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Professional Pet Sitter Week 2025: How to help your cat lose the extra weight!

Writer: Kathleen for PaskapooKathleen for Paskapoo
Mar 46 min read

An overweight orange cat

Help your cat lose the extra weight!


As the owner of Paskapoo Pet Services and a professional pet sitter specializing in cat care for the past 15 years, I've seen firsthand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in our feline friends.


With Professional Pet Sitter Week in full swing, I'd like to share some insight into helping your cat lose those a few extra pounds (or ounces!) and to keep them off for good.


😺The Risks of Excess Weight in Cats


Obesity and weight gain are growing concerns for cats and their owners. Excess weight can lead to a bunch of health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. Overweight cats are also more likely to experience respiratory problems, skin infections, and urinary tract issues. It's essential for cat owners to be aware of these risks, and to take proactive steps to ensure their cat maintains a healthy weight.


Additionally, obese cats often become the feline equivalent of "couch potatoes", gradually losing their playfulness and interacting less with their families (and their pet sitters too!).


😸What is a Healthy Weight for Cats?


What constitutes a healthy weight for cats? A healthy weight is one that allows your cat to maintain an ideal Body Condition Score (BCS). The BCS is a system used by veterinarians to evaluate a cat's weight and body condition. A score of 4 or 5 is considered ideal, with scores ranging from 1 (underweight) to 9 (obese).


To determine if your cat is at a healthy weight, look for the following:


  • Your cat should have a visible waistline when viewed from above.

  • You should be able to feel their ribs without excess fat covering them.

  • Their belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side.


If your cat doesn't meet these criteria, it may be time to consider a weight loss plan.


This would also be a sign that your cat needs to lose weight...

😹Gradual Weight Loss: The Key to Success


Weight loss is achievable in cats, but it's crucial to implement changes gradually.


Sudden changes in the amount of food provided can lead to "hangry" cats and unwanted behavior due to hunger, such as food stealing, property damage, excessive meowing and vocalization, and in certain instances even aggression.

A gradual approach allows your cat to thrive on a better diet and fewer calories. It's recommended to aim for a weekly weight loss of 0.5-1% of your cat's initial body weight.


At this rate, an overweight cat weighing around 15 lbs would take approximately a year to reach a healthy weight of 8 to 10 lbs, losing 1% of its weight per week.

😻Diet: The Foundation of Weight Loss


Diet is a crucial factor in feline weight loss. To support your cat's weight loss journey, consider switching to a high-quality cat food that is rich in protein and low in fillers and by-products. Research suggests that wet foods with lower moisture content (less than 10%) may be a better option than dry foods with high carbohydrate content (more than 50%), as they tend to contribute fewer calories. Wet foods can be a more effective choice for managing feline obesity.


When selecting a cat food, look for options that are nutrient-rich, balanced, limited in the number of ingredients, and low in calories. Some examples of suitable cat foods include Orijen Cat Food (a Canadian brand based in Alberta, which contains less than 20% carbohydrates) and Merrick Grain Free Salmon (which contains approximately 25% carbohydrates). While these foods may not be completely carb-free, they can still be a healthy choice for your cat. The ultimate goal is to provide meals that satisfy your cat's appetite while meeting their nutritional requirements without excessive calories.


To determine the right portion size for your cat, start by consulting the manufacturer's guidelines. However, it's essential to monitor your cat's progress and adjust the portion size as needed. Keep in mind that a cat's daily caloric needs vary depending on factors such as age, size, and activity level. To ensure accurate feeding, use measuring cups or a kitchen scale to measure out your cat's food, rather than simply filling their bowl. Free feeding, where food is available at all times, can lead to overeating.


In addition to portion size, feeding frequency is also important. Instead of feeding your cat one of two large meals a day, consider dividing their daily ration into multiple smaller meals. This approach encourages grazing behavior, which can promote better digestion and reduce the likelihood of gorging and vomiting.


When introducing a new food, gradually transition to it over at least one to two weeks to help your cat adjust smoothly and avoid upsetting their digestive system.


Limit treats, especially low-quality ones like Temptations, and opt for healthier alternatives such as air-dried chicken or liver strips, or even Inaba Churu purée. Treats can contribute a significant number of calories to your cat’s overall intake, so monitor to avoid overindulgence.


Make sure everyone in the household, including children, understands and supports the efforts to help your cat lose weight. Consistency is key, so it’s important that everyone is on board!



🙀Using Feeding Control Tools


Feeding control tools can help you manage your cat's food intake more efficiently, making it easier to achieve weight loss goals. Here are some examples:


  1. Automatic Feeders: These devices dispense portioned meals at set times throughout the day. They can be programmed to deliver small meals frequently or larger meals less often.


  2. Microchip Feeders: If you have multiple cats with different dietary needs or feeding requirements, microchip feeders can ensure each cat receives the right amount of food at the right time.

  3. Food puzzles and balls: Food puzzles and treat balls are excellent for providing mental stimulation while encouraging your cat to move and exercise to "earn" their food.


💡An automatic feeder can be a great way to portion dry food meals when you're away, especially if your pet sitter isn't available to provide your dieting cat with multiple feedings throughout the day.


😼Incorporating Play Sessions and Exercises


Play is an essential part of a cat's life, and it's crucial for their physical and mental health. For cats who need to lose weight, play sessions can help burn calories, build muscle, and increase metabolism (sounds familiar, doesn't it? 😆)


Here are some ways to incorporate play sessions and exercises into your cat's daily routine:


  1. Hand Toys: Use feather wands, laser pointers, or other interactive toys to engage your cat in play. Encourage your cat to chase, pounce, and jump.


  2. Cat Trees and Shelves: Provide vertical space for your cat to climb, scratch, and explore. Cat trees and shelves can help improve agility, balance, and strength.


  3. Outdoor Walks: If your cat is comfortable wearing a harness, take them on short outdoor walks. This can provide mental stimulation and exercise while exploring new environments.


  4. Exercise Wheels: Some cats enjoy running on exercise wheels or treadmills specifically designed for cats. These can provide a fun way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.


When starting play sessions with an overweight cat, it's essential to begin slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of playtime. Aim for 5-10 minute play sessions up to 3 times a day. This will help prevent exhaustion and reduce the risk of injury.

😾Ask for help from your Veterinarian and Pet Sitter


Before starting any new diet, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues or contraindications. However, based on our own experience as pet sitters, some veterinarians may recommend overly aggressive strategies that can lead to hunger-related behavioral issues. This is why a gradual, progressive approach is usually preferred.


Avoid introducing significant dietary changes right before a vacation or a pet sitting assignment. The uncertainty of how your pet will react to new foods, combined with the added stress of your absence, can be overwhelming for already anxious cats. It’s best to postpone any dietary alterations until your return, ensuring a smoother adjustment period. Don't forget to let your pet sitter know if you have made any dietary changes since the last time they cared for your cats!



🐱 Final thoughts


Helping your cat achieve a healthy weight requires dedication, patience, and a well-planned approach. While it may not be easy, the rewards of supporting your cat's weight loss journey are well worth the effort. Remember, every small step counts, and with time, love, and attention, you can help your cat reach a healthy weight and enjoy a happier, healthier life together.



 

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