How to Put Your Cat on a Diet

Your cat's optimal weight is its weight at one year of age - unless, of course, it was already obese. If your cat is 50 percent above optimal weight, it's time for a diet.

Instructions

1

Consult a veterinarian before putting any cat on a diet.

2

Have your vet help you determine the approximate number of pounds your cat needs to lose. In general, the amount will equal your cat's obese weight minus optimal weight.

3

Feed your cat food formulated specifically for weight reduction.

4

Provide dry food that contains less than 10 percent fat and more than 15 percent fiber.

5

Purchase food that has both Association of American Feeding Control Officials (AAFCO) and Animal Feeding Trials (or Animal Feeding Tests) on its label.

6

Provide weight-reducing food to your cat at every meal. Feed the allotted amount four times daily, or at least twice daily.

7

Reduce the amount of food you provide if your cat obtains additional food elsewhere - for instance, by catching mice or other small animals.

8

Weigh your cat every two weeks.

9

Play with your pet several times a day; this will help a lazy cat, in particular, get needed exercise.