Weight management for cats
Weight management for cats
Just an extra pound or two can impact your cat’s health
Excess weight can lead to less play time, depression and increased risk of several serious health conditions. Unfortunately, weight gain often takes place gradually over time, so it’s not always obvious when it’s time to take action.
Overweight cats can have an increased risk of developing serious health conditions.
Your cat may look just fine to you, but the ideal weight varies by size and breed. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if your cat is overweight.
Signs that your cat may be overweight include:
Signs that your cat may be overweight include:
Signs your pet is emaciated:
The ribs, spine and hip bones are visible from a distance, and there is no discernible body fat.
Signs your pet is healthy weight:
The ribs can be easily felt without excess fat, and you can see the waist behind the ribs from above. Abdominal tuck is present.
Signs your pet is overweight:
You can’t feel ribs because they are covered in fat. Large fat deposits are over the neck, chest, spine and base of tail. Both waist and abdominal tuck are absent.
Still not sure?
Take our L.O.V.E. test to find out. You’ll even receive a personalized weight report for your pet to share with your vet.
Why being overweight matters
Cat weight gain is the result of an increase in body fat. This is usually caused by eating too much, especially when combined with a lack of exercise, but there can be other contributing factors:
Age
Older cats are often less active and require fewer calories, which is why nutrition formulated for their age is vital to their weight and overall health.
Breed
Different cat breeds can have different metabolisms, which means some breeds are more likely to become overweight.
Neutering / Spaying
Clinical studies have shown that the energy requirements of neutered cats are lower, and they require fewer calories.
Medical Problems
Very occasionally, weight gain is associated with a medical disorder that may require specific treatment.
Overfeeding
Consuming more calories than necessary can contribute to weight gain. This can be due to unlimited or inconsistent portions of food.
Feeding Habits
Feeding table scraps and “people food,” or too many treats, can lead to obesity.
Gender
Female cats are more likely to become overweight.
Lack of exercise
Too much food and too little exercise produces a typical result: obesity.
Cat weight gain is the result of an increase in body fat. This is usually caused by eating too much, especially when combined with a lack of exercise, but there can be other contributing factors:
Age
Older cats are often less active and require fewer calories, which is why nutrition formulated for their age is vital to their weight and overall health.
Breed
Different cat breeds can have different metabolisms, which means some breeds are more likely to become overweight.
Neutering / Spaying
Clinical studies have shown that the energy requirements of neutered cats are lower, and they require fewer calories.
Medical Problems
Very occasionally, weight gain is associated with a medical disorder that may require specific treatment.
Overfeeding
Consuming more calories than necessary can contribute to weight gain. This can be due to unlimited or inconsistent portions of food.
Feeding Habits
Feeding table scraps and “people food,” or too many treats, can lead to obesity.
Gender
Female cats are more likely to become overweight.
Lack of exercise
Too much food and too little exercise produces a typical result: obesity.
See what those foods really mean for your pet
As well as feeding your cat the correct nutrition, promoting regular exercise will help with the process of healthy weight loss. Here are a few exercise and workout tips you and your cat can do together:
- Playing with Toys
- Catching the Light
- Power Walking
Playing with Toys
Giving your cat some homemade or pet shop toys can encourage them to get moving.
Catching the Light
Shine a white light on the walls and let your cat play. Be careful not to use a red light laser, though — it can damage your cat’s eyes.
Power Walking
Try taking your cat out for a walk on a harness. Cat harnesses are available from your pet shop. While you’re out, encourage your cat to jump and play using natural “toys” like piles of leaves.
Choosing the right cat food for weight management
Your cat’s diet is perhaps the single most important factor in helping them maintain an ideal weight. Ask your vet for a food recommendation for weight loss, including what food and how much, and do your best to stick to it.
This is key because once your cat has been overweight, they may be prone to weight gain. Your cat should have an ongoing weight management plan based on good nutrition, exercise, regular check-ups and weigh-ins.
Choosing the right cat food for weight management
Your cat’s diet is perhaps the single most important factor in helping them maintain an ideal weight. Ask your vet for a food recommendation for weight loss, including what food and how much, and do your best to stick to it.
This is key because once your cat has been overweight, they may be prone to weight gain. Your cat should have an ongoing weight management plan based on good nutrition, exercise, regular check-ups and weigh-ins.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit with Chicken Wet Cat Food
Clinically tested nutrition formulated for multiple benefits: digestive health, weight management, blood sugar management and urinary health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
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Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare + Metabolic Weight Liver & Tuna Stew Cat Food
Nutrition to help promote urinary health and weight management
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Felino Adulto Controle Bolas de Pelo
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe cat food
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe cat food
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
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Put your overweight cat on the road to recovery
If your cat is already having trouble with weight problems, there are plenty of things you can do to improve their condition.