Overweight cat celebrates Gotcha Day with a special meal, looking healthy and normal. With over 60% of domestic cats overweight, we are so glad we can disrupt the chonky cat culture a little bit and put a positive turn on it. He is empowering others to want to help their cats get healthy too! Two overweight cats on a pink rug, one eating from a yellow puzzle feeder. Two cats on a wooden floor, with one slightly overweight, next to a blanket and shelves, illustrating cat weight transformation. Because these toys release food a little at a time, they also help slow down how quickly your cat eats. Indoor cats often want little to do with exercise, and that contributes to their weight problems. Now, let’s dive into strategies to help your cat lose weight safely and gradually. Just as weight gain happens slowly, weight loss takes time too. For example, cats that go two consecutive days without eating can develop fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). For energy levels, a score of 0 was considered lethargic, whereas a score of 10 was attributed to hyperexcited cats. Owners were asked to describe their cat’s quality of life on initial and follow-up visits using a newly developed questionnaire that allowed scoring of different criteria using a Likert-type rating scale. The expected rate of weight loss and target date for reaching IBW were reviewed with the owner (based on the initial BW and a weight loss rate of 0.5–2.0% of initial BW per week). The owners were instructed to feed the NWMF and to avoid excess of additional treats, pet foods or human foods. Good Fix, another program run by Jackson, helps mitigate the overpopulation of cats in communities by working with vets to spay and neuter when necessary. Cats can lose weight for many reasons - from dental pain or digestive problems to diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease. Older cats are prone to the medical issues above, so regular vet visits-twice yearly after age ten-are vital. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is when a cat’s intestines and/or stomach is inflamed.In this article, I'll explore the potential causes of weight loss in cats and share tips on how to address this issue effectively.Further, whilst recent studies suggested that consumption of dry food was a risk factor for feline obesity 10, 31, and that feeding a moist diet and thereby increasing water intake contributed to higher activity levels 32, 33, the evidence from this paper does not suggest that diet type affects the chances of a cat completing a weight loss programme.The mean (±SD) bodyweight lost was 3.0±3.0% (by visit 2), 5.5±4.2% (by visit 3), 8.1 ±5.2% (by visit 4) and 10.6% ±6.3% (by visit 5).If multiple people normally feed your cat, assign one person to do all the feeding, so they are not accidentally fed twice.Regular dental care and check-ups can help identify the root cause of this symptom and ensure your cat’s health.Add some water to your cat's food, as it will help make your cat feel full, even if they are getting less food than before.Two of the cats did not wear activity monitors for the entire study period and some feeder data were lost due to connectivity issues, further limiting the quantity and quality of device data. Your vet will want to conduct a comprehensive health assessment, followed up with a range of diagnostic tests. A respiratory tract infection can be the cause of interference in your cat’s ability to smell. Weight, diet, and physical activity all play a part in the development of feline heart issues. And an inability to smell may affect the appetite. A visually impaired cat may not be able to reach food bowls that are actually inaccessible. This video provides an excellent synopsis of hyperthyroid cats. By catering to what cats enjoy, the obstacle course gets the cats engaged and active. It shows an elaborate kitty condo or obstacle course that satisfies a cat’s curiosity and love for high places. Prevention of Rapid Weight Loss in Cats For example, perhaps you have stopped your daily play sessions, or the climate is either too hot or too cold, and they are spending less time outdoors. Discuss with your vet if you need to reduce the number of daily calories again. Using digital kitchen scales to measure the exact amount of food is crucial, as estimating or using measuring cups can be highly inaccurate. Have you stopped weighing the food and started estimating the amount to give? Why Is My Cat Losing Weight but Acting Normal? If there is no coagulopathy then an oesophageal feeding tube is easily placed, but as this requires a general anaesthetic should be combined with other diagnostic testing. If the cat has diarrhoea and poor worming history, then faecal testing may be indicated prior to, or alongside, blood testing. The body systems that are of concern may be the endocrine (hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus), renal or intestinal (including oral pathology). Your vet can help you calculate a more precise calorie target, keeping in mind your cat’s specific needs and lifestyle. This varies from cat to cat, but as a general rule, an indoor cat needs about 20 calories per pound of body weight to maintain their current weight. For instance, a domestic short-haired cat’s ideal weight could range from 8 to 10 pounds. First off, we need to consider your cat’s ideal weight, which depends on factors like breed, age, and sex. Whatever the reason, a