Have you ever noticed that your cat tends to put on a lot of weight whenever there’s some kind of health issue affecting his species? It’s not just about being fat, there’s also a considerable amount of cat fat that can be harmful to your cat’s health. There are a number of conditions that can be affecting his weight, and it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with obesity. So how can you help your cat lose weight? There are actually several ways to go about this, depending on what’s causing the weight gain. If you want to help your cat be at his ideal weight, there are certainly measures you can take. But if he’s already at a healthy weight range and you just want to help him stay there, you can take a different approach and try some of the natural remedies for weight loss. Before you begin using any sort of supplements or medications for your cat, you should consult with the vet. Although these items can be extremely helpful for humans, not all of them will suit your feline friend perfectly. With that in mind, here are some tried and tested tips on how to help your cat lose weight.
Upgrade The Environment
Do you and your cat spend a lot of time together? If so, it’s well-established that the environment in which you spend your time is key to keeping a healthy weight. Cats are very sensitive creatures and need a lot of attention, care, and affection. If you want to help your cat lose weight, upgrade his living conditions. This means changing the location and/or the equipment (such as the furniture or the food) that he’s exposed to. Upgrade the environment not only makes a difference in terms of his weight, but it can also have an effect on his health in general. So don’t just make his living conditions comfortable, make them excellent. Take into consideration factors such as the temperature, the light, the noise, and the air quality when planning his environment. A healthy cat can be a happy cat, which means you as well will be happy if you help him stay fit!
Cut Back On The Junk Food
A high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet is important for the health and the well-being of your cat, as well as for keeping his weight in check. Even when your cat is young and healthy, the occasional junk food won’t hurt him. As a general rule, avoid feeding your cat dry food, as it can cause dental problems. Cut back on the junk food, and switch to a food that’s high in fiber. Some examples of healthy, high-fiber foods are:
- raw vegetables (peeled, of course)
- brown rice
- whole wheat pasta
- chicken breast (without the skin)
- beef kidney
- garbanzo beans
Reduce The Amount Of Cat Breaks
Cats are very active animals, and need to exercise in order to stay healthy. One of the main causes of their weight gain is that they need several hours a day to engage in healthy activities such as hunting, playing, and hanging out with other cats. If possible, try and reduce the amount of time your cat spends in the outdoors. This will not only help him exercise, but it will also allow him to socialize with other animals. You can also purchase a retractable lead so that he can roam the neighbourhood and meet new people while being physically active.
The above tips will help your cat lose weight naturally. If you are unable to give him the time of day, then it’s important to be mindful of the effects of prolonged exposure to the sun. Your cat’s body needs sufficient amounts of vitamins D and A, so be sure to provide these to him in adequate amounts. Make sure to discuss any changes in his diet or behavior with your vet, so that they can keep an eye on his progress.