Feline Obesity: How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight

Obesity in cats is more common than you might think, and it’s not just about carrying a few extra kilos. Excess weight puts real strain on your cat’s health, increasing the risk of diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and even liver disease. The main causes are overfeeding, lack of exercise, and an indoor lifestyle that limits natural activity. But don’t worry – you can treat feline obesity with the right mix of diet changes, increased playtime, and a little patience. Let’s explore how you can help your cat shed the extra weight and stay healthy for years to come.

What causes feline obesity

There are often multiple factors that contribute to an overweight cat, from diet, exercise habits, and even your cat’s genetics. If your feline friend is tipping the scales, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the common causes before we begin to treat feline obesity.

Dietary factors

What your cat eats, and how much plays a massive role in their weight. Modern cat diets are often high in carbohydrates, which cats aren’t naturally built to process effectively. Unlike humans or dogs, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies thrive on protein, not carbs. When you feed them carb-heavy kibble or calorie-dense treats, those extra calories often get stored as fat rather than being burned off.

Overfeeding is another issue. Free-feeding (leaving a bowl of food out all day) might seem convenient, but it encourages overeating. By keeping food constantly available, your cat is more likely to snack when they’re bored rather than hungry. 

Lack of exercise

In the wild, cats stay fit by stalking, pouncing, and hunting prey. These natural behaviours burn energy and keep muscles toned. But in domestic settings, it’s easy for cats to become couch potatoes – especially if they don’t have toys, interactive playtime, or stimulating activities to keep them moving.

If your cat spends most of their time lounging or napping without opportunities to exercise, weight gain is almost inevitable. Indoor cats, in particular, are at higher risk because their environment often lacks the space or opportunities for movement. Think of it this way: without chasing mice or prowling the garden, how’s your cat going to use up all those calories?

Age, neutering, and genetics

Cats experience natural changes as they age that can affect their metabolism and activity levels. Middle-aged cats between six and eight years old are particularly prone to weight gain. Just like in humans, their metabolism slows down, making it easier for excess weight to stick.

Neutering is another big factor. After being spayed or neutered, many cats experience a drop in their roaming or activity levels, which often reduces calorie expenditure. While the procedure is important for many reasons, it’s linked to an increased appetite in some cats. Without adjusting their diet to accommodate these changes, it’s easy for a cat to pack on extra kilos.

And then there’s genetics. Some breeds, like Maine Coons or British Shorthairs, may be more predisposed to carrying extra weight due to inherited traits. If your cat falls into one of these categories, they might gain weight more easily than other breeds, even when fed the same amount.

Remember, understanding the “why” is the first step towards being able to treat feline obesity.

How to tell if your cat is overweight

Knowing whether your cat is overweight or obese can be tricky, especially if they have a long-haired coat hiding the signs. Here are some tools and tips you can use to assess whether your cat is overweight. 

Body Condition Score (BCS)

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a system vets and pet owners use to evaluate a cat’s body fat and overall health. Think of it as a pet-friendly version of the BMI scale for humans. It’s rated on a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 indicates an underweight, emaciated cat, and 9 means severe obesity. Ideally, cats should score around a 5 – this is the sweet spot for a healthy, balanced body weight.

To assess this yourself:

• Feel the ribs: Gently run your hands down your cat’s sides. Can you feel their ribs easily, with a thin covering of fat? If so, your cat’s likely at a healthy weight.
• Check the waistline: Stand above your cat while they’re upright. A cat with a healthy body will have a visible waist between their rib cage and hips.
• Look at the belly: From a side view, there should be a slight upward tuck from their chest to the abdomen. A heavy sag or roundness might point to excess fat.

Don’t forget: some visual signs can be deceiving, especially with long-haired breeds. That’s why running your hands along their body is key. 

