How to Help an Overweight Cat Lose Weight Safely
Safe cat weight loss is slow, about 0.5 to 1 percent of body weight per week. Follow these steps with your vet.
Go slow
Aim for 0.5 to 1 percent of body weight a week. A 14 lb cat should lose roughly 1 to 2 ounces weekly. Fast loss can harm the liver, so never crash diet a cat.
Start with a vet visit
Rule out medical causes and get a target weight. Cats scoring 7 of 9 or higher should follow a vet-supervised plan.
Practical steps
- Calculate calories for the ideal weight, then reduce about 20 percent
- Measure every meal
- Count treats
- Weigh every two weeks
- Add play sessions and puzzle feeders
Plateaus
If weight stops dropping for three to four weeks, review portions and treats, then adjust calories by about 10 percent with your vet’s input.
Sources and further reading: WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines; NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. This article is educational and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.