The first thing you should know if you’ve ever wondered “why is my cat fat after giving birth?” is that you’re not alone; cat obesity is a growing issue. Cat owners are correct to be concerned about their overweight cats, which is why more and more of them are complaining to their local veterinarians.
So, is it normal for a cat to still be fat after giving birth?
Yes, is normal for a cat to still be fat after giving birth, however, steps must be taken to get her back to her previous weight before the pregnancy.
Keep reading the article to know more about why your cat is still fat after giving birth.
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Why Is My Cat Still Fat After Giving Birth?
Here are some reasons behind your cat still being fat after giving birth.
1. Increased calory needs
A nursing cat should consume up to four times as much as a regular cat.
Cats having two or more kittens require at least three times the average amount of calories.
A 10-pound cat nursing at least four babies should consume approximately 603 calories per day, whereas a 15-pound cat nursing at least four kittens should consume approximately 851 calories per day.
Certain aspects of the kittens, such as their size and age, have an impact on the calorie requirements of mother cats.
Mama cat’s calorie requirements will rise as the kittens develop and require more calories. When the kittens are around four weeks old, this normally peaks.
A breastfeeding cat should be fed a high-protein, energy-dense, vitamin-and-mineral-rich diet.
Kitten food is the ideal sort of food for mama cats since it is high in important nutrients and helps the kittens develop.
Canned kitten food is also easily digestible and contains calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone formation in kittens.
Mama cats should also have access to dry food or kibble throughout the day, which should be moistened with a little water.
Mama cats need to stay hydrated when feeding their litter, therefore a constant supply of clean, fresh water should be provided throughout the day.
The sixth to seventh week after labor is when mama cats demand the most nourishment. Because the kittens are approaching the weaning stage, they are consuming more of the mama cat’s food.
The kittens may be progressively transferred to solid food at around four weeks old, while veterinarians urge that they consume their mother’s milk until they are nine weeks old.
2. Uncontrolled Eating
Simply put, your cat is eating more calories than it is burning off, which is why it became fat after giving birth.
Due to their propensity to become less mobile when not sufficiently stimulated, home cats are more likely to experience this issue.
Your cat won’t lose weight if it lives a sedentary, sluggish lifestyle. Just like with humans, dieting and exercise are the most effective ways for cats to lose weight.
By regulating the quantity and quality of cat food your pet consumes, you may prevent their calorie intake from skyrocketing and making them obese.
Afterward, by including natural exercise into its daily routine, your cat will gradually become more active and burn calories more quickly.
Although it might seem like an obvious choice, the best approach to lower your cat’s weight is with this potent mixture.
Additionally, conditions including diabetes, cancer, and skin issues were linked to obesity. Cats that live indoors and are less active have a higher likelihood of being overweight.
Despite the fact that dry foods and diets high in carbs are sometimes held responsible for cats gaining weight, research has shown that calorie intake is more crucial than the type of food consumed.
Must Read: What To Feed Mother Cat After Giving Birth?
How Can I Get My Cat To Lose Weight After Pregnancy?
Here are some you can take to get your cat to lose weight after pregnancy: –
1. Hide Their Meals And Litter Box
After giving birth, indoor cats frequently show little interest in exercising, which adds to their weight issues.
By shifting your cat’s food bowl and litter box around the room, you can promote greater mobility.
Put them somewhere new every day so your cat has to look for them and gets some exercise in the process.
If your home has more than one level, you may put them on the floor where they spend the least amount of time or on different floors so that they must frequently use the stairs.
2. Use A Treat Toy Or Feeding Ball
Cats won’t hesitate to work hard for rewards. Purchase or manufacture reward toys and feeding balls so your cat will work up an appetite in exchange for a tasty treat.
They not only make mealtime into playtime, but they also stimulate the body and mind. These toys help slow down how rapidly your cat eats since they dispense food gradually.
Your cat can stay entertained while earning her dinner by using one of the various interactive feeders and reward puzzles available.
Interactive feeders and toys stimulate the mind and body of your cat. To get a treat or piece of dry food, your cat must roll them about, which encourages mobility.
An indoor hunting feeder enables cats to “hunt,” “catch,” and “play” with their food.
You should be able to locate a wand toy that even the laziest cat will get moving for because there are so many fantastic ones available right now.
To choose the ideal wand toy for your cat, pay attention to how it plays.
Some cats prefer to hunt on the ground and prefer toys that skitter around the floor, while others prefer to hunt in the air and would prefer a toy that flies. Make your cat’s play unique to encourage them to move about.
3. Spread Out Meals
If you just feed your cat once a day, this routine may lead to overeating. Instead, think about spreading their typical quantity of food over a few feedings.
Your cat won’t become overly hungry at one particular time of day if you give her several modest meals throughout the day.
If you’re progressively reducing how much you feed your cat, this tactic can also be helpful.
Giving your cat more opportunities to feed will prevent them from howling from hunger if you’re reducing their calorie intake.
Interesting Read: Why Is My Nursing Cat Always Hungry?
4. Use Automatic Feeder
An automatic feeder is another resource that cat owners can employ to combat obesity.
Even if you aren’t home, an automatic feeder delivers food at a certain time each