Exercising Your Cat for Weight Loss

What is obesity?

Obesity is an excess of body fat. Cats that weigh 20% or more above their ideal body weight are considered obese. Obesity can affect the body in several ways:

• Fat cells release chemicals that promote inflammation, leading to stress and inflammation within the body.
• Various hormonal imbalances may occur, and the risk of diabetes increases. 
• Obesity makes it more difficult for cats to move around, which can lead to further weight gain and a decreased quality of life. It can also worsen mobility problems associated with osteoarthritis.

How can obesity be treated?

Obesity occurs when a cat consumes more calories than they use. Effective weight loss typically requires two changes:

• Reduce calorie intake. Feeding an appropriate calorie-controlled diet and measuring portions helps prevent overfeeding. Your veterinarian will help you select the best diet and meal portions for your cat’s needs.
• Increase calorie expenditure. Increasing your cat’s daily exercise helps them burn more calories and supports weight loss.

How can I encourage my cat to exercise?

Cats are predatory animals that evolved to be active hunters. However, many cats now live a sedentary indoor lifestyle because owners provide their food and there are few opportunities to hunt. To help an indoor cat burn more calories, you need to encourage activity and exercise inside the home. Cats have individual preferences, so you may need to try several activities to find ones your cat enjoys. Here are some options:

Create an agility course for your cat. Although many people think of agility training as a dog’s sport, cats can be very good at it. Use various household items to create an obstacle course in your home, then use a highly desirable toy or treat to lure your cat over, under, and through the obstacles. Not all cats will enjoy this activity, but those that do can get exercise while having fun.

Use toys to recreate hunting behaviors. Most cats retain some hunting instincts. You can use these instincts to your advantage by finding toys that encourage hunting behaviors, such as wand teasers, realistic toy prey animals that make chirping or squeaking sounds, and battery-operated toys that move in unpredictable patterns.

Set up a cat tree to promote climbing. Most cats love cat trees and will eagerly climb to the highest resting spot to have a good view of their home. As your cat climbs, they will be getting exercise and burning calories. If your cat is hesitant, place a bit of kibble on each level of the cat tree. This may encourage them to climb and explore and help them start using the cat tree on their own.

Allow your cat to safely explore the outdoors. If you have a backyard, you can install cat-proof fencing to help keep your cat in and other animals out. You can also build a "catio" enclosure if you cannot install a fence. If neither option is possible, gradually introduce your cat to a leash and harness for supervised walks. Always supervise your cat while outdoors.

Turn mealtime into an activity. Hide portions of your cat’s meal around the house, such as behind the sofa, on stairs, or on chairs and window ledges, to encourage your cat to “hunt” for their food. Puzzle feeders encourage activity, as they require your cat to  push, dig, or slide parts of the feeder to dispense kibble. They also provide mental stimulation. Start your cat with simple puzzles to prevent frustration, then gradually introduce more complex ones.

Your cat may not be receptive to all these suggestions, but trying different activities can help you find several they enjoy. Increased activity can help your cat burn more calories and support weight loss when combined with an appropriate diet.