The first step a pet parent needs to take when creating a weight reduction plan is establishing a goal.
This can be a little tricky as the average weight of a cat varies depending on the breed. For the majority of domestic cats, somewhere between 3.5kg and 5kg is generally considered a healthy weight. Size guides can be found online, but it may be a good idea to take your feline to a vet for a check-up first if you’re concerned. Once you have determined how much weight your cat needs to lose, you need to settle on a timeframe. Take things slow and steady. You want your cat to lose weight gradually, over an extensive period of time. Rushing a weight loss programme, or severely limiting their calories, will only result in further health complications.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s safe for felines to lose around 1% of their bodyweight per week until they reach their target weight. So, if your feline weighs 7kg and your goal is for them to lose 2kg, having them drop 70g a week is where you will need to start.
Take note of your cat’s weight every two weeks. This will ensure you know whether they’re remaining on track, and provide you with the information needed to recalculate the amount of calories you’re feeding them.
Any diet you do feed your feline should always be complete, well-balanced, and packed full of goodness.
Encore recommends feeding your cat a mix of dry and wet food so they’re receiving a complete diet that is varied in tastes and textures. Both can be utilised effectively in any weight loss plan.
Portion control is easy with kibble – just make sure you’re not leaving full bowls out all day for them to graze on. Wet food on the other hand, has fewer calories, and all that extra moisture will help keep them fuller for longer.
Encore recipes are made with 100% natural ingredients and up to 75% real meat. They’re seriously tasty, too.
Chicken Breast with Brown Rice in Broth Pouch, Tuna Fillet in Broth Tin and Chicken Breast with Tuna Roe in Broth Pot are just some of the mouth-watering meals your cat will absolutely love.
Treats are another part of a feline’s diet we need to pay close attention to. Too many unhealthy snacks and it won’t be long before your cat’s weight begins to balloon.
Encore loins are natural, tasty, and rich in taurine and essential omega oils. The perfect treat for a well-behaved feline!
Even if you’re transitioning your cat on to a healthier diet, don’t rush the switch. Some cats have extremely sensitive stomachs, so plan on giving them at least a week or two to adjust to new ingredients.