What is the best wet cat food for weight loss in 2024?
Overweight cats need an appropriate diet to help them gradually return to a healthy weight. Feline obesity can have severe consequences for your little friend and their life expectancy.
There are various types of food for overweight cats. Wet cat food for weight loss is the best choice, as it is very filling and provides balanced nutrients to the body. You will find a wide variety of low-calorie wet cat food, including tuna and chicken-flavoured kinds, as well as products with or without cereals. It is usually packaged in individual portions and consists of pieces of meat bathed in sauce. It's the perfect food for cats who love a delicious meal!
Furthermore, it is crucial to monitor your cat's weight. Don't hesitate to consult a vet to find out your cat's ideal weight and learn how to make your pet lose weight. Can't feel your cat's ribs anymore? It may be time to switch to a lighter diet! Check out our comparison of the most flavorful recipes.
Summary
What factors influence a cat's weight?
Obesity in cats can have several causes. First, you should know that some breeds are more prone to it than others. That is the case with the Chartreux and the Persian: they quickly gain weight.
Your pet's diet is another major factor in feline obesity. For example, if you feed your cat too much or their food is too rich, the animal will quickly gain weight. Excessive treats can also affect a cat's weight. That is also the case with poor-quality, poorly balanced kibbles made of low-quality fats with too much sugar.
A cat that does not exercise enough will also be prone to being overweight, as will a stressed cat. If your cat lives exclusively indoors, you need to make sure it gets enough exercise.
Neutering can also contribute to weight gain in cats. It is vital to provide your cat with a suitable diet after the procedure.
How can I control my cat's weight?
If your cat weighs 15-20% more than its ideal weight, it is considered overweight. Cats that weigh 30-40% more than their ideal weight are considered obese. If you can no longer feel its ribs or if it gets out of breath quickly during exercise, it may be overweight. The body of an overweight cat also gradually becomes pear-shaped, with very round flanks.
Additionally, overweight cats have a low tolerance for heat. They are reluctant to exercise, move, jump and give free rein to their hunting instincts.
To effectively control your cat's weight, you need to feed them the right diet and make sure they get enough exercise.
How does wet cat food for overweight cats help?
Wet food is ideal for overweight cats as it contains 80-90% water. It's filling but has far fewer nutrients and proteins than dry food. The energy density of this type of food is ideal for obese cats.
In addition, wet cat food for weight loss promotes good hydration. A cat that drinks enough fluids can eliminate fat more easily through natural channels.
How can I help my cat exercise?
If your obese cat refuses to exercise, it is essential to stimulate them to learn to move again. That is the only way to help your cat gradually regain its healthy weight: it must be physically active regularly.
To do this, play with them and stimulate their curiosity with games that appeal to their hunting instinct. The most suitable ones would be a laser pointer that runs along the wall, for example, a small fishing rod with a feather at the end, or a fish toy that moves by itself when the cat passes by.
Interactive toys are the perfect way to get your little feline moving. When the pet is intrigued but the toy's movement, it can't help but run after it to catch it. You can also opt for kibble-dispensing toys, which will prevent the cat from gobbling up its meal in one go.
What can be the consequences of excessive weight in cats?
Obesity in cats has serious consequences, as it does in humans. Too much weight can indeed affect your pet's morphology and cause lameness, weakened tendons, or skeletal deformation.
Overweight cats can also suffer from arthritis and joint pain. Furthermore, as the animal suffers from pain when walking, it exercises less and less and puts on more and more weight.
It is also vital to know that obese cats have an 80% risk of developing diabetes. They also often suffer from urinary problems, leading to kidney disease.
Fat cats also suffer from infections in the folds of their skin, as they cannot groom themselves all over. Excess weight also leads to heart and lung problems, high blood pressure, and liver lipidosis. In any case, obesity in cats reduces their life expectancy. That's why it's essential to consult a vet as soon as you notice your cat gaining weight.