- Evaluate Progress Frequently
Keep a written record of your food intake (including all snacks), physical activity, and weekly weight. Every week, weigh your cat on the same scale at the same time of day. It can be useful to plot this information (dates and weights) on a graph.
Remember that you may have ‘plateaus,’ where your cat appears to be stuck at a given weight. This is quite common. Do not give up, but continue with the weight loss regimen, making certain that no one in the household is ‘cheating.’
The average monthly weight loss for a healthy adult is 0.5 pounds. Ideally, your cat should lose about a pound every month. Some cats may need to go slower, while others may need to lose weight faster.
- Refrain from Begging
Changes should be made gradually and at your cat’s pace, but feeding less frequently can encourage your cat to vocalize and engage in other attention-seeking behaviors in order to beg for food.
It is critical not to cave in if you are following the weight loss regimen correctly, your cat has access to plenty of fresh water, and there are no underlying health issues. Remember that you’re doing this to improve your cat’s general health and enjoyment of life.
