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My cat is overweight. What are the best feeding tips for weight loss?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 10 years and 9 months old | 14 lbs

My cat Snowball weighs around 15.6 lbs.I need some weight loss tips : feeding tips ; wet food or dry food or both for weight loss??

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 5th, 2019

Thanks for more information! Wet food has fewer calories that dry food due to the higher moisture content, so I'd recommend wet food for Snowball. Do not free feed, give him food twice a day at set times, and feed him according to the instructions on the can of food. No treats at all and no human food. I see he's an older boy, so he may not be into playing, but you can look at trying to get him more active with some toys. I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Have Snowball examined by your veterinarian first to diagnose and treat any underlying medical causes for the weight gain or lack of weight loss.
Feed a good quality canned food. Choose one with a named protein source of animal origin. Avoid minced foods or foods with sauces. Pate diets, or foods that come from the can looking like a hockey puck,
are best. These contain high levels of carbohydrates which cats do not need. For the same reason, avoid feeding dry food. If you have to switch the diet, do it gradually to prevent stomach upset. Limit or eliminate treats from the diet until Snowball reaches a healthy weight.
Increase exercise, if possible, using interactive toys. Monitor weight weekly and adjust the diet and activity accordingly.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 25th, 2018
Since he was an alley cat he is of the opinion that he has to eat whatever he can get, because there is no guarantee that he will have enough food tomorrow. This is a habit that very likely will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Since he eats tuna, you may want to try feeding him Fancy Feast tuna and related flavors. Warm up the food a little in the microwave as it develops a more intensive aroma. For losing weight, reserve about 1/2 hour a day for playing with him. You also may want to get one of the feeding balls (food dispensing cat toys) which take dry food. He would have to play with the ball to get his food, one kibble by one kibble. Do not free feed. Your kitty should lose about 1% of his body weight per week. You can arrange weighing at your vet's, usually for free.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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