Shed Pounds & Increase Your Cat's Quality of Life

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Is your cat’s belly rubbing on the ground? Your veterinarian will be able to confirm that your cat is simply in need of a diet vs. battling a real health concern, such as trouble with her thyroid or something more serious. If she is in need of a diet, follow these steps towards optimal health.
Step 1:

Ask your vet for a recommendation on brand and type of food. Most likely, that inexpensive dry food you’ve been giving your cat is full of carbohydrates, when it should be high in meat and protein. The vet can also recommend the right reduction in the amount of food for your cat.

Step 2:

Measure out your cat’s food using a measuring device that shows ounces. Be exact!

Step 3:

When feeding your cat, place the food in her bowl in the same location at two times during the day. After about 30 minutes, pick up the bowl, whether or not she has eaten. Cats should not be allowed to “graze” on their food throughout the day and she will pick up on this soon enough.

Step 4:

For now, cut out all treats, even if your cat is whining and making noise. (In fact, especially if your cat is whining and making noise, as giving her treats will actually reward her behavior.) If it’s absolutely killing you not to give her treats, you can give her small portions of cooked cut chicken or fish every now and then.

Step 5:

It’s not enough to diet; your cat needs exercise too. Consider leash training her and taking her on walks outdoors. You can also play indoors with a variety of toys. Cats enjoy batting at a stick with a feather attached but should also play with toys that encourage running and chasing, such as balls. At the very least, purchase a climbing post to encourage her to burn a few calories.

Step 6:

If possible, consider adopting another cat. Solitary cats don’t get nearly as much exercise for the simple fact that they have no playmate to run and wrestle with. If your lifestyle will allow it, a new cat might be a great addition to your family.

After about 3 weeks of your cat’s new lifestyle, weigh her to see if she’s lost any weight. As she makes her way towards her ideal weight, you can alter the feeding amounts that you had initially reduced. You will need to keep up the exercise routine to help her maintain her ideal weight.
About this Author:
This article was written by Collin Walker and provided by pet-super-store.com which is an online pet shop that is featuring dog car seat covers and dog carriers this month.
View more information and all guides by Collin Walker

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