Have you ever considered that your cat may have a role in helping to shed those extra pounds you’ve been trying to lose? Studies have shown that felines can be as inspiring as people when it comes to weight loss. Just like humans, cats are capable of making healthy lifestyle changes when given the right push. If your cat exhibits the same interest in food that you have, then it’s quite possible that they can help with your weight loss efforts.
Set A Date
Setting a date for your cat to have their weight checked is a great way to get started. The advantage of setting a date is that you and your partner can look back on this moment with fond memories. You can also make sure that you’re both committed to your weight loss goals by setting a date for future reference. Cats aren’t always the most patient of creatures, so the sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll get to the finish line.
Start Small
If your cat has never gotten the hang of following a diet, then begin with a simpler one. Cut back on the food they eat, take away the junk foods and replace it with healthy options. Some great food for thought when selecting your kitty’s diet are salmon, sweet potato, and egg. A great place to start would be with a homemade diet that does not contain any of the aforementioned foods. For instance, try adding a bit of rice to their dry food to make it more nourishing. Homemade diets are always a great choice, and if your feline seems to prefer a meat based option, then you could try adding some chicken to the mix. Cut back on the food you give them and instead opt for an organic brand that doesn’t contain any of the banned substances that are found in most manufactured foods.
Be Creative
If your cat is the creative type, then you can be sure that they will find ways to entertain themselves while stuck on a diet. Some great ways for cats to lose weight include digging through old boxes or clothing, or finding different ways to stretch their claws. If your kitty is a bit of a savant, then they may devise ways of sneaking food despite your efforts. Be creative and see what you can come up with.
Make It Fun
Having fun is a great way to encourage your cat to stick with a diet plan. Give them an incentive to stay active by offering them treats or giving them extra food when they’ve accomplished a certain task. Having fun with your cat is a great way to get them to commit to healthier habits. Try out some of these ideas to get started:
- Set up a weight loss competition between you and your cat. Give each of them a toy and a ball. The one who can keep the most toys wins. This is a great way to engage your cats because they will be competing against each other while having tons of fun.
- Put their favorite foods in different locations around your home. This will encourage them to search for them while having fun.
- Take them on walks around the neighborhood. Not only will this be a great way to get some fresh air, but it’ll also be a great opportunity to observe nature and talk about what they’ve seen. It’s a great confidence builder for them to realize that they can rely on you to take care of them as they get older.
- Play music, tap dance, or sing while you cook dinner. Give them songs with lyrics because they love to help humans with their lyrics. This will make it a lot easier to commit to healthy eating because they’ll associate the positive feeling of food with helping humans. It’ll be like a treat to them because they’ll associate the sounds you make with joy rather than food.
Reward Healthy Behaviors
It’s important to recognize healthy behaviors in your cat. When they exhibit good habits, give them special treatment in the form of praise, affection, and hopefully food. Studies show that animals who are rewarded for healthy behaviors are far more likely to keep those good habits than animals who aren’t. So, by rewarding your cat for getting more exercise, eating healthy foods, and being social, you’re encouraging them to continue those good habits. Plus, they’ll enjoy the special treatment you’re dishing out because they’ll associate it with good things.
Make Sure They Are Hydrated
The human body is approximately 70% water. Keeping your cat hydrated is an important part of their care, especially in hot weather. When their water supply gets low, they can become extremely dehydrated. This can lead to health issues that affect their skin and coat. A cat dehydrated for too long can also become weak. Make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water by keeping their bowl clean and filling it up daily. If you suspect that your cat is not drinking enough, then you can also try giving them a few sips from a fresh, clean water source to encourage them to drink more often. Even if they don’t drink a lot, every little bit counts because hydration is essential to their health.
Be Prepared
Make sure that you’re prepared for any eventualities when it comes to helping your cat lose weight. If you’re planning on using a diet program, then you’ll need to prepare the cat for the restricted food options. Some great tips for preparing your cat for a diet are: