If you want to ensure your cat lives a healthy and longer life a healthy weight and lifestyle will be key to avoiding diseases and causing fatal conditions. Because if your cat is above normal weight it will be more at risk of developing arthritis and heart diseases. While regular consultation in a pet hospital in Kitchener will help you treat the conditions, preventing it is better. These consultations will also help you understand how you can manage your cat’s weight by assessing their physical condition. Read this blog to learn some effective strategies you can implement when managing your cat’s weight.
How Will You Know They Gain Weight?
Because this is a gradual process we fail to notice until it reaches the line of obesity. If you are aware of the techniques of assessment it will help you in taking action quickly. Recognize the symptoms of weight gain by assessing their waistline, they have visible inward curves that you can look at from above if it is not visible, and by feeling their ribs which usually have a thin fat layer, and if you can not feel it. It will indicate weight gain. If you notice your cat not jumping around on furniture and climbing stairs and facing difficulties when they do such activities like panting and shortness of breath it can be a sign of excess weight gain as cats do not pant under normal conditions like dogs.
Create A Balanced Diet Routine
Similar to us humans, for cats too diet plays an important role in gaining weight. If they are overfed, they are eating the wrong type of food, or have access to unlimited food it will significantly contribute to their weight gain. That is why it is important that build a balanced feeding pattern. Start with giving them portion-controlled meals based on their, age, weight, and activity level rather than giving them access to food all the time. Try giving them more wet food as it has higher water content which will help in weight management, but you can include dry food too by measuring it properly. Avoid giving them high-carbohydrate food like wheat and corn and give them protein-rich food. Feed them in small frequent meals like giving them 3-4 meals whole days but the portion size is divided and controlled. Do not give them table scraps which we consume especially fatty food because it will contribute to their weight gain. To avoid upsetting their stomach gradually implement these techniques to help them get comfortable with the new patterns.
Encouraging Physical Activity
If your cat is moving around more it will help them burn extra calories thus will help in managing their weight. For cats, it is your task to create opportunities for them to move around as they are not interested in engaging themselves in energetic exercises. Play around with the toys that will trigger their instincts to hunt like laser points and feathers which will make them jump around to catch and pounce on them. Build their home in a tree structure rather than on the floor, because they have a behavior of climbing they will move and climb to reach their resting place. To make them enjoy the playtime and have the desired effect play with them at the time where they are most active like at dusk and dawn. Let them sit on the window shield so they can watch the birds and squirrels which will make them move around as their instincts of hunting will be stimulated. To maintain proper weight loss and a healthy body for your cat, make sure you play with them for 0-30 minutes only, as this will help in effective management. While this is a general time you can tailor it according to the comfort of your cat.
Be In Touch With Your Veterinarian!
When going through the process of helping your cat lose weight, consult with your vet first to ensure there are no other difficulties and plan the process with their help. It will help you customize your plan with professional insights. Keep in touch with them throughout the process to track their progress.