Five Feeding Faults That Cause Feline Obesity

As cats mature beyond their youthful years, they often become less active, spending less time playing, hunting, or exploring outside. This natural reduction in activity can lead to weight gain, causing obesity and related health complications. Understanding common feeding mistakes can help prevent your cat from becoming overweight at any age. Here are five frequent feeding errors that cat owners make, along with practical advice to avoid them and promote responsible pet care.

1. Feeding Too Many Snacks and Treats

Cats are often enthusiastic snackers and may beg for bits of your own food or treats from a jar. While treats can be a useful training aid—such as encouraging your cat to come when called—it’s important to stick to the manufacturer's recommended portion sizes. Avoid giving your cat human food, even if it seems healthy like fish or meat, as these may be too fatty or contain additives that contribute to weight gain.

2. Giving the Wrong Kind of Treats

Cats sometimes develop unusual tastes and may favour foods like crisps or cheese, which are unsuitable and calorie-dense. Commercial cat treats can also be high in sugar and salt, which might make your cat refuse healthier options. Opt for natural, low-fat treats like dried chicken pieces that are more aligned with a cat’s nutritional needs. This encourages healthier eating habits and helps maintain an ideal weight.

3. Feeding Overly Large Portions of Supplemental Food

Many owners feed both dry food that the cat grazes on, and supplemental wet food meals. It is crucial to measure these portions carefully. Overfeeding wet food can encourage gorging, especially if it’s a particularly favoured type. Tailor meal sizes to your cat’s age, weight, and activity level, and consult your vet for portion size recommendations to prevent excess calorie intake.

4. Withholding Food and Restricting Grazing

Cats naturally prefer to eat small amounts throughout the day, which helps regulate their appetite. Restricting food to set meal times without allowing access otherwise may cause your cat to overeat during those limited opportunities. Providing free access to measured amounts of food and fresh water encourages balanced eating patterns and reduces the risk of obesity caused by overeating.

5. Sharing Bowls Among Multiple Cats

In multi-cat households, feeding cats side by side can lead to dominance and food stealing. The dominant cat may eat more than their portion, while others may not get enough. To avoid this, consider supervised feeding, providing meals in separate spaces or rooms, and removing leftover food. This prevents overfeeding and ensures every cat receives their proper nutrition.

Preventing obesity is easier than reversing it. Regularly monitoring your cat’s weight, ideally twice yearly, will help detect any unwanted gain early. By following these five feeding guidelines, you can promote a healthy weight and a happier life for your feline friend.