Cats have dietary needs that can be surprisingly complex to their owners. When feeding routines go off track, it can lead to a very common problem: feline obesity. The Complete Cat Veterinary Clinic knows that nutrition is one of the most important foundations of feline health. If your cat is starting to look a little rounder around the middle, these common feeding mistakes could be to blame.
Mistake #1: Free-Feeding Your Cat All Day Long
Leaving dry food out 24/7 may seem convenient, but it encourages mindless snacking, especially for indoor cats with limited activity. Over time, this leads to weight gain and can disrupt normal hunger cues.
Establish set mealtimes with measured portions. If your feline walks away from the food, take it away after 15-20 minutes. If your cat prefers grazing, try an automatic feeder that dispenses limited food throughout the day.
Mistake #2: Guessing Portions Instead of Measuring
A scoop here, a pour there, it adds up. Many cat owners unintentionally overfeed simply by not measuring portions accurately.
Use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cup to portion your cat’s meals precisely. Ask your veterinarian what you should be feeding your cat in a day to get a better idea of how to portion. Feeding for cat weight loss should always be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Mistake #3: Too Many Cat Treats (or the Wrong Kinds)
Treats may be small, but they can be shockingly high in calories, especially soft treats and dairy-based snacks. Some cats get 20–30% of their daily calories (or more!) from treats alone, when their daily treat allowance should be less than 10%.
Limit treats, and choose low-calorie options. You can ask your vet what fruits, veggies, or meat would be okay for your cat, too!
Mistake #4: Feeding the Wrong Food for Your Cat’s Age
Kittens, adults, and senior cats all have different nutritional needs. Likewise, cats with conditions like kidney disease or diabetes require special diets. Feeding the wrong formula can lead to weight gain or mask more serious issues.
Always feed a diet appropriate for your cat’s age and health status. A veterinarian would be happy to recommend vet-approved, species-appropriate foods that support your cat’s health.
Mistake #5. Not Adjusting for Your Cat’s Activity Level
Indoor cats typically burn far fewer calories than their outdoor counterparts, yet many are still fed as if they’re climbing trees and chasing prey all day.
Feed for your cat’s actual activity level. If your cat spends most of the day sitting around, they may need a lower-calorie formula and enrichment activities like food puzzles to keep them active.
Safe Cat Weight Loss Services in Brookfield, CT
Overweight cats face increased risks for arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, and a shortened lifespan, but with small, consistent changes, weight gain can be reversed. The Complete Cat Veterinary Clinic has cat weight management services in Brookfield for felines from Newtown, Ridgefield, Brookfield, and neighboring Connecticut areas. Schedule a nutrition consultation at The Complete Cat Veterinary Clinic.