Help my cat is too fat

*A cat is designed to hunt and defend its territory so they are lean, muscular creatures with incredible agility and grace.

*The average cat should weigh about 4kgs or 9lbs. Larger breeds such as British Shorthairs or Maine Coons can weigh about 4-6kgs.

*You cannot exercise a cat as you would a human or a dog except to try playing with them for at least 20 minutes a day if they are indoor cats with various toys or laser lights on the wall.

*Diet is the only form of control that works in cats. Whichever diet food one you choose, it is vital that you reduce your cat's weight very slowly.

*Always choose a diet brand that is very similar to the food they normally eat.

*Weigh out exactly how much your cat should have each day and stick to it. Cut out extra treats and snacks.

*Use reducing diets, not maintenance light varieties to get your cat to lose the weight. Maintenance light foods are to maintain a large cat once he has lost his weight.

*Try to reduce his weight by 1kg or 2.2lbs at a time. This may take a few weeks or even a few months - depending on whether your cat has found another source of food down the road. Should this be the case, try to write on your cat's collar that he/she is on a special diet and is not to be fed or post notes around the neighbourhood..

*You will be doing him a big favour by reducing his weight to around the normal levels of 4kgs or 9lbs. Obesity in cats, as in humans is associated with the same complications - diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and even something as basic as badly matted, dandruffy fur over their back as they are unable to groom properly.

*Book your cat in to us if you are very concerned - we are here to help your pet.

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