Canberra Cat Vet Blog

Cats lose weight mainly by reduced food intake, but increased physical activity (even in cats!) is also of crucial importance.

Earlier this month we discussed organising your cat's environment to promote weight loss.

Researchers from the University of Ilinois have also found that increasing the frequency of meals per day (while still keeping portions small) and adding water to those meals also promoted more physical activity in cats.

Reduced food intake and more exercise are the keys to weight loss in cats. But how do I make my cat exercise more? you ask...

1. Use fun toys instead of food as a treat - focus on items that will really get your cat moving, like a stringed feather on a pole that your cat will never get tired of swatting at

2. Use vertical spaces in your home to encourage jumping. This could be a window sill, set of empty shelves or a cat tree.

3. Separate food and water bowls so your cat has to get up and burn energy to get from one to the other - using the vertical space works well here 

4. Invest in a laser pointer - even the laziest cats find it hard to resist. Do provide a small reward like a piece of kibble for all that effort at the end

5. Hide and seek - place your cat's food around the house - make him work hard for his dinner!