Understanding Cat Obesity
Cat obesity causes adorable cats to turn into fluffy big balls of fur, and they keep gaining weight! Just like humans, when cats keep sleeping and eating cat food without proper exercise and play, they can become overweight, which leads to the development of obesity in cats.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your feline friend is essential. Regular physical activity and balanced nutrition help prevent excessive weight gain and the health complications that come with obesity.
If you notice your cat gaining weight, consider increasing their playtime and consulting a veterinarian for dietary recommendations. Keeping your cat active and on a proper diet ensures they stay happy, healthy, and full of energy.
The Risks of Overweight Cats and How to Help Them
Being overweight can cause serious harm to cats and come with various health risks. Some of these problems include arthritis and joint pain. All the extra weight puts stress on their joints, making it harder for them to run, jump, and play.
Respiratory issues are also common. Fat tissue around their neck and chest can make it difficult for them to breathe normally. Overweight cats are also at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Their liver has to work extra hard to process all the fat, which can lead to liver problems.
Skin issues may arise too, as excess skin folds trap moisture and lead to infections and hotspots.
As responsible pet owners, it is essential to help our cats lose weight healthily so they can live happy, healthy lives. This can be achieved by providing a balanced diet, encouraging regular exercise, and ensuring they receive plenty of love and playtime.
After all, a healthy cat is a happy cat!
The Impact of Excess Weight on Cats' Joints
When cats are overweight, it can lead to arthritis and joint pain. The additional weight places extra stress on their joints, making it harder for them to run, jump, and play. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for their mobility and overall well-being.
Pet owners should monitor their cats' weight carefully and provide a balanced diet along with regular exercise. This can help reduce the risk of joint problems and keep cats active and happy.
Cat Obesity Causes Respiratory System Problems
Overweight cats can develop respiratory system problems. The fat tissue around their neck and chest makes it difficult for them to breathe normally.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your cat's overall well-being. Excess fat in critical areas like the neck and chest can restrict airflow and lead to breathing difficulties, which may cause discomfort and serious health issues over time.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary check-ups are important steps to prevent obesity in cats and ensure they live a healthy, active life.
Obesity and Diabetes Risk in Cats
Being overweight can cause diabetes in cats. Overweight cats have a higher risk of developing this disease.
Just like in humans, excess weight in cats puts extra strain on their bodies and can lead to insulin resistance, a key factor in diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise is essential for your cat's long-term health.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch early signs of diabetes and manage your cat's weight effectively, reducing the risk of serious health complications.
The Impact of Obesity on Cat Liver Health
Obesity in cats can lead to serious liver diseases. When cats carry excessive weight, their livers must work twice as hard to process all the fat. This extra workload can cause significant liver problems over time, affecting their overall health and wellbeing.
Maintaining a healthy weight for your cat is crucial to prevent liver-related issues and ensure a long, healthy life. Proper diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups help manage your cat's weight and protect their liver function.
Cat Obesity Causing Skin Problems
Overweight cats can develop serious skin problems. Excess skin folds trap moisture, which creates an environment prone to infections and hot spots. These conditions can cause significant discomfort and require veterinary attention.
To keep your cat healthy, maintain a proper diet and ensure regular exercise. Monitoring your cat's weight is crucial in preventing skin-related issues and promoting overall well-being.
How to Determine if Your Cat is Overweight
Different cat breeds have varying weight standards. To determine whether your cat is overweight, you can perform a simple "rib check." First, gently place your hands on either side of your cat, with your thumbs along its spine and your other fingers feeling the ribs on each side. If you cannot feel the ribs at all or need to press hard to feel them, your cat might be overweight or obese.
Another way to check is to look at your cat's waistline. If there is no obvious waist or the abdomen is bulging out, this could indicate excess weight. You can also compare your cat's body shape to images of healthy cats.
Additionally, consult your veterinarian. They can assess your cat's overall health and provide a professional diagnosis.
Common Misconceptions About Cat Obesity and Weight Management
Is the popular four-step weight loss plan ineffective? Cat obesity is a widely studied topic on major websites, but there are many misconceptions about how to effectively combat this growing problem.
Before cat food was invented, it was neither necessary nor recommended to feed cats three meals a day. Why do cats need to eat continuously? Because wild cats eat multiple small meals each day. In the wild, they need to spend time and energy searching for food and hunting before they can eat. This repeated process takes time and effort.
Unfortunately, for modern house cats, cat food is actually designed for human convenience. We reduce the amount of food and remove all treats and extras (but sadly, cats still gain weight). We change their food by reducing fat and adding high fiber content (not only do they dislike it, but even if they end up eating it, they often seem hungrier and still gain weight).
We feed them only during meal times (now your cat constantly meows for food, but their weight remains unchanged). Interactive toys, while providing entertainment for you and your cat, do not necessarily lead to weight loss.
When Cat Diets Fail: Understanding Weight Gain in Cats
We reduced the amount of food for our cat and removed all treats and extras. Unfortunately, the cat is still gaining weight. The cat's attempt to lose weight has failed.
Why Weight Loss Can Be Difficult for Cats
Cats, like humans, may have metabolic or health issues that make weight loss challenging. Simply cutting back food and treats might not be enough if the cat's overall energy expenditure is low or if there are underlying health problems.
Steps to Take for a Successful Cat Weight Loss
- Consult a veterinarian to rule out medical conditions.
- Discuss a tailored diet plan that fits your cat's specific needs.
- Increase play and physical activity to burn calories more effectively.
- Regularly monitor weight and adjust food amounts gradually.
Successful weight loss in cats requires patience, consistent effort, and professional guidance. Don't get discouraged — with the right approach, your cat can achieve a healthy weight.
Dealing with a Cat That Demands Food but Doesn't Lose Weight
Only feed your cat during mealtime. Right now, your cat keeps meowing persistently, asking for food, yet its weight remains unchanged. Despite these constant meows for extra food, your cat is not losing weight, indicating that its weight loss efforts have failed.
It can be frustrating when your cat seems hungry all the time but doesn't show any changes on the scale. This behavior might suggest that your cat is not actually burning enough calories or that feeding habits are inconsistent.
To help your cat lose weight successfully, try the following:
- Stick strictly to scheduled feeding times and avoid giving extra treats.
- Use measured portions to control calorie intake.
- Encourage more play and exercise to boost metabolism.
- Consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.
With patience and proper management, your cat can achieve a healthier weight and reduce the constant meowing for food.
Cat Interactive Toys and Weight Loss
Cat interactive toys can provide some entertainment for both you and your cat, helping to engage your pet in playful activities. However, these toys do not necessarily lead to weight loss. Despite their fun factor, cats often do not burn enough calories through play alone to significantly reduce their weight.
Successful weight management for cats usually requires a combination of controlled diet, regular exercise, and sometimes veterinary guidance. If your cat is struggling with weight loss despite using interactive toys, consider consulting a veterinarian for a tailored plan that includes proper nutrition and activity adjustments.
Dieting Does Not Mean Starving: The Secret to Successful Weight Loss Lies in the Type of Food Fed
Reducing the quantity of food and feeding only during meal times may help, but it is not enough. You need to ensure you are feeding the right type of food. Cats are carnivores and require high levels of animal protein and fat in their diets. Feeding low-fat or high-fiber cat food can lead to malnutrition and other health issues.
Research shows that the ideal diet for cats includes at least 52% protein, 36% fat, and no more than 12% carbohydrates. Dry food typically contains at least 30% carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity in cats because they cannot metabolize it efficiently. Wet food with high meat protein, high fat, and low carbohydrates will help your cat feel full and result in slow, steady weight loss.
It is important to note that rapid weight loss can cause hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease. The weekly weight loss goal should be 1-2% of your cat's original body weight. If your cat loses weight too quickly, add more food to their diet.
Many quality cat foods on the market may not meet the 52% protein requirement. What can you do? Combining dry cat food with canned wet food is a great option. It is convenient for owners and provides more high-quality protein. If possible, feeding raw meat is even better, as it is the most nutritious, closest to a cat's natural diet, and has the highest moisture content.
Water is vital for your cat's health and helps regulate their bodily functions. It flushes the kidneys and bladder, reducing or preventing the formation of urinary crystals. A wet diet composed of high meat protein, fat, and low carbohydrates will supply the necessary moisture for your cat. Additionally, many cats do not drink enough water on their own daily, so wet food is essential to ensure adequate water intake.
High-Protein Cat Food Perfect for Your Feline Masters
So we have compiled the following cat foods as a reference, including raw food, dehydrated food, high-protein cat food, main meal canned food, and freeze-dried snacks.
