How to maintain a healthy weight for your cat

Not too skinny, but definitely not a chonker – here are some tips

As pet lovers, it’s tough to resist spoiling our cats with that extra treat or two every night before bed. But would you be able to tell if your cat became overweight? And if they did, would you know what to do about it?

An overweight cat can have health issues like arthritis, heart problems and diabetes. A healthy domestic cat should weigh around 10 pounds, although this can vary based on size and frame. While you should always bring your furry friend to the vet for an accurate analysis, there are a few telltale signs you can look for on your own, too. When you look at your cat, they should have an hourglass figure and no saggy belly hanging down. You should also be able to feel their ribs (but not too much).

Here are a few tips to maintain a healthy weight for your cat:

Replace dry food with wet
Wet food has more protein, less carbohydrates, and is an all around healthier option for your cat.

Cut out grazing
Rather than leaving a bowl of food out for your cats to snack on all day, try setting designated meal times.This will help ensure your cat isn’t over eating out of habit or boredom.

Read the bag
Every cat food is different. If you switch your cat’s food, make sure you’re re-reading the serving size, as it has probably changed!

Designate more time for play
Like humans, the more active your cats are, the easier it will be to maintain a slim waistline. It’s important to make sure your furry friends are getting the proper amount of exercise every day.

Adopt a friend
If you don’t have enough time to keep your cat active every day, it might be a good idea to consider adopting a companion cat. Companion cats keep each other happy, healthy and most importantly… active!

Find a new reward
If you reward your cat’s good behavior (and overall cuteness) with treats, it might be time to find a new system. Your cat would be just as happy to earn some extra play or snuggle time—and it would help cut back on calories.

While we all love having some lazy snuggle time with our cats, or watching them light up over a full dish or an extra treat, we must also remember the importance of keeping them healthy and active!