6 Ways to Keep Your Cat Slim and Healthy - Surprisingly Easy

Some cats are a little too food-loving, and if your cat falls into this category, they may face several different health conditions. Obesity can lead to diabetes, osteoarthritis and heart problems. It is usually caused by overeating and inactivity.

Fortunately, there are many ways to encourage your cat to lose excess weight and stay as slim and healthy as possible. We've rounded up our top 6 tips.

1.Provide the right diet

The first thing to consider before trying to keep your cat slim is to re-evaluate your cat's diet. Talk to your veterinarian to see if they can recommend a calorie-controlled diet. All cat food brands display recommended daily feeding amounts, but you should use this as a general guide, not a hard and fast rule. If your cat is not currently doing much exercise, you can feed them less. Remember to talk to your veterinarian to make sure you're getting the right balance.

2.Arrange regular game sessions

One of the best ways to help your cat stay slim and healthy is to make sure you play with them regularly. Cats tend to follow a hunting, eating, grooming and sleeping cycle. By encouraging your cat to play regularly, you can help raise their heart rate and burn calories. Use a variety of toys, such as fishing rod toys and plush toys filled with catnip. You can even use a hunting toy filled with a small amount of food to encourage your cat to chase and hunt.

3.Take your cat for a walk

Some cats will enjoy the excitement and interest of a walk. Start by walking a short distance around a safe area, such as your backyard, to see how your cat responds. If they are having fun, consider taking them further afield. Some cats even enjoy road trips and hikes with their families!

4.Switch to lean cat treats

Cats love treats, and they're great for keeping cats motivated during training. But instead of using high-calorie snacks, switch to lean, low-calorie snacks. You can even break certain types of snacks into smaller pieces. Remember to factor in treats when calculating your cat's daily caloric intake and reduce their meal size accordingly.

5.Provide enough water

Some cats will actually eat when they are more thirsty than hungry. Because cats don’t have a high thirst drive, they don't always drink enough. Providing a range of different water bowls is a great way to make sure your cat is drinking enough. Cats often like to drink from a moving water source, so investing in a cat water fountain is a good idea.

6.Switch to normal meal times

Instead of leaving dry food outside and letting your cat graze throughout the day, consider switching to regular mealtimes. This will help you control how much your cat eats, which means it's easier to monitor their calorie intake. If you're away from home during the day, consider purchasing an automatic feeder that dispenses small amounts of food at preset intervals.