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Encouraging Cats to Work for Their Food May Promote Weight Loss

Foraging Felines


                Obesity in pets is a growing problem (no pun intended!) in the United States.  Fifty-eight percent of cats are considered to be overweight.  Obese cats have an increased risk for diabetes, joint issues, skin problems and other problems that can impact their overall quality of life and their lifespans.   It can be difficult to achieve weight loss in cats, especially those who are relatively sedentary indoor cats.  Free feeding high carbohydrate dry foods can also lead to weight gain in cats.

 Some veterinarians are advocating a different approach to feeding cats which may reduce obesity as well as provide mental stimulation and enrichment.  Cats are born and bred to be predators.  They want to hunt for their food.  They also typically eat several small meals a day rather than constantly having food available or eating only one or two meals per day. 

One example of this type of feeding is a novel product invented by Dr. Elizabeth Bales called the NoBowl feeding system for cats.  NoBowl is a device similar to a Buster Cube, an interactive toy that dispenses treats or food.  Kibble is put into the toy and the cat must play with and move the toy around to dispense the food.  Shaped like a mouse, it has a plush cover and “tail” to simulate prey.  The ideal way to use the device is to fill several with food and hide them around the house to stimulate hunting and “killing” prey. 

Certainly, there are other ways to follow this concept of having cats work for their food—offering canned food, feeding 3 or 4 small meals a day, using another foraging toy or making your own are all options for exploring this type of feeding.

This new idea of feeding multiple small meals or having cats forage for food may take some getting used to, but it could be an option for some cats.  Changing the way we think about feeding our felines may serve not only to reduce weight but also may keep cats more active, less stressed and healthier. 

Encouraging exercise with interactive play by having cats chase a string or laser light, throwing toys for them to “fetch” or other activities can also help keep your kitty trim. 

If your cat is overweight, talk to one of our vets about the best diets, feeding the proper amount and other tips to help your cat lose weight to keep her happy and healthy.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities. 

Please note: Patton Veterinary Hospital has no claim to the NoBowl product and does not necessarily advocate its use.   I simply found it to be an interesting concept and wanted to pass it on!  Dr. W

Source:   “Make Cats Work for Their Meal,” by Steve Dale in Veterinary Practice News, January 2017

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