Overweight cat and diets

Question
My cat went to the vet today and she's 19 pounds. She needs to lose around 5 pounds according to the vet's assessment. However, other than tell my husband to give her "diet" food, he didn't really explain on how to go about it (my husband doesn't ask my questions).

We are a two cat household. The overweight cat is about 6 and her sister is a senior cat (around 12 years old). The senior cat is not fat.

What is the safest way to go about cat dieting? Should I aim to reduce her calories by what percentage? Is an all wet food diet better in this case?

Both cats eat a diet of half wet/half dry food. The dry food she's currently eating is EVO Herring Meal (50% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiber, 482kcal/4.5oz). The wet food varies.

Thanks so much!

Answer
Tatiana  -

Indoor cats often gain weight after they have been spayed or/neutered. Cats have a slower metabolism and need to be active  - they should be hunting for their food, climbing trees, etc.  With that being said, we (cat owners) have changed the way cats live - they are now served their food and do not climb trees or run around as they should.

Cats are obligate meat eaters.  They need meat to be healthy.  Feed your cats a canned food diet and small amounts of dry because cats like to graze.  

Canned food is lower in calories per serving that dry cat food.  Dry cat food is higher in carbohydrates than canned food.  Cats need protein in order to be healthy and do not require the large amounts of carbs founb in dry cat food.

Feeding high quality diet such as EVO or Science Diet are very good ways to promote weight loss in cats.  

Increase your cats activity by engaging her in games like chasing furry balls or chasing feathers.  

Good luck with the weight loss - remember not to starve your cat with exceptionally low calories - your cat needs to have a healthy amount of calories in order to stay healthy.  Heavy cats that experience low caloric amounts may develop a damaged liver - make sure you give your kitty enough canned food to satisfy your cat.  Leave dry cat food out during the day  for the cat graze on.

Cats that are fed canned food are more active which will also lead to weight loss.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM