![]() A sudden alteration in diet or routine is not likely to be met with enthusiasm. A crash diet can result in a serious condition called hepatic lipidosis.Īs you probably already know, cats aren’t always fans of change. If you decide that a diet is in order for your cat, it is important to remember that slow and steady weight loss is key for kitties. Offer playtime instead of food when your cat begs Measure your cat’s food so that you know how many calories you are feedingĬonsider substituting in some canned food, which tends to be less calorie dense due to its water content, for the kibbleĮncourage activity at meal time with indoor hunting feeders or interactive food bowlsĪvoid the urge to allow your cat free access to food, instead refresh the bowl frequently or encourage the use of a more interactive feeder Remember that treats have calories as well and count them in your daily totalsĬhoose low calorie treats like a small about of tuna in water Know your cat’s allowed daily calorie intake ( please ask us for help determining this, but most cats need between 180 and 250 calories per day) Keeping your kitty svelte isn’t always easy, but it is important. Talking with your veterinarian about the appropriate number of calories is a great place to start when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Most cats in the United States (about 60%) are at least somewhat overweight.īeing overweight increases your pet’s risk of many health conditions including osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, urinary problems, and even cancer. If your little lion is on the overweight side, you’re not alone. ![]() If you really want to make your own diet, working with a board certified veterinary nutritionist is the way to go.Ī Word About Obesity and Feline Nutrition It can be tempting to hop on the bandwagon of different diet trends, but they aren’t always a good choice.Ī commercially prepared diet is best to ensure that your cat is receiving all the nutrients they need in the right amounts and ratios. Prolonged decreases in calorie intake can result in serious health consequences for cats.īalancing a cat’s diet can be tricky. The feline species requires very high levels of thiamine in their diet.Ĭats need several amino acids such as taurine that are found only in meat in their diet. They need vitamin A in their diets and are unable to convert beta carotene like their dog friends. As obligate carnivores, cats have certain nutritional needs that can only be met by eating meat. Luckily for you, The Pet’s Place Animal Hospital knows all about feline nutrition and is happy to help you understand.Ĭats are not the same as dogs and it really starts to show when you compare their diets. Cats have some special nutritional needs that we need to know about to be successful caretakers. ![]() When it comes to feeding our kitty companions, there is a lot to consider. The domestic feline has a lot in common with its wild ancestors, but its lifestyle tends to be a little more on the tame side. Having a cat in your home is a bit like hosting a miniature lion.
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