else can I do to help maintain my cat's weight?
Once we know how much to feed, some simple tricks to stay on track include:
- Feeding many small meals throughout the day is ideal for your cat’s metabolism so try to feed as least 3 (breakfast, supper, and bedtime snack) in a day.
- Use a proper measuring cup when determining portions. No guesstimating!
- If your cat associates you with food (and decides that 4am is the best time to be fed), consider an automatic feeder. Your cat cannot argue with a machine.
- If your cat is the type that eats fast, consider a treat ball where the food can be placed and your cat needs to play to get it out.
- Tough love is required! Most cats will try to persuade their owners into feeding them again so be tough and learn to say no!. If they are persistent, consider substituting that extra treat for catnip or some playtime with their favourite toy.
- Remember that the nutritional requirements for growing kittens, pregnant and nursing queens, senior cats, and those with medical conditions are different so consult with your veterinarian to ensure you would be feeding the right amount for your cat
What can my veterinarian do to help?
Our goal in any diet plan is slow and steady weight loss. Keep track of your success with routine weigh-ins and keep your veterinarian informed of your progress or any concerns you may have. Our clinic offer programs to keep track of weight loss and advice when the diet is not going too well – all you need to do is ask. In more challenging cases our doctors will discuss a diet change if your cat is acting too ravenous on the fed amount or it is just not working.
As these are only general guidelines, if you have any questions about weight management, or your cat’s body condition, please consult with your veterinarian to create a more individualized plan.
As these are only general guidelines, if you have any questions about weight management, or your cat’s body condition, please consult with your veterinarian to create a more individualized plan.
