How do I feed my older, inactive cat?
To know the best way to move forward nutritionally for your older, inactive cat, it is important to first work with your veterinarian to determine the potential cause of their inactivity. There could be a medical reason why your cat is slowing down.
For instance, some cats are inactive due to metabolic diseases like heart disease or diabetes mellitus. Other cats are less active due to pain from osteoarthritis (OA). Approximately 20% of all cats, and 80%–90% of aging cats, suffer from painful OA. It is easy for cat owners to mistakenly presume that the signs of OA are simply signs that the cat is “getting old.”
- Cats tend to be stoic about their pain and try to maintain their daily routine. As their OA progresses, their activity will decrease over time.
- OA is an insidious disease that progresses over time, so signs develop gradually. Losing the ability to be active, losing stamina, losing interest in family activities – all are potential signs of pain, but they can be difficult to see when they come on slowly.
Other conditions that might be responsible for decreased activity levels in cats include increased body weight (obesity), respiratory conditions, and anemia.
Once your veterinarian has assessed your cat’s health, they can help you determine an optimal nutritional strategy.
How can I prevent my cat from gaining weight if they aren’t as active?
More than 60% of cats in North America are overweight or obese, so it’s important to pay attention to the balance between activity and calorie intake. The first step in preventing weight gain is to talk to your veterinarian for guidance about a few things:
- What nutrient formulation is most appropriate for my cat at their current stage of life?
- How much should my cat be fed at each meal?
- How many times a day should my cat be fed?
- How can I increase my cat’s activity?
Once you have chosen a diet and calculated a reasonable portion based on the food’s caloric density and your cat’s specific calorie requirements, the best way to prevent unwanted weight gain is to combine portion control with regular weight checks. These checks provide accountability and help prevent unplanned weight gain and weight loss. The more frequently a cat’s weight is checked, the quicker you will notice subtle changes in weight and your veterinary team can adjust your cat’s feeding plan before they gain excessive weight.
Portion control is important. If your cat is less active, they expend less energy throughout the day, making their energy intake requirements less. Appropriate portions help ensure your cat maintains an ideal body weight or doesn’t continue to gain more weight. Depending on your cat’s body condition score, they may require a prescription weight loss diet to bring them to a more ideal body condition and help with their energy levels.
You can also help keep your cat at a healthy weight by incorporating some exercise suitable for your cat. Interactive toys can be used to encourage exercise and mental stimulation. Automatic feeders along with food dispensing toys can also be helpful by rationing out the desired amount of food and providing meals at different times of the day or getting their bodies moving during mealtimes.
It is important to seek guidance from your veterinary team to formulate the most appropriate nutrition plan for your cat. Simply feeding them less of their current food may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Should I choose foods marked “light,” “lower calorie,” or “weight control?”
Unfortunately, cat food marketing is filled with statements that sometimes over-promise about weight management. And the nutrient information provided on the bag is only a small piece of the puzzle when determining whether a diet is appropriate for your cat. Your veterinarian can help you sort through the hype as you choose a formula that best fits your cat’s needs.
“Light,” “lower calorie,” and “weight control” diets are best for cats that are prone to obesity but that currently have an ideal body condition score (such as inactive cats), and cats that have successfully completed a weight loss plan and now need to maintain their ideal weight. Regardless of the diet you feed, portion control is essential.
Which snacks or treats can I give to help keep my cat lean?
Talk to your veterinarian about the most appropriate snacks for your cat. This is an opportunity for them to provide input and guidance based on the nutrient analysis of the treats you are considering and provide you with the right amount of treats to offer your cat.
There are many prescription treats made specifically for weight loss. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie requirements. Choosing treats that are lower in calories per treat can allow you to offer more treats throughout the day, versus one or two high-calorie treats. Offering many low-calorie treats can be especially helpful for cats that are very food motivated and beg throughout the day.
Alternatively, you can use your cat’s kibble as a treat by setting aside some of their daily allotment of food, allowing for multiple treats throughout the day, without any additional calories. Another treat option is water-based vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Some cats like frozen vegetables right out of the freezer because they are crunchy and cold. Another good snack option is air-popped popcorn with no butter or salt.