hungry and overweight cat can be a perplexing conundrum for any cat owner. Causes of renal insufficiency include compromised circulation to the kidneys, toxins, high blood pressure, and secondary effects of other diseases. Kidney issues become more prevalent the older your cat gets. If a baseline thyroid hormone level is high as well as the level of suspicion, your vet may send a thyroid panel to a special laboratory. Intestinal worms and other parasites are a leading cause for kittens to fail to gain weight and otherwise appear unthrifty. The five-point system is very similar with a smaller range for the categories. If your cat is losing weight unintentionally, a health issue may be the cause. The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Animals Happy & Healthy.PawTracks brings inspiration, tips, the best products on earth to ensure our readers and their pets are happy and healthy. Before microchipping cats, you can certainly discuss it with your vet or breeder, but we recommend all dogs and cats get one.What is a microchip? Only your veterinarian is qualified to diagnose what’s going on with your cat. Giving cat owners a prescribed treat allowance can work in some cases. There are several tactics you can use to motivate the client toward success with a weight-loss program. Cats in both groups lost significant amounts of weight with no adverse effects. The goal weight was estimated as 85% of the current weight and the energy requirement was estimated as 60(BWkg). Any other behavioral changes, such as increased aggression, withdrawal, or unusual vocalizations, should also be recorded.When exactly did the weight loss begin, and how quickly is it progressing? Only through this collaborative focus on the animal’s health do previously overlooked details, misinterpretations, new treatment options, and pathways to risk reduction become evident, as do ways to establish optimal conditions for a successful healing trajectory. Only through this collaborative focus on the animal’s health do previously overlooked details, misinterpretations, new treatment options, and pathways to risk reduction become evident, as do ways to establish optimal conditions for a successful healing trajectory.Table of Contents1. Always consult a vet before using any medication. Rather than focusing solely on numbers, evaluating body condition score (BCS) is key. Most cats prefer it boiled, but you can also try feeding it raw. This low-calorie food is high in water, helping cats feel full. These diets are available only with a veterinarian’s approval. In a busy house, accidentally double-feeding a cat accounts for a lot of weight gain! Age data were available for 388 cats and, within this group, the median age was 72 months (range 12 to 200 months). Of the 284 cats that did not complete the trial, 244 cats (86%) failed to return for revisits and were lost to follow up, 11 (4%) stopped due to owner non-compliance, 1 (Open in a new tabOf the final population of 413 cats (Table 5), 186 (45%) were female (175 neutered) and 227 cats (55%) were male (220 neutered). After initial screening, 932 cats were eligible, and 710 of owners consented to their cat participating (Fig 1). Routine or Environmental Changes Treatment for diabetes usually involves giving your cat insulin and feeding your cat a special diet that is low in carbohydrates.The authors acknowledge the assistance of Royal Canin staff and veterinary clinics involved in this study for their assistance in IT support, recruitment and follow-up of the enrolled cats, and the assistance of Alexandre Feugier for statistical analyses.Purchased the cat perch for my Maine Coon as a step up to the shelf.Further, given the observational nature of the study, the reason for this association is not clear.Tumors can impact appetite or metabolism—and sometimes weight loss is the only sign something’s wrong.Technology, from simple timed bowls to app-controlled feeders, adds precision and frees your schedule.My thinking was that he was losing weight at the right pace, so this would be a small treat. A fair number of cat owners become stressed by the topic of weight management. Sampling your cat's blood and performing diagnostic imaging can be particularly useful if your cat is also losing weight. Sometimes, bloodwork or imaging, such as an X-ray, may be necessary to check for cancer, hormonal imbalances, or other diseases. In most cases, inflammatory disorders lead to alopecia in cats, as they cause itching and pain. Excessive grooming can happen anywhere on a cat's body that they can reach with their tongue. This article is going to focus on tips for cats to lose weight. Remember, every cat is unique, and a tailored weight loss plan ensures that your pet receives the individualized care they deserve. Slow and steady weight loss—around 0.5–1% of their body weight per week—is the aim, achieved through controlled calorie intake and nutrient-rich foods. We also spoke with cat dad Howard, who has experience working with vets to help his cat Dotty lose weight. The rate of weight loss in both cats that died was 0.3% per week, with one cat losing 12% of starting body weight over 251 days, and the second losing 6% over 119 days. Full details of all cats included in the study are given in Table 1, whilst details of the outcomes of weight loss are given in Table 2. Of those not included, no weight loss was deemed to be necessary in six cats, while the remaining eleven were