If your cat is overweight, you may think your cat needs cat diet food. However, be careful of the type of diet you choose because diet food can often cause more harm than good.
Recommended Diet Cat Food
Logic would dictate that we should choose a diet food for our cat that contains less protein and fat; however, that is contrary to how cats eat in nature and can be detrimental to their health. Fat and protein are actually good for your cat and can help reduce weight if fed properly.
Instead, avoid a food high in carbohydrates. Cats lack the enzyme to digest carbohydrates that dogs and humans have, so carbohydrates just turn to sugar in your cat's system, causing them to put on weight and possibly develop diabetes.
Look for foods that contain high-level protein sources, not meat byproducts. Avoid foods that have extra preservatives and food coloring, including most dry food, which requires more carbohydrates and additives to help it keep its shape.
Most commercial cat food brands offer a senior or low-calorie diet, which have reduced protein and fat. These can be beneficial to your cat as long as the food is high-quality.
Feeding to Ensure Weight Loss
More important than reducing protein in your cat's diet is feeding him properly. Most cats are free-fed throughout the day so they can eat whenever they want. Instead, research how much food is recommended for your cat's optimal weight and divide that amount between three or four small meals to be offered throughout the day. If your cat doesn't eat during this time, pick up the food and feed later.
Don't base the amount of food you feed on food label recommendations, which don't take into account your cat's age or exercise level. If your cat doesn't begin losing weight on the amount you are feeding, gradually reduce it until you find the amount that maintains the proper weight.
If you feed your cat treats or if he has the option to catch prey, reduce the amount of food you feed. Treats and other meals should all be included when determining how much to feed your cat. Remember one mouse is a good meal for an average sized cat.
Exercise
In addition to reducing the amount of food you feed, increase the amount of exercise your cat receives. Cats need exercise, just like dogs and humans.
Increase the amount of interactive toys in your house so your cat can entertain himself while you're at work. When you get home, spend some time playing games with your cat to get him active. When properly leashed trained, cats can even go on walks with you!
A high percentage of pet cats are obese because we overfeed and underexercise them. However, diet cat food is not always the answer because it is full of carbohydrates, which your cats can't process, and lacks protein, the one ingredient your cat truly needs. Instead of changing your cat's food, reduce how much you feed him and feed regular meals rather than leaving a big bowl out all day. This will go a long way in reducing your cat's weight.