Cats are creatures of habit and have very specific eating and drinking habits. Knowing which calories a cat needs to maintain her weight can be tricky though, especially as cats’ metabolisms vary so much from one to the next. One thing is for sure: no matter what, fat cats are the best looking cats around!
Here, we’ll discuss how many calories a normal sized cat needs to lose weight. Keep reading if this sounds like something you’d be interested in. Or, if you’re a cat owner looking to slim her pet down, start here first to get an idea of how much food and activity your feline friend needs.
General Guidelines
There are four general guidelines to follow when determining how many calories a cat needs. First, feed only healthy foods. The best way to keep your feline friend healthy is to make sure she gets all her nutrients from vegetables and high-quality proteins like fish or chicken. The less processed foods you give her, the less calories she will have. Second, make sure she gets plenty of vegetables and fruits to keep her healthy and shiny coat. Third, consider how active your cat is and whether or not she needs more calories than other cats. Finally, make sure you weigh your cat regularly. This will help you determine how much she is eating and, therefore, what kind of calorie intake she needs. Keep in mind though that every cat is different so this is just a general guideline.
Normal-Sized Cat Needs To Lose
If your cat is between 7 and 12 pounds, she is considered normal sized. Your vet or breeder will most likely have told you what weight to expect for your breed so don’t worry about being under or over. This size cat needs to lose about 4-7% of her weight each week to keep her healthy and vibrant. Remember: your cat’s weight is a reflection of her overall well-being. So, if you’re not happy with how your feline friend looks or feels, you might want to consider the calories she is consuming. It’s not always easy to determine how many calories a cat needs based on her weight but with a little bit of calculation, you’ll be able to figure it out.
For example, a 5-pound cat needs about 125 calories per day to stay alive. To lose weight, she’ll need to eat 125 calories less per day. To achieve this, you’ll have to avoid food with empty calories (like candy and soda) and processed meats (like hot dogs and ham). Instead, focus on giving her healthy food such as brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, or quinoa. Remember: the healthier the food, the fewer calories it has.
It’s also important to note that most cats only lose weight when they are on a diet. This means that if you want your cat to slim down, you’ll need to put her on a diet yourself. This is easier said than done though. After all, who wants to go on a diet when you’re already on one yourself? Having said that, it’s still important to try and lose weight as smoothly and naturally as possible. Otherwise, you might make your feline friend overly dependent on your help and, eventually, you’ll have to put her on a diet anyway.
Overweight Cat Needs More
If your cat is over 12 pounds, she is considered overweight. Just like humans, cats can accumulate extra fat if they eat the wrong foods. Like most animals, cats are fond of meat and have a natural tendency to eat more when they are overfed. Your vet might have told you how much weight you can expect for your breed so don’t worry about being under or over. This overweight cat needs more calories than a normal-sized cat does. She will require at least 150 calories per day to stay alive and maintain a healthy weight. To achieve this, you’ll have to avoid foods with empty calories and focus on giving her high-quality proteins and vegetables.
Like with most animals, too much food isn’t good for cats either. They can get sick if they consume too many calories and eat the wrong foods. It is not uncommon for cats to have trouble with their teeth and digestion as a result of eating too much. They also need plenty of water to stay hydrated and to make their coats shinier and healthier. If you notice your cat is drinking more than usual, consider whether or not this is a cause for concern. Remember, too much water intake can lead to urinary tract problems so make sure your vet examines your feline friend at least once per year.
Obese Cat Needs To Lose
An obese cat is obviously very overweight. This cat needs to lose a lot of weight and needs to do it fast. Like most other animals, cats develop medical problems when they are obese. They have a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes mellitus, joint problems, and liver disease. Your vet will probably have told you what weight to expect for your breed so don’t worry about being under or over. This obese cat needs to lose as much as 15 pounds within a couple of weeks to avoid these health problems. To do this, you’ll have to avoid foods with empty calories and give her lots of vegetables and fruits.
If your cat is very obese and doesn’t respond well to quick weight-loss protocols, it might be best to put her on a special diet where she’ll lose weight more slowly and steadily. A high-quality canned or dry food with no preservatives might be what your cat needs. Canned foods are high in fiber so they take longer to break down and cause nutritional deficiencies. Dry foods have more balanced nutrients thanks to the addition of preservatives so they are easier to manage when it comes to their diet.
Determining How Many Calories A Cat Needs Based On Her Activity Level
If your cat is moderately active, she needs about 125-150 calories per day. To lose weight, she’ll need to be active more than usual though. This means running around the house or yard a few times per day. This is different from what most people think of as “active” for cats. They like to stay inside most of the time and get up only to go to the bathroom or eat. So, when determining their calorie needs, be sure to take this activity level into consideration.
If your cat is very active, she needs about 175-200 calories per day to maintain her weight. This is because all active cats naturally burn more calories than others. This means they require more food to stay healthy and to lose weight. This also means they are more likely to get sick if they don’t eat properly.
When Should You Discontinue Calorie Restriction?
There is no established guideline for when you should stop restricting your cat’s caloric intake. This all depends on the individual cat and how easy it is to maintain a healthy weight for her. If you’re able to make gradual changes to her diet and exercise routine, you might be able to get her to where she needs to be with less effort. This is something to think about if you’re looking to stop calorie restriction soon after starting it.
Additional Considerations
There are a few other things you need to consider when determining how many calories a cat needs. First, you need to take into account how much weight she is actually losing. Most cats will lose a pound or two when they initially start dieting but may not see much difference for several weeks or months. This is why you need to weigh your cat regularly so you can see how much she is actually losing. Second, make sure you weigh your cat’s food as well. This will help you figure out how many calories she is actually eating. Third, make sure you are aware of whether or not your cat is a seasonal eater. Some animals have a tendency to lose a pound or two in the winter and gain it back in the summer. Due to the change in temperatures, their metabolism changes and they require different caloric intake. Knowing this can help you determine when it’s best to restrict calories.
As for the final guideline, make sure you don’t feed your cat after midnight. This is because, while they are nocturnal animals, they are still quite active during the day. So, if you feed them after midnight, they will sleep longer during the day which will make it more difficult to keep track of their calorie intake. Also, make sure you don’t give them any treats before measuring their weight. This will make the difference in the overall calculation. Last but not least, make sure you don’t ever give your cat any soda or pop. This is because they are high in calories and sugar which makes it easier for them to gain weight quickly. Sugar can also cause dental issues so make sure you avoid giving them any sweets.