not eligible because the weight loss period was still ongoing at the time of data review. Controlled weight loss in cats typically involves caloric restriction, using a purpose-formulated diet, coupled with increased activity 11, 12. Follow-up assessments (monthly for 6 months) encompassed evaluation of BW, BCS, BFI, MCS and review/readjustment of feeding practices. However, specific recommendations or restrictions on the amount and type of additional foods were not given. The study was designed as a prospective, uncontrolled, unmasked clinical trial. Obesity in cats isn’t just a cosmetic concern—it’s a serious health issue that can lead to diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan. While diet and exercise are the cornerstones of weight management, some cats may benefit from medication to help them reach a healthier weight. Hiding can be a sign of boredom, stress, or lack of confidence, especially in overweight indoor cats. Is rapid weight loss a sign of a serious health issue? Using food puzzles or some other type of ploy to make a cat work for its food may help to decrease begging (or, as is generally the case with cats, demanding) and provide an opportunity for exercise. Many cats are used to being fed free choice (which probably played a part in their weight gain to begin with) and object to being switched to scheduled meals. You must give the client and the cat alternatives to feeding calorically dense foods and treats for this activity. Treating weight loss in cats Decreasing the calories going in at the same time as increasing the calories going out is a surefire way to help your cat lose weight.But it usually develops over time due to a mix of habits, health issues, and lifestyle factors.If your cat continues not to eat after addressing any of these issues and giving a short adjustment period, you should have them evaluated by a veterinarian right away.Cat under a leafy blanket, holding a remote, representing weight loss from 43 pounds to looking normal.Speaking with your veterinarian is essential to ensure that cat weight loss is safe.Preventive Essentials may be purchased in addition to insurance and is only available to pets who are also covered under a Pumpkin Insurance policy. If you suspect that your cat is ill, make an appointment with your vet immediately. Vets do need to perform a combination of tests before finally confirming the health of your pet. When unexplained weight loss is accompanied by normal blood work, it can be frightening as well as frustrating. Depending on the severity of your cat’s symptoms, tests might include blood testing, stool testing, urinalysis, radiographs, endoscopy and biopsy, and dental check-ups. Liver disease can cause weight loss through decreased appetite, poor nutrient processing, and protein loss. In cats, unintentional weight loss almost always indicates underlying disease. Additionally, you’ll discover the difference between healthy cats losing weight versus sick cats showing multiple symptoms. Understanding why cats lose weight unexpectedly can save your pet’s life. We did quite a bit of research and talked to a couple of nutritionists prior to deciding on which diet to transition Bronson to. During this time we were monitoring him and making sure he was continuing to eat. For the first two years of his diet, we needed to wipe him after he used the litter box because he wasn't able to reach his bottom. The only time he would stand up would be to use the litter box and to eat. Immediately taking away food can lead to other problems such as Hepatic Lipidosis. Although this is a fairly aggressive form of cancer in cats, it may be treatable with chemotherapy when caught early. Your veterinarian will test for intestinal parasites through a simple fecal test. Other intestinal parasites are more common in outdoor cats because they are transmitted through animal feces and dead infected animals. Many people also notice excessive thirst and frequent urination in their cats. In fact, weight loss is one of the most noticeable sign of Diabetes. This may improve the adherence to weight-management programs, given that most cats are averse to veterinary clinic visits. A PHTE may allow for less frequent veterinary visits by empowering owners to take more control of their pets’ health and allowing veterinarians more frequent remote monitoring of their patients. The typical target WWLR in overweight cats is 0.5–2%.29 Recent clinical studies in client-owned overweight cats had target WWLRs of 1–2% and showed average WWLRs of 0.38–0.8%.24–27 This is comparable to the technology group in this study, which had a lower target WWLR of 1% and involved multiple-cat households. Average caloric restriction duration, weight loss rates, initial body condition score (BCS), Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) and initial health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domain scores by intervention group Additionally, consider cat trees or climbing structures to encourage climbing and exploration, as well as obstacle courses made from boxes and tunnels. These activities simulate hunting, keeping your cat physically engaged. Furthermore, wet food is frequently more appealing, facilitating better control over portion sizes and preventing overconsumption. Cats often don't drink enough water alone, so getting moisture from their food can be beneficial. Moreover, wet food often has lower carbohydrate levels, contributing to a reduced overall calorie intake. Your vet can also recommend a safe rate of weight loss in your cat. Below, she’s revealed how to get an obese cat to lose weight and the diet they should follow. If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight, we’ve called in vet Dr. Catherine Barnette to help. However, if your cat gets to an unhealthy weight, it can cause damaging effects on their health and wellbeing, so they’ll thank you for it in the long run! Consult with a Veterinarian As a cat owner, there are many aspects of your feline’s health you must monitor, including their weight.Fortunately, there are several things you can do to increase your cat’s activity level.These conditions can cause dramatic changes within weeks.While not curable, the condition can be managed with a special diet, medications, and hydration support.As obligate carnivores, domestic cats are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of low protein intake because of their reliance on a protein-rich diet to meet their metabolic needs (Chan, 2009) (Figure 2).You may notice signs like drooling, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or even bleeding and swelling in your cat’s mouth.If your cat changed her eating habits due to food boredom or weather changes, it should not cause you concern. A poorly functioning metabolism creates a large energy drain, and your pet often metabolizes fat and eventually muscles to sustain life. Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the blog comments. For example, reduce the amount of food by ¼ tsp per meal. Weight loss and hyporexia are non-specific signs that require early therapeutic intervention as well as investigation of the underlying disease process (Quimby, 2021).If a medical condition is diagnosed, your veterinarian may recommend specific diets tailored to your cat’s needs.Many house cats are relatively sedentary and perhaps a little overweight making fluctuations in weight unnoticeable.This can be done with a notebook, spreadsheet, or weight loss app.Diabetes in cats refers to the body being unable to process insulin properly.Lymphoma is a common cancer found in a cat's GI tract, mouth, lymphatic system, and other areas.To effectively manage and reduce a cat’s weight, a proper, calorie-controlled diet must be combined with exercise.It’s not uncommon for pet owners to not realise how many calories they’re feeding every day until they have to measure and record it.” DActual weight lost are expressed as a percentage of starting body weight. Given that only two cats died, individual results are instead reported, with the same order used for results from each cat. For cats that either completed or stopped, data are expressed as median (range). BWeight loss required calculated from DEXA results using a mathematical formula based upon typical body composition results from previous weight clinic studies 17, 23 You should expect your cat to lose about a pound a month. Grab your cat’s attention with toys that move or make noise, including laser pointers or feathers on a string. The easiest way to get your cat to move around more is to frequently move his or her food bowl. Since taking your cat on a long walk is not an option, owners have to get creative about encouraging their cats to move. Make sure your cat’s bowl is in an easily accessible place. Take note of your cat’s eating habits, too, and make sure they’re being properly nourished on a regular basis. Looking from above, you should notice a tuck at the cat’s waist which is visible but not extreme. You should never abruptly change your cat’s diet as this can result in vomiting, diarrhea and/or lack of appetite. Just as in people, frame size differs from cat to cat, and weight loss should be based on body condition, not just the number on the scale. More than 50 percent of cats in the U.S. are overweight, and odds are your cat could stand to lose a pound or two (or 10). So a cat who should weigh 10 pounds would weigh 12 pounds or more if obese. Obesity is defined as a cat who weighs 20 percent or more than they should. Here is everything you need to know about cat obesity. They often contain higher fiber content to help your cat feel full and satisfied despite consuming fewer calories. These diets are meticulously formulated to offer essential nutrients while minimizing calorie intake. They will set a target weight, which will serve as a goal to work towards. The surplus body fat can disrupt insulin function, producing heightened blood sugar levels. Activity results may have been influenced by ‘inactive’ behaviors such as grooming and scratching, which are known to increase activity counts.38,40 Activity counts were not affected by weight loss rate or initial BCS. While accelerometers appear to be an effective tool for quantifying activity, studies have shown considerable inter-cat variability.38,39 This suggests that cats be used as their own controls when measuring activity counts. Daily activity counts in the technology group cats decreased slightly throughout the WLP, contrary to most owners’ perceptions (see Table S5 in the supplementary material). This illustrates how data from smart feeders may improve the understanding of cat feeding behaviors. There is currently very limited information regarding these in cats. She previously had her own cattery, fostering and rehabilitating traumatized shelter cats, enabling them to go in to have happy lives with their new owners. Amanda has worked alongside charities for many years, helping to rehabilitate cats from surrender and euthanasia. Practicing as a full clinical animal behaviorist member, Amanda's passion is cats. Gradually cut back small amounts of food per feeding until the ideal portion size is reached. Read more about how to switch your cat's food here. Rather, do it gradually over a 1–2-week period, sometimes up to 3 weeks, switching from the old diet to the new diet. Overweight cats tend to live shorter lives than their more fit counterparts. I put my middle age cat on a weight loss program. A woman in blue scrubs holding an overweight cat, highlighting its size transformation. Overweight cat with medical toys, now healthier and looking normal, sitting on a couch. Two people smiling with paintings of a formerly overweight cat lifting weights. Typically, cat food for weight loss has fewer calories and carbohydrates than usual cat food. Another key difference is the treatment strategy for overweight and obese cats. Overweight and obese cats both carry excess body fat, but the main difference is how much excess weight they have. Weight issues are common in indoor cats, less active cats, and cats that consume more than the healthy daily intake (among other factors). A visible waist behind the ribs and minimal abdominal fat pad indicate healthy weight. A couple that we do not mention cause weight loss exclusively because your cat stops eating. By no means exhaustive, the following list includes many of the ailments that may cause a cat to inexplicably lose weight. As cats become underweight, their ribs become more easily felt and then increasingly visible. If you can see every vertebra or the hip bones stick out too much, your cat may be experiencing severe weight loss. Cat owners submitted their written consent to participate in the study and had to give their agreement (1) to feed the recommended amount of the NWMF dry food for the duration of the study, (2) to return to the clinic for re-check evaluations at monthly intervals for 6 months and (3) to report any relevant health issues during the study period. Body condition score and body fat index decreased over time compared with baseline from weeks 12–24 and from weeks 8–24, respectively. Initial evaluation included physical examination, nutritional assessment, ideal body weight determination and weight-loss feeding guidelines development. Vets can offer tailored advice and treatment options based on your cat’s specific health needs. Understanding the causes and solutions can help ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy. Pain during urination or visible blood in the urine are also serious signs.They can indicate urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, or the formation of urinary stones.These problems can indirectly affect appetite, as the cat may experience pain or discomfort when eating. Pay attention to the frequency of these symptoms, the consistency of the stool (is it liquid, mushy, mucousy, or even bloody?), and whether you notice undigested food in the vomit or stool.Such observations are crucial for diagnosis and can indicate problems such as parasitic infestation, infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other digestive disorders. Such behavioral changes are often the first subtle signs that something is wrong.A cat losing weight and feeling unwell may become lethargic– meaning she is extremely tired, sluggish, and shows little initiative.She might withdraw, avoid contact, play less, or barely react to attention.Some cats may also become unusually irritable during these phases or, paradoxically, suddenly seek a lot of attention. Although the cat eats, her cells are essentially starving, and she begins to break down muscle mass for energy.This leads to weight loss, often accompanied by excessive thirst and increased urination. Routine and Emergency Care It's great for cats to engage their sense of hearing while playing with toys that simulate birds. For cats, this usually is in the form of interactive play with their person. Just make sure you’re choosing healthy treats that are cooked without any added salt, preservatives, or artificial coloring. This is because in order to make a crunchy cat treat, the level of carbohydrates is usually too high for cats. When a cat eats normally but still loses weight, it suggests their body is unable to utilize the nutrients it’s receiving. A significant and sudden decrease in weight accompanied by weakness is considered an unhealthy weight loss in your pet. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource who can answer questions and guide you through this process of your cat's weight loss and control. There are prescription diets your veterinarian may recommend to help your pet feel more full on less food, so they don’t feel as hungry and beg. For instance, extra playtime with your cat (break out the toys or laser pointers) will get your cat moving and help your cat's diet show results faster. While diet is a major piece of the puzzle, physical activity helps burn calories and fat and improves your cat’s energy levels. But before you jump into a new feeding schedule and diet, make sure you and your cat are ready. The best way to help a cat lose weight is to help them consume fewer calories than they burn through exercise, and this will require some changes to their daily routine. We go over when weight loss in cats is a concern and what specific problems are commonly to blame. Other times, weight loss indicates a serious illness and requires diagnosis and intervention. If you notice your cat losing weight quickly it's vital to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Rapid weight loss in cats is a serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored. Other than this, chronic infections most often lead to systemic disorders, which contribute to fever, general malaise, gastrointestinal problems, and hence weight loss.Prior to starting your cat’s weight loss journey, talk to your veterinarian about how to do this safely.Older cats often have different nutritional needs and may have health conditions that complicate weight loss efforts.Treatment of fatty liver disease involves a feeding tube and rehydration.Yet when a cat is losing weight without trying, it often signals serious health problems that need immediate attention.This is known as the primordial pouch and it’s perfectly normal.If you’re concerned about your cat but unable to see your vet immediately, try not to worry too much. If your cat looks a bit leaner but is still eating, playing, and acting like their usual self, it’s usually OK to just keep an eye on things. Any increased exercise will lead to more calories burned, which can lead to weight loss. If your cat is otherwise acting normal, a slight weight fluctuation is typically nothing to worry about. I recommend asking your vet how you should dose it. For example, 10 g (0.35 oz) of cheese cover 20% of the daily caloric needs of a 3 kg (6.6 lbs) cat! There are several ways to make your cat eating slower. Like for us, eating slowly will help the feeling of satiety and so your cat won’t feel frustrated or hungry if it needs to eat less. The amount depends on your cat's current weight, target weight, activity level, and chosen weight loss rate. This tool helps you create a safe weight loss plan for your cat. So you may need to get creative with some proven exercise ideas for cat weight loss. Treatment for diabetes usually involves giving your cat insulin and feeding your cat a special diet that is low in carbohydrates. There are a number of different tests to diagnose infectious disease in cats. There are number of medical conditions causing GI disease in the cat. Your cat may lose weight from decreased intake as a result. Whichever one you choose, it's important your cat likes it because if an overweight cat suddenly stops eating, they are at risk of fatty liver syndrome (hepatic lipidosis). Your veterinarian will help recommend appropriate therapeutic diets. A cat's ideal weight can then be calculated as each increment above 5/9 is an additional 10% of body weight. Most cats will reach their adult weight at around 12 months of age. Always check with your veterinarian what they think their ideal weight should be. Caloric needs vary based on several factors, including age, activity level, and overall health.ThePetStaff.com content is not a substitute for veterinary guidance.We know how alarming it can be to notice our beloved feline companion losing weight, especially when they seem otherwise healthy.The exact food to be fed depends on their clinical status and suspected underlying disease, however all the essential amino acids for cats should be provided.There are no home remedies that can cure these viral infections.Supportive care at home focuses on strengthening the immune system and alleviating symptoms.Ensure a high-quality, balanced diet to meet nutritional needs.A stress-free environment and good hygiene are also important to prevent secondary infections.Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the disease progression and initiate symptomatic treatments.Vaccinations against FeLV are available and can help prevent infection.For FIP, there are promising new treatment options available recently that should be discussed with your veterinarian.If your cat has a body condition score of 7/9 or above, they will likely need a prescription diet specifically formulated for safe and effective weight loss.Prompt veterinary evaluation is important to diagnose and treat weight loss in the cat. Little information is available on body composition of cats with CKD, but the prevalence of cats with CKD that were “thin” or “emaciated” ranges from 36–81% (Table 1).1, 2, 5 The prevalence reported in the literature ranges from 42–82% (Table 1) and depends upon factors such as stage of disease, concurrent diseases, and treatment.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 However, the specific amount and timing of weight loss is difficult to quantify because most studies have been retrospective. Weight loss is common in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Understanding the difference between normal weight fluctuations and rapid weight loss is crucial. Follow James and the Saving Nine Lives journey as we help one rescue cat at a time. Every article on this site is carefully researched and reviewed to meet the highest standards for cat health content. When he’s not writing, James is busy fostering cats, volunteering at local shelters, and testing cat-friendly products to recommend only the best to readers. TNF also affects the body so the pet feels sick and doesn’t want to eat. When these organs are compromised, the rest of your pet’s body doesn’t function well either. In pets with heartworm infections, the kidneys and liver work harder than normal to help the body respond to constant parasite abuse. Pets with intestinal worms or heartwormsPets with worms lose weight, but for different reasons. This toy encourages instinctual behaviors and exercise to keep your cat healthy and alert. And there are a lot of out there to choose from, making the best choice for your cat’s health difficult. Try adding a little canned pumpkin to your cat’s food. And a cat who’s hungry all the time can become aggressive and less tolerant with other pets and people. There are fine lines on the inside of most pet food scoops that indicate where the cup measurements are (e.g., 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, etc.). Approximately 1 in 4 pet cats in the United States are obese, and an additional 1 in 5 cats are overweight . Most vet clinics will run a free weight loss clinic for pets and they should be able to recommend a tailored programme for your cat. Asking a vet to help you choose the right weight-loss food and portion size ensures your cat loses weight at a safe rate and the food is nutritionally balanced. When your cat sees you as a source of fun, safety, and care — not just food — their behavior and confidence improve along with their health. Sustained behavior is what prevents weight rebound — both in humans and cats. Many cats regain weight once the initial effort fades, especially if old habits return. Weight loss takes time — often several months to a full year, depending on how much your cat needs to lose. Likewise, if you’re afraid to make adjustments, your cat may stall out in their weight loss journey. Owner engagement and consistent veterinary supervision are vital to successful weight management, particularly in multiple-cat households with food stealing, a need for different foods and variable feeding styles. The objectives of this study were to determine whether a technology-enhanced weight-loss program, using a home pet health technology ecosystem, is an effective tool in feline weight-loss management in multiple-cat households and to evaluate its impact on cat behavior. There are many other health conditions that may cause weight loss in cats. Researchers also tested offering cats hiding boxes, which helped lower stress. Having consistent feeding times, keeping a clean litter box, and avoiding boredom help. A predictable routine helps with stress management in cats. Changing environment or being in a shelter are stressful experiences for cats. Eliminating treats and extra food from the table is another quick and easy way to decrease calories. The general rule is that every 1-point increase or decrease from the ideal BCS score (4-5) is about 10-15% of their weight. Fortunately, obesity is a preventable and treatable disease. Obesity can lead to many secondary problems including diabetes, arthritis, kidney and pancreatic disease, cardiovascular issues, and infections, all of which can ultimately lead to a reduced lifespan for our four-legged friends. Feline obesity can lower a cat’s overall life expectancy and quality of life, and puts them more at risk for various health issues. Computer spreadsheet containing study data for the subset of 413 cats completed the whole 5-visit study protocol. These findings suggest that the same short-term weight loss protocol can be adapted to different geographical locations and settings. Since changes happen very gradually, you may not realize how different your cat looks. Take pride and celebrate any amount of loss achieved during your weight checks. Still, it's good to have a selection of toys to rotate during playtime to prevent boredom. Over time, gradually build up to 5-minute sessions three times a day. Therefore, to begin with, aim for 2-minute play sessions twice a day, even if your cat just lays on their side while batting a toy. While caloric restriction is needed, lowering portion size can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies, even with high-quality foods. Pet owners can check in regularly with virtual vet visits to track progress and adjust the plan as needed. Unlike dogs and humans, who are more tolerant of short-term fasting, a cat can get very ill within a couple of days of not eating enough. These foods are designed to restrict calories while still providing the right amount of nutrients. “It typically takes several weeks or longer for the effects of a dietary change, whether beneficial or harmful, to become apparent,” explains Dr. Jo Myers. But if your pet is already overweight, hopefully you can use some of these tips for your cat to lose weight. Major health risks to overweight cats include skin issues, diabetes mellitus, and joint pain. But in reality, when I see an obese cat my heart breaks for them because I know the multiple serious health risks that accompany our overweight cats. Ongoing collaboration with your veterinarian is crucial throughout your cat’s weight-loss journey. This equals an estimated 56 million cats who are overweight or obese. Cats are hit by this challenge more than other companion animals, with a whopping 59.5% of cats in the U.S. classified as overweight or obese (as compared to 55.8% in dogs).1 A vet can advise on the right diet for an older cat that is losing weight, specifically for their medical needs. Any cat condition that causes vomiting and/or an upset stomach can also cause weight loss. Other symptoms, along with feline weight loss, depend on the location of the cancer.