Weight Control in Cats: How Nutrition Plays a Key Role

Obesity is one of the most common and preventable health problems we see in cats today and just like in humans, if our feline friends are carrying extra weight it can lead to potentially serious health concerns.

Fortunately, proper nutrition is one of the most effective ways to manage your cat’s weight and keep them healthy for years to come.

Let’s jump in and explore how nutrition influences your cat’s weight and talk through practical tips for helping your feline friend maintain a healthy body condition.

Why is my cats weight important?
Unfortunately, overweight and obese cats are at greater risk of developing:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Heart and respiratory issues
• Urinary tract problems
• Liver disease (hepatic lipidosis)
• Shortened lifespan and reduced quality of life
  
  

How does nutrition affect my cats weight?
Weight gain happens when a cat consumes more calories than they burn. Cats are obligate carnivores, and their ideal diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates which is a balance that keeps them lean and energetic.

Overfeeding, free-feeding dry kibble, or offering too many treats can all lead to excess calorie intake, especially for our indoor or less active cats.

How can I manage my cats weight with nutrition?
Choose a high-quality & balanced diet:
When choosing a diet always check the labels to ensure they are “complete and balanced” and follow the feeding guidelines for your cats weight. Diets that are designed for weight control or for indoor only cats often have fewer calories but higher protein and fibre to help your cat feel full.

We recommend talking with your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist before switching to a weight-loss formula, as the wrong diet can lead to muscle loss or nutritional deficiencies.

Keep portion sizes controlled:

• Measure out each meal, consider using digital scales to weigh food as this can help increase accuracy.
• Follow feeding guidelines on the packaging (or from your vet)
• Adjust portions based on weight, age, activity level, and health conditions

Consider adding in wet food:
Wet food is generally lower in calories per gram and higher in moisture, which can help your cat feel fuller and support hydration. Feeding wet food as part of a mixed diet can aid in weight control.

Limiting treats and table scraps:
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Try healthy, low-calorie treats or use part of their daily food ration as rewards during play or training. Avoid feeding human foods as many are high in fat or toxic to cats.

Enrichment:
Consider utilising enrichment strategies such as puzzle feeders, scattering kibble to encourage hunting behaviour or interactive feeders to slow down eating during meals rather than a standard food bowl.

Monitor your cats weight:
Your veterinarian can help assess your cat’s Body Condition Score which is based on a scale of 1-9, a score of 4–5 is the ideal range. Ideally, you should be able to feel but not see your cat’s ribs and notice a visible waistline when viewed from above. It’s recommended to weigh your cat every 2–4 weeks to track their progress.

Always seek veterinary advice before making any major changes to your cats diet.
If your cat is overweight or obese, never start a weight-loss plan without veterinary guidance. Sudden or severe calorie restriction can cause fatty liver disease, a life-threatening condition in cats.

Your vet may recommend:

• Prescription weight-loss diets
• A structured feeding schedule
• Regular weigh-ins and progress checks
• Blood tests to rule out underlying conditions (like hypothyroidism or diabetes)

Maintaining your cat’s ideal weight is one of the most loving things you can do. It reduces the risk of disease, increases mobility, and helps them live a longer, happier life.

By combining portion control, high-quality nutrition, and a bit of daily play, you can set your cat on the path to a healthier future.

If you have any questions regarding your cats diet you can reach out to our veterinary team at Cameron Veterinary Services on 8318 1801.