by Irene Schomacker, DVM

Q How are my cat’s dietary needs different from a dog’s?

A Because cats are cute and cuddly it’s easy to forget that they are also natural predators. Household cats, as well as their wild relatives, are “obligate carnivores”, meaning they should eat an all meat diet. They require high levels of protein to sustain optimal health and well-being. In fact, cats have four times the protein requirements of dogs or people. In addition, cats have a shorter GI tract and possess only 10% the digestive enzymes of dogs.. This is ideal for breaking down protein, but makes it difficult for them to break down carbohydrates.

Q How does this affect my cat’s weight?

A Since cats aren’t efficient at breaking down carbohydrates, their bodies store excess carbs as fat, which can lead to feline obesity.

Q What does obesity mean to my cat’s health?

A Feline obesity is considered one of the most common health problems for household pets. Just like people, obesity can lead to more serious conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and fatty liver, just to name a few.

Q How much should my cat weigh?

A Your cat’s weight will vary depending on gender, age, skeletal structure, activity level, and breed. Many veterinarians use a scale called a Body Condition Score (BCS) to determine the ideal weight for your cat.

Q How much should my cat weigh?

A Your cat’s weight will vary depending on gender, age, skeletal structure, activity level, and breed. Many veterinarians use a scale called a Body Condition Score (BCS) to determine the ideal weight for your cat.

Q My cat’s belly hangs down low. Does this mean he’s overweight?

A Not necessarily. This is a common place for cats to carry some fat. What you want to look for is whether or not the ribs and spine can be readily felt with your fingers without a lot of pressure. A slight fat covering is normal. This should be checked during your cat’s annual well visit by a veterinarian.

Q What type of food should I feed my cat?

A   A low carbohydrate, high protein diet is best for cats. Because dry diets require carbohydrate binders during the baking process to form kibbles, an all canned, or “wet” diet is generally recommended.

Q How much should my cat weigh? Isn’t dry food better for my cat’s teeth?

A The truth is cats don’t really chew their food. Cats’ teeth are serrated like a knife and designed for ripping and tearing (remember you’re feeding a highly adapted killing machine). Your cat is only going to crunch the pellets into smaller pieces, or swallow them whole. The dry kibbles bypass their teeth altogether, and don’t provide much benefit to dental health. There are, however, special dry cat treats that are formulated to help with tartar build-up and prevent periodontal disease.

Q How much food should I feed my cat?

A This will vary depending on the cat and whether there is a need for him to lose or maintain weight. The key to healthy weight loss is portion control. Guidelines on the package label are a good start, but they may lead you to overfeed and cause unnecessary weight gain. You’ll have to consider the calories per cup of food. For example, a 10 lb. cat needs 220 cal/day to maintain weight, but only 176 cal/day to lose weight. A thorough examination by a veterinarian to determine your cat’s BCS, and create a nutrition plan is your best option.

Q If my cat is overweight, how quickly can I expect to see him/her drop pounds?

A A general rule of healthy weight loss is between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds per year. This might not seem like much, but consider that one (1) pound on a ten (10) pound cat is 10% of its body weight. If an overweight cat loses too quickly, it may cause some serious and life threatening conditions like fatty liver disease. Careful monitoring of weight loss by a veterinarian is advised

Q Can I feed my cat meats like chicken or fish?

A  This seems like a good idea, but these foods don’t provide all of the nutrition your cat needs to stay healthy. It’s difficult to supplement a homemade meal with the vitamin and mineral elements of a balanced diet on your own. That’s why a packaged food is really best.

Q How often should I feed my cat?

A  If you currently have food available for your cat at all times, try feeding 2-3 small meals throughout the day. More frequent feedings will help your cat feel more satisfied.

Q Can you use this therapy on pets of all weights?

A Laser therapy can be used on most pets that are five pounds or more.

Q I have one cat that’s too heavy and one that’s too thin. What should I do?

A This is always a challenge for multi-cat households. Try separating the cats during meal times and only feeding the amount of food that is recommended to each cat. Another option is to separate the underweight cat only and provide extra feedings periodically. You might also be able to identify a location where your overweight cat can’t reach the food, but the underweight cats can, i.e., on a counter, table, or window sill.

Q What role does exercise play in feline weight loss?

A  Exercise and playtime not only help your cat lose weight, they can help you bond more closely with your feline companion. The trick is being creative with your cat to find ways to increase his/her activity level.

Exercise Suggestions

• Set aside playtime every morning and/or evening for 5-10 minutes.
• Play with your cat using cat-safe toys like feather ticklers, laser pointers or furry mice. Avoid using your hands or feet to wrestle with your cat. This can lead to other misplaced aggression issues.
• Use your cat’s natural predator instincts to create a “hunt” by hiding his/her food meals in small portions around the house.
• Construct or purchase a cat jungle gym for climbing.

Dr. Irene Schomacker received her Veterinary Degree from Kansas State University in 1980, and established the Cat Clinic of Johnson County in 1985. Her 30 years of experience in feline exclusive medicine have given her a sensitivity to the special needs of cat owners and the bond they share with their cat companions. Dr. Schomacker is a former member of the advisory board for Veterinary Forum Magazine and has published many articles concerning feline health. Visit the Cat Clinic of Johnson County at www.catclinicofjc.com or by phone at 913-541-0478.