LILY'S KITCHEN Classic Chicken Cat Food Can 85g
Product Introduction: LILY'S KITCHEN comes from the UK and uses fresh, natural meat and offal. It undergoes only one cooking process to retain the most nutrients, providing pets with high-quality meals to help them grow healthily and robustly. The addition of taurine makes it very suitable as a staple food.
Quality Ingredients
Made with 50-65% premium fresh meat, it is both healthy and tasty, satisfying your cat's appetite.
Flavors
- LILY'S KITCHEN Organic Chicken
- LILY'S KITCHEN Seafood Medley
Features
- Made with organic ingredients, 56% organic chicken, smooth texture, loved by cats
- Uses 50-65% premium fresh meat and fresh natural meat and offal, cooked only once
Suitable Age
All life stages
Main Ingredients
- Organic chicken (30%), organic pork (12%), organic beef (10%), organic fish (4%), organic carrots, chelated minerals
- 25% salmon, 15% shrimp meat, 10% chicken, 15% pork, salmon oil, chelated minerals
Protein Content
9.5% - 10%
AAFCO Certification
Yes
Customer Reviews
The canned cat food is definitely a favorite, but the LILY'S KITCHEN Organic Series has always been my cat's beloved choice. No matter the flavor, the cats find it very tasty, and the ingredients are healthy. One can per meal is very convenient! I feed the canned food alongside dry kibble, rewarding my cats with it every few days. The LILY'S KITCHEN Organic Series seems more popular, probably because it is made with organic ingredients. As an owner, I also believe organic is healthier and will continue to buy it long-term!
Big Dog BARF Frozen Chicken Cat Food (115g x 12 packs) – Product Overview
The Big Dog BARF series of frozen raw meat cat food provides high-quality protein that is easy to digest and absorb. Made from raw meat without any additives, it restores the cat's natural diet. This formula effectively helps improve fur and dental health while boosting immunity.
Big Dog BARF Frozen Chicken Cat Food contains absolutely no toxins or contaminants. It supplies protein that is easy to digest and absorb, helping enhance coat and dental health as well as strengthening the immune system.
Flavors
- Big Dog Turkey
- Big Dog Chicken
- Big Dog Salmon
- Big Dog Kangaroo
Age Range
All life stages
Main Ingredients (Top 5)
- Turkey, minced turkey bone, chicken meat, minced chicken bone, beef
- Chicken meat, minced chicken bone, beef, beef heart, beef liver
- Salmon, minced chicken bone, chicken meat, chicken heart, beef
- Kangaroo meat, minced kangaroo bone, kangaroo heart, kangaroo liver, chicken meat
Protein Content
- 16%
- 15%
- 15%
- 16.5%
AAFCO Certification
Yes, all flavors are certified by AAFCO
Customer Review
This is my first time trying raw meat food for my cat, and I wasn't sure if it would work. After trying it, I found my cat really loves it and has actually lost weight. Now, my cat is used to eating raw meat food, and I highly recommend everyone try it. The Big Dog BARF is an excellent entry-level option and highly recommended.
My cat is seriously overweight; she's only 4 years old but weighs 5.5 kg. The vet urged me to help her lose weight to avoid serious health issues like heart disease. So I tried Big Dog raw meat cat food. The ingredients are very transparent, and I feel completely safe using it. It contains no fillers like potato starch, so my cat doesn't get hungry easily. I hope this will help control her weight, but I still need to spend more time exercising her to burn off energy!
Canagan Original Selection Grain-Free Free-Range Chicken Formula (All Cat Food) 1.5kg
Product Introduction
Canagan Original Selection, true to its name, is derived from nature and chosen by pets. Our professional nutritionist team uses high-quality meats and fish, blending selected vegetables and plants: scientifically formulated to provide balanced nutrition. Designed according to cats' preferences, it helps improve picky eating habits. Natural ingredients provide abundant vitamins and minerals. Rich in taurine and probiotics, it promotes health.
The Canagan Original Selection Grain-Free Free-Range Chicken All Cat Food uses premium free-range chicken. Chicken is a great source of protein, vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium, which help enhance the immune system.