Signs your cat may be overweight

There are also everyday signs that may indicate your cat is carrying extra kilos. Taking the time to observe and touch can tell you a lot. Here’s what to look for:

• Difficulty feeling ribs
  Can’t easily feel their ribs without pressing hard? This is often one of the first signs of too much fat buildup.
• No waistline in sight
  A healthy cat should have a noticeable curve between their rib cage and hips when viewed from above. If your cat looks more like a barrel, it might be time to reassess their diet and activity levels.
• Pendulous belly
  A swingy, pouch-like belly – separate from their natural fat pad – can signal obesity. While all cats have a primordial pouch, it shouldn’t be large or overly full of fat.
• Struggling to jump or climb
  Is your cat hesitating or opting out of their usual athletic moves, like jumping to their favourite perch? Extra weight can make these movements harder and less comfortable.
• Reduced physical activity
  An overweight cat is often less energetic and spends more time napping than playing. While all cats love their beauty sleep, a noticeable decline in activity can correlate with weight issues.

Recognising these signs empowers you to take action and treat your feline friend’s obesity before it causes significant health issues. 

Steps to treat feline obesity

Helping your cat achieve a healthier weight isn’t just about feeding less; it’s a multi-faceted approach that includes veterinary guidance, diet changes, and a commitment to increasing activity. Here are the step-by-step actions you need to take to treat feline obesity. 

Consult your veterinarian

Before making any changes, consult with your vet. They can help determine if there are any underlying health concerns contributing to your cat’s weight gain, such as thyroid issues or diabetes. They’ll also set a realistic target weight and recommend a tailored plan to help your pet reach it gradually. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous for cats, often leading to hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease.

Adjust dietary intake

When it comes to weight management, diet is key. For most cats, this means shifting to a high-protein, calorie-controlled diet that mimics what they’d eat in the wild. For domestic cats, a homemade raw food diet is ideal. Cats are obligate carnivores, so protein isn’t just a preference – it’s a necessity.

Here’s how to make dietary adjustments:

• Portion control: Measure out meals using a food scale. Free-feeding (keeping food available all day) encourages overeating, so stick to scheduled feeding times.
• Switch to high-protein foods: Choose cat food with higher protein and lower carbohydrate content. Work with your vet to transition slowly to avoid upset stomachs. If you plan to transition to a raw food diet, check out our step-by-step guide. 
• Eliminate treats: Even small snacks can add excess calories. Replace unhealthy treats with low-calorie options like freeze-dried chicken or simply skip treats altogether.
• Hydration matters: If you are feeding dry food consider adding in wet food, which is typically lower in calories and keeps your cat hydrated, aiding digestion.

Remember, nutritional changes take time. Gradually introduce new foods over a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Encourage exercise and activity

Let’s face it, cats aren’t always eager to break a sweat, but adding movement into their day is vital for burning calories. Unlike dogs, cats often require creativity to stay active, especially indoor cats who don’t have access to wide-open spaces.

Here are a few practical ideas to get your cat moving:

• Interactive toys: Toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or motorised mice can activate your cat’s natural prey drive.
• Food puzzles: Food-dispensing toys make mealtime more engaging and force your cat to work for their calories.
• Vertical spaces: Cat towers and shelves encourage climbing and jumping, helping to improve muscle tone.
• Structured playtime: Dedicate at least 10 minutes twice a day to playing with your cat. This consistency can work wonders over time.

If your cat seems uninterested, don’t give up! Try different toys to discover what sparks their interest. You might even rotate toys to keep things fresh and exciting.

Weight loss in multi-cat households

Treating feline obesity becomes trickier when you’ve got more than one cat, especially if some cats are at healthy weights while others are overweight. To maintain harmony and ensure everyone eats appropriately, you’ll need a strategy. It’s all about planning, ensuring every cat gets the nutrition they need without added calories.

Here’s how to manage meals in a multi-cat household:

• Separate feeding areas: Feed cats in different rooms or at different times to control portions for the overweight cat.
• Microchip feeders: These feeders are programmed to only open for the designated cat, ensuring no one sneaks extra food.
• Monitor portions for all cats: Even healthy-weight cats can inadvertently overeat if left unchecked.
• Distract active cats during meal prep: While one cat eats, use toys or engage others to keep them occupied and prevent food theft. This is a useful tactic if you can’t put your cats in separate rooms.

By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to improving your cat’s weight and quality of life. Remember, patience is key. Small daily changes can lead to significant results over time. Stay consistent and talk to your vet if you need ongoing support.

Monitoring progress and maintenance

The journey doesn’t end once your cat has reached a healthy weight. Weight maintenance is just as crucial and requires ongoing attention, consistency, and care. 

Weighing and monitoring tools

Keeping track of your cat’s weight allows you to spot trends early, before things spiral out of control. Here are some simple ways to track your cat’s weight at home.

• Use a pet scale: Invest in a pet scale and weigh your cat every two to three weeks. Make sure you record their progress in a journal or app. If you don’t have a pet scale, try weighing yourself on a bathroom scale, then weigh yourself while holding your cat and subtract your weight to find theirs.

• Track progress using a BCS (Body Condition Score): This is a great tool to visually and physically assess your cat’s weight. A score of 5 is ideal, meaning you can feel your cat’s ribs but not see them. Scores above 6 indicate your cat is overweight, while 8-9 points to obesity. Remember to palpate, or gently run your hands along their ribcage and abdomen, to feel for fat layers. Combine scale measurements with BCS checks every month for a deeper understanding of their progress.

• Photo comparisons: Sometimes, weight-loss is more visible in photos than on the scale. Take a photo of your cat from above and from the side each month. Comparing images over time can help you identify subtle changes in their body shape and confirm they’re on the right track.

Avoiding relapse

Maintaining a healthy weight after weight loss is just as important as the process of getting there. Here’s how to keep things on track for the long term:

• Stick to portion control
  Keep measuring meals with a food scale or measuring cup – eyeballing it might lead to overfeeding. Maintain a feeding schedule that aligns with your vet’s recommendations to avoid unnecessary grazing.
• Avoid too many treats
  Treats are fine in moderation, but they shouldn’t exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Instead of calorie-dense snacks, opt for healthier choices like freeze-dried chicken or use playtime and cuddles as a reward.
• Keep your cat moving
  Encourage ongoing activity with toys, climbing towers, and interactive play sessions. If your cat loves routine, stick to a daily play schedule to keep them active and engaged. 
• Monitor weight consistently
  Just like humans, cats can regain weight without noticeable changes at first. Weigh them at least every 2-3 months and adjust their diet or activity levels if necessary. 
• Be aware of life changes
  Factors like ageing, reduced mobility, or even stress (like moving to a new home) can affect your cat’s weight. Recognise when your cat’s circumstances change and adapt their diet and exercise accordingly. For older cats, joint-friendly activities and calorie adjustments might be necessary.
• Keep in touch with your vet
  Annual check-ups are essential, even for healthy cats. Run your long-term weight maintenance plan by your vet for advice. They can also identify any potential health concerns early and provide updates based on your cat’s changing needs.

By making these habits part of your daily routine, you’ll help your cat avoid relapsing into old behaviours while ensuring they remain fit and active. 

Final thoughts

Helping your cat achieve and maintain a healthy weight is a journey that requires consistency, patience, and a proactive approach. By focusing on portion-controlled, high-protein diets, creating opportunities for daily exercise, and following your vet’s personalised guidance, you are setting your cat up for a longer and healthier life.

Every small effort adds up. Whether it’s swapping carb-heavy kibble for protein-rich food, introducing interactive play sessions, or keeping an eye on weight changes, your dedication will make a difference. Remember, weight loss isn’t an overnight fix, it’s a slow and gradual process. Stick with it, and you’ll see positive changes in the health and happiness of your cat.