Your feline friend is bound to catch your eye—especially if you’re an animal lover. With its regal bearing, luminous yellow eyes, and endless purring, the feline species is truly beautiful. You may be wondering how much your cat should eat to lose weight. A healthy cat requires a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity. You may have even considered your cat’s breed or coat as a guide to helping you determine how much food it should eat.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your cat might be gaining weight even when food is scarce. Consider these before you decide that your kitty’s belly is larger than normal.
Age
Your cat is getting older, which means it’s getting more noticeable weight-related problems. Depending on the breed, a 4-year-old cat can already be considered a heavyweight and have some significant health problems. If you’re not sure whether or not your feline companion is healthy, it may be a good idea to have it examined by a professional.
While they can’t tell you precisely what is wrong, veterinarians can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health and fitness. They may also be able to suggest some dietary improvements that will help your feline friend lose weight.
Activity Level
Your cat’s activity level determines how much energy it has, and, as a result, how much food it requires. The higher its activity level, the more food it needs to lose weight. Consider moving your cat to a higher level of activity—either by taking it on walks or encouraging it to play fetch with sticks or balls.
If the above two factors—age and activity level—are contributing to your feline companion’s weight gain, it may be a good idea to consider adopting a healthier lifestyle for your cat. Few things are as adorable as a fat kitty snuggled up on your lap, but your cat’s overall health is more important than its appearance. You must take good care of your companion, as they are a part of your family.
The question of how much your cat should eat depends on several factors, including its breed and size. If you’re not sure what size to feed your cat, look at their measurements (in inches) and multiply by 2 to find the correct weight in pounds. Your cat’s breed determines its nutritional needs, so be sure to consult with a veterinarian or an expert on the subject before making any major dietary changes. Changing your cat’s diet is complicated and requires careful preparation. Be sure to consult with a professional to make sure that you’re doing the right thing for your feline friend.
Dry Food
Your cat needs enough food to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy body weight. If you’re feeding your cat exclusively dry food, you may be wondering how much food it should eat every day. You can use the below formula to help you determine the correct amount of dry food to give your companion:
(Weight in kg) x 0.7 = Dry Food in ounces
(Weight in kg) x 0.8 = Dry Food in ounces
(If your cat is a chubby one, consider multiplying the above two figures by 1.2 and 1.4, respectively.)
The above formulas assume your cat is a house cat and does not require feeding stations or automatic food dispensers. A dehydrated cat will become cranky, and you may end up with an upset pet that could seriously injure you or your neighbor in an unprovoked attack.
Feeding Stations
If your cat is a young cat or a kitten, it may still be getting used to solid foods. Trying to feed it from a cup or bowl can be frustrating for both of you. An alternative is a feeding station. These are high-quality food dispensers that require very little training to use. They are also extremely convenient for tidying up after your cat (no more spilled food and cups everywhere).
You may be wondering how much food your cat should eat from a feeding station. The answer is the same as above:
(Weight in kg) x 0.7 = Feeding Station Food in ounces
(Weight in kg) x 0.8 = Feeding Station Food in ounces
(If your cat is a chubby one, consider multiplying the above two figures by 1.2 and 1.4, respectively.)
Automatic Food Dispenser
Your cat requires precise measurements to be fed properly. The above two methods for dispensing food are among the most common, but there are also automatic food dispensers, which work on a timer or on an activity sensor. These devices make it easy for you to feed your cat at the push of a button, regardless of whether you’re at home or away. The downside is that they require regular maintenance and testing to ensure that they are functioning properly.
While the above methods for determining how much food your cat should eat are easy to apply, there are complications that may arise from feeding your feline companion the wrong food. For instance, feeding your cat too much fat can cause serious health problems. If you’re not sure what type of food is best for your cat, consult with a professional or read an expert review on the subject.
In closing, remember that your cat is a part of your family and you must take excellent care of it. Some of the above tips may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep in mind that your cat is a dependent creature that needs proper nutrition and healthful living conditions to remain happy and healthy. While it’s adorable to see your cat eat away its excess weight, the reality is that there are serious implications regarding your feline friend’s diet. Make sure that you’re doing the right thing for your cat and consider all of its nutritional needs. You would never want to do or say anything that could jeopardize your cat’s health. Always consult with a vet or an expert before making any major dietary changes; a cat’s health is valuable and cannot be substituted!