Flavors
- Canagan Turkey Dental Health
- Canagan Free-Range Chicken
- Canagan Salmon
- Canagan Duck + Venison + Rabbit
- Canagan Senior Cat
Age Range
- All ages
- All ages
- All ages
- All ages
- Senior/Weight Control Cats
Main Ingredients (Top 5)
| Flavor | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Turkey Dental Health | Fresh deboned turkey (30%), turkey meatmeal (22.5%), sweet potato, potato, chicken fat (8%) |
| Free-Range Chicken | Freshly prepared deboned chicken (25%), sweet potato, potato, chicken meat (4.2%), dried egg (4%) |
| Salmon | Fresh cooked deboned Scottish salmon (31%), sweet potato, dehydrated herring (12%), dehydrated Scottish salmon (11%), potato |
| Duck + Venison + Rabbit | Fresh cooked deboned roast duck (44%), dehydrated duck meat (10%), sweet potato, potato, fresh deboned venison (7%) |
| Senior Cat | Freshly prepared deboned free-range chicken (23%), dehydrated chicken meat (18%), freshly prepared deboned salmon (16%), sweet potato, dried salmon (10%) |
Protein Content
- Turkey Dental Health: 36%
- Free-Range Chicken: 37%
- Salmon: 37%
- Duck + Venison + Rabbit: 37.5%
- Senior Cat: 37%
AAFCO Certification
All flavors are AAFCO certified.
Customer Review
My British Shorthair loves Canagan Turkey cat food, especially the dental health formula. My cat has dental issues, but the dental formula helps reduce them noticeably. The redness and inflammation of his gums have improved significantly. Of course, consistent tooth brushing is also very important. Overall, I will continue buying it!
My cat is very picky and I have tried many foods before, almost none lasted long. He would rather be hungry than eat little. Until I found the Canagan Country Garden formula, probably because the duck, venison, and rabbit flavors stimulate his taste buds, he really likes this one. I also looked at the ingredient list—it's high in protein and very nutritious, so my cat can have no problems eating it continuously!
Nature's Variety Instinct "Raw Boost" Duck Meat Cat Food 4.5lb
Product Introduction
Nature's Variety Instinct is a natural pet food designed based on animals' instinctive love for raw meat. The outer layer of the kibble is uniquely sprayed with freeze-dried raw meat, making it very nutritious and especially favored by pets. Nature's Variety Instinct is highly recommended by Whole Dog Journal (WDJ) as one of the top pet foods.
Flavors
- Nature's Variety Premium Protein
- Nature's Variety Chicken
- Nature's Variety Rabbit
- Nature's Variety Hypoallergenic Turkey
Features
- 95% of protein comes from chicken with triple chicken added
- RAW BOOST series includes dehydrated freeze-dried chicken
- High animal protein content
- Single animal protein source to reduce sensitivities
Age Range
Suitable for all life stages
Main Ingredients (Top 5)
| Flavor | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken, tapioca, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), flaxseed, natural flavors |
| Chicken | Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, herring fish meal, peas |
| Rabbit | Rabbit, turkey meat, herring, chicken oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), peas |
| Turkey | Turkey meal, peas, tapioca starch, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), turkey |
Protein Content
- 47%
- 43%
- 40%
- 36.5%
AAFCO Certification
Yes for all flavors
Customer Review
My cat is already 11 years old and has tried many diets but still suffered from serious hairball problems. The main reason I purchased this food is that the RAW BOOST series mixes freeze-dried raw meat with kibble, which has very high protein content. Possibly because it is easier to digest, his vomiting condition has also greatly improved!
Important Considerations: The Best Types of Food for Weight Loss and Maintenance
Wet foods containing meat and fats are the best choice! It's quite simple, right? Just make sure they don't contain any grains, soy, vegetables, fruits, or plant-based ingredients. Wet food is king. Cats need moisture in their food, and most cats don't drink enough water to compensate for dry or semi-dry food.
But don't worry, if your cat is picky, there are also high-protein dry foods available. Just ensure the ingredients are mostly meat, with very few plant sources. Poultry (chicken, turkey, quail, etc.), rabbit, and even lamb, venison, pork, and fish can be included in the menu.
However, be cautious with fish because it may contain high levels of toxins and heavy metals. At the start, let your cat freely eat the new high-protein, low-carbohydrate food. If their weight does not decrease, gradually reduce their portions.
Most cats will start losing weight immediately, even if they eat as much as they want. Weigh them once a week and monitor their progress. As your cat loses weight, they will become more active and continue to slim down.
