A message from the Laramie Animal Shelter:

“No one like to carry around extra pounds, not even your cat.  More than half of all companion cats are overweight or obese.  This has profound and measurable negative impacts on quality and duration of life. 

If you have been procrastinating about thinning down your companion cat, maybe 2020 is the year to get this done.  It IS possible!  Here are 10 things to do to help your Fluffy companion be a little less Fluffy before the new year arrives.

1. Start with a trip to the vet.  Your veterinarian can evaluate the amount of weight your cat needs to lose, and they can give you some guidance.  They can also reveal any underlying issues that might prevent success.
2. Take a good, hard look at your portions and the calories involved.  Don’t forget to account for treats and snacks.  Remember that cats only need 20-30 calories per pound of body weight per day.  Check the side of that bag to make sure you are not overfeeding your Fluffy friend.
3. Consider switching to a low-calorie food to help Fluffy get the nutrients she needs without all the added calories.
4. Eliminate “free choice” feeding.  Cats tend to graze so kitties allowed to free feed often overeat.  Provide Fluffy with a measured portion for a measured time.  If she doesn’t eat the portion in the time frame, pick up what remains.  Don’t feed another portion until the next meal is due.
5. Satisfy her inner hunter.  Take Fluffy’s portion and distribute it around the house in secret locations.  Make her “hunt” for her food.  This will keep her mentally stimulated and will also cause her to exercise to find her food.
6. Cut the snacks.  Snacks and treats tend to be high calorie and low nutrient.  Everyone knows owners often like to show their love with a treat or snack.  Consider showing your loves with pets and affection instead.
7. Shake up the routine by getting a feeding ball for Fluffy.  Similar to hunting for her food, the feeding ball makes her work a bit for her meals.  It’s mentally stimulating and physically beneficial.
8. Try some HIIT training.  High Intensity Interval Training works for people and it works for cats too.  Cats prefer quick bursts of exercise.  Work some in through the day with short, exciting play sessions.
9. Consider a walk.  Yes, a walk.  Many cats can learn to appreciate a walk outside with owners.  Harness and leash is the way to go.  Start out in a quieter location Fluffy is likely to find safe and comfortable and expand her horizons from there.
10. Mix up the play time.  Nobody likes playing with the same toys, all alone, with no friends.  Mix up the toy offerings and make sure to use toys that involve interaction with humans like rope toys and laser pointers.

By implementing these techniques and counting success in ounces, rather than pounds, owners can help their cat live their best life as a lean, mean, laser tag machine.  Take the challenge and let your success be the accomplishment of YOUR 2020!”