Diet & Weight Loss Tips for Indoor Cats

Indoor cats are affectionate companions and quickly house-trained. While indoor cats are relatively easy to care for, they have daily needs such as a proper diet, exercise and appropriate play toys. When such needs are not met, a cat may become overweight. According to the Feline Advisory Bureau, cat owners should be able to feel their pet's ribs easily or the feline may be suffering from obesity, a condition found in one of four cats.

Diet

• Fewer carbohydrates, not fewer calories.

  Diet does not always mean reducing caloric intake. Allowing an overweight cat to lose weight too quickly can cause a fatal liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. A better diet plan for the overweight feline involves a weigh-in at the veterinarian's office to determine an appropriate weight loss strategy. With cats, losing weight often means adding more omega-3 fatty acids to their diet. If the cat does not have special medical needs, a timed meal diet, where food is left out for 30 to 40 minutes three times a day, may prevent a cat from gaining more weight. High protein and low carbohydrate meal choices may mean switching the cat to a partially or completely wet food plan. Wet food is also a reliable method for multi-cat households where animals must be free-fed. A cat should not lose more than one to two percent of their body weight per week.

Exercise

• Mix affection with exercise for fitness fun.

  Playing with an overweight cat can help burn calories, but not every pet owner has time for a daily pet exercise routine. When time allows, just 15 minutes of daily interactive exercise can be beneficial. Play with fishing rod toys, catnip mice and toy balls that encourage cats to run and jump. Reward the cat with lots of affection during exercise time. Hide some of the toys to encourage the cat's hunting skills when left alone.

Play Time

• Alliviate boredom with interacive toys.

  The bored cat often is a fat cat because eating turns into amusement. Indoor cats are also less active than outdoor cats. A game of hide and seek can get a cat moving after the owner hides several small treats around the home. Many interactive toys reward cats with a small treat after the feline works to open them. A cat tree lined with toys will encourage climbing exploration. Scratching posts help cats stretch away calories. Rotate toys daily to prevent boredom.

Weight Management

• Feline health involves a lifetime of love.

  After a cat reaches its ideal weight, do not revert back to old ways. Wet food often can be continued to maintain healthy caloric intake. Consult a veterinary doctor about routine weight checks and future dietary concerns as the cat ages.