Tips on Helping Your Cat Lose Weight

Just like with humans, it's not necessarily a good thing for your cat to be overweight. Obesity can increase the likelihood of a variety of health issues. For example, the increased weight increases the risk of developing arthritis since the joints and tendons have additional stress. The heart has to work harder also, so the risk of high blood pressure also increases.

Those are just two examples of many issues that can arise due to having too much weight. There are various things you can do as an owner if you see that your cat is packing too many pounds. You'll both be on the right track after reading this article.

The amount of activity your cat gets plays a large role in how much she weighs. If she simply lazes around all day, then chances are that's one of the problems. Make the time to play with your cat as much as possible. Ten to 30 minutes a session will be sufficient. Provide plenty of toys to keep your cat entertained, even while you are away. You can switch out the toys that you play with every so often so that she doesn't get bored.

It's pretty standard, and actually necessary, for dog owners to take their pets outside for a walk on a leash. With cats being able to handle their business either inside or outside themselves, taking them for walks isn't a necessity. However, it's a good way to get some exercise if it's needed. Cats are finicky animals, so not all of them would stand to be walked on a leash. You'll also need to be mindful of all the things in the environment that can make your cat nervous.

Arguably more important than getting enough exercise is being provided with the right diet. Ideally, you'll feed your cat a high-quality food. Anything less may not have the right mix of nutrients and protein. Lower-quality foods may not be as easily digested, and may also include ingredients that aren't particularly beneficial just to improve the taste.

Pay attention to the amount of calories that your cat intakes each day. The formula holds true for cats -- if they consume more calories than they expend, then they'll likely gain weight. It's common for owners to provide enough food for their cats to eat on throughout the day. This unmonitored feeding can allow your cat to consume more than she needs.

Therefore, it may be best to provide just enough food for your cat to eat at one time. Three or four smaller meals usually work out best. As always, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before changing your cat's diet.

We all like to reward our pets with the occasional treat. If you're feeding high-calorie treats however, they may lead to weight problems. This is especially the case if you happen to feed your cat table scraps. These foods typically have a lot of sugar or fat in them.

Whenever you're working towards something, it's always best to plan things out and set a goal. This is also true if you're working to help your cat lose weight. Work with the veterinarian to see what your cat's ideal weight and caloric intake should be. Invest in a scale if you don't already have one to help you monitor progress.

Cats don't work well with crash diets. So, you'll need to work to help her lose weight over time on a consistent basis. With the proper plan and action, you can get your cat to a healthy weight to avoid any unnecessary health issues.

There are plenty of common cat diseases that owners may have to deal with one day. Stop by common-cat-diseases.com today to start learning about some of the ones that could possibly affect your precious pet. You will also find an array of useful articles on general cat care. Connect with us on Twitter @ComCatDiseases and Facebook.

Darrin Swain is an avid animal lover. Although having cared for dogs also, cats are by far the favorite. You can find his articles on cat care at Common-Cat-Diseases.com.