Cats are known to be picky eaters, and that’s a fact. Sometimes it can be difficult to persuade them to eat certain things, especially when it comes to their fish or chicken food. Sometimes it can even be challenging to get them to finish their food and drink. That’s why it’s good practice to feed them according to their nutritional requirements, and something they’re likely to get bored of, if done often. Also, feeding them too much can cause them to put on weight which is not what you want. This is especially true of dry food, which is full of calories. You want your cat to be as light as possible since they’re already a large species of feline and they have a high metabolism rate, which means they need to eat frequently to maintain a healthy weight. This article will tell you exactly what you need to do to help your cat lose weight naturally and safely so that you can enjoy your time together much more.
Treat Them To A Variety Of Foods
If your cat is a picky eater, it can be hard to get them to eat a variety of foods. Usually this is because, when young, they were fed only meat based products and vegetables, which is certainly a good start. However, in order to satisfy their varied dietary needs, you need to ensure they get food that is suitable for all stages of life. Since they mature quicker than humans, it’s important to continue feeding them fresh food even when they are older. This way, they’ll always be able to rely on you when they’re hungry, and you can be sure they’ll actually eat what you put in front of them. The best way to achieve this is by regularly changing their food and giving them a variety of options to choose from. For instance, if you notice they aren’t eating much salmon, then try swapping it for some chicken or even beef.
Don’t Force Them To Eat
Usually, when people are trying to get their cats to eat more, they’ll force them to do so by putting food in front of them regardless of whether they want to eat or not. Not wanting to partake in such cruelty, it’s important not to force your cat to eat. This will only cause them unnecessary stress, as well as create a negative association with food in general. Instead, when your cat doesn’t want to eat, just take the food away and give them something more appealing next time. You can also try offering them food in a bite size format so they don’t feel so compelled to take huge mouthfuls.
Don’t Overfeed Them
Usually, when people try to get their cats to eat more, they’ll give them bigger and bigger meals each time. This can lead to a number of problems. First off, let’s assume your cat already eats a reasonable amount of food. Giving them more won’t help and could potentially cause them to put on weight. This is not what you want, especially since they’re already a large species of feline and have a high metabolism rate. The reason behind this is that, when they put on weight, their organs start to get a little cramped, especially their heart and kidneys. This can lead to many health problems. An easy way to tell if your cat is putting on weight is by looking at their girth. If it’s been a while since you last measured it, then get yourself a tape measure and have a look. You’ll be able to tell the difference between your cat’s normal girth and what their weight is doing to it. If it’s much more than usual, then you need to find out why this is and fix it. The solution is typically to have them exercised more or to feed them less food. Sometimes, changing the quality of the food can also do the trick. So, don’t give them any old food, even if it’s good for them. Seek out food specifically designed for cats, and make sure you buy the right quantity. Some cats do better with larger meals, while others do better on a smaller scale. Find out what works best for yours.
Monitor Their Health
Just because your cat isn’t eating much food at the moment doesn’t mean they’re in good health. It could be that they’re undernourished, or even starving. The best way to find out what’s going on is by regularly taking their temperature, examining their teeth and looking at their urine. With any luck, you’ll be able to figure out what’s causing their low appetite, and you can fix it. In instances where this isn’t possible, then you’ll need to find a new home for them since it’s nearly impossible to rehome a starving cat. Fortunately, this is a problem that is easily fixed, and you don’t have to put your own health at risk.
Exercise Them
It’s well known that cats are highly athletic creatures, and they need to be kept active in order to remain healthy. This is another important reason behind giving them a variety of foods and avoiding overfeeding. Regular exercise also prevents them from gaining weight, which is great news for those seeking to help their cats lose weight naturally. Ensure they get enough time out of their kennel or indoor/outdoor enclosure to keep their muscles strong and prevent them from becoming obese. Take them on walks, let them play in the backyard, or give them their own play space inside. Make sure this area is large enough so they don’t feel cramped, as well as ensure there are plenty of toys and games to keep them entertained.
Monitor Their Vitals
Just like with humans, it’s important to be aware of your cat’s vital signs. This includes their weight, temperature, and heart rate. Some cats do better if their vital signs are monitored regularly, while others don’t tolerate this nearly as well. It’s important to find out what works best for your particular feline, and make sure their health is always a priority. This way, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done to ensure they remain in good health.
Start Slow
When you’re trying to get your cat to eat healthier, it’s important not to rush them. This can cause them stress and anxiety, and make it harder to get them to change their ways. Instead, start by simply cutting back on the amount of food they’re eating, and see how that goes. If after a few days, you notice they’re still not showing much interest in food, then take it away and try something different. You might also have to experiment with different types of food to find out what they like best. Some cats do better with more processed foods while others do better with more natural foods. Whatever it may be, simply find out what works best for yours.
There are many reasons why your cat may not be eating much food at the moment. All it takes is some careful planning and knowing what to look out for. As long as you’re aware of the possible signs, then you’ll be able to work out what’s causing their lack of appetite and deal with it accordingly. In the meantime, try not to worry too much about weight since, as long as their health is not being affected, then you know they’ll adjust eventually, and it won’t be detrimental to your own diet either.