Cats are often dubbed independent, self-reliant animals. But when caring for their health, they need your help in receiving everything from proper nutrition to the right portions. Feline health nowadays is not free from weight-related problems. The “chonky cat” stricken memes are a witty addition to our social media, but obesity remains the leading cause of declining health in domestic cats. Keeping your cat’s weight in check largely depends on the right portions, healthy food choices, adequate hydration, daily exercise, and moderate treats. This article will walk you through every aspect needed for portion control mastery.
Understanding the Mechanism of Weight in Cats
When you begin to maintain an ideal weight for your cat, understanding the mechanisms of its weight comes first. Various features affect weight drastically or secondarily in cats. Here are a few things to look out for and consider when you are trying to get your cat to stay at a healthy weight.
Portion Control in Meals
Portion control is the most fundamental aspect of managing a cat’s weight because the pet in itself has no cognizance of how much it should be eating. Cats are very likely to eat more than they should and even continue eating after they are full if their portions are uncontrolled. Take care of only the daily calorie intake and divide it into meals throughout the day to give the cats only what they need instead of what they want. Avoid keeping food out all day since this is a very risky activity that can fuel obesity.
Overfeeding and Underfeeding
Overfeeding and underfeeding remain the worst issues of feeding when you do not assign certain portions or do not plan balanced meals properly. It can cause drastic fluctuations in the feline’s weight. Prevent your cat from getting more than their fill throughout the day and only give measured portions. To underfeeding, which can cause malnutrition, ensure you have drafted a balanced diet chart to ensure your cat gets the nutrition it needs.
Fattening and Harmful Foods
There are certain foods that your cat should not be given. Cats are susceptible to gaining weight when they eat high-calorie or fattening foods. Ensure they do not get more than they need of these. Lastly, do not serve your cat foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, etc. Research them thoroughly to avoid them at all costs.
How Essential Are Treats for Cats in Portion Control and Weight Management?
Treats are one of the most important parts of a cat’s diet. Most cats eagerly look forward to being given a little treat between meals. It can be a rewarding or an affectionate act. However, treats are more than just a little indulgence for your cat. They are apt for keeping underfeeding and overfeeding at bay when given in the right amounts throughout the day.
Here are some key reasons that make occasionally providing cats with treats vital.
- Serves as Light Snack
Treats serve as the right light snack between meals. It does not fill them a lot so that they would miss a meal, but it keeps them satisfied until the next meal. Opt for treats that are high in calories and are without harmful fillers. For instance, you can get your cat the INABA Churu Cat Treats that hydrate, nourish, and keep your pet fulfilled between meals. These treats have no grains or preservatives that can harm your cat.
- Prevents Obesity
As mentioned before, cats are likely to gain weight faster. Treats between meals help them feel satisfied until they can eat again. This is a big factor in preventing obesity or malnutrition in your cat.
- Cures Constant Greed
Cats are very likely to be greedy for food. Many pet owners cannot keep calm when they see their cat looking at them with big eyes that beg for more food every hour. Treats cater to this constant greed by satisfying the cat and relieving the owner of the emotional burden.
Healthy Habits That Promote Ideal Weight
In addition to well-balanced portions and inculcation of good eating habits, there are certain weight management habits that you, as the pet parent, can adopt for the betterment of your cat’s health. Here is the tabular form of these habits-
| Healthy Weight Management Habits | Positive Impact |
| Regular Playing and Exercising | These activities burn enough calories in cats and improve their muscle strength. |
| Measuring Treats | It prevents cats’ excessive calorie intake. |
| Interactive Feeding | This practice engages the cat and lets it eat slower |
| Maintaining Consistent Feeding Times | It establishes routine and prevents over-eating. |
| Adequate Hydration | It supports better digestion. |
| Stress Management | Proper stress management strategies help reduce stress eating in felines. |
| Monitoring Weight | It allows early detection of weight gain or loss in cats. |
Conclusion
Mastery over portion control does not come in a day, but regular practice of healthy nutrition and effective weight management techniques can keep your cat healthy in the long run. Being careful with treats, monitoring your cat’s weight, and managing the portions well will help your feline companion lead a better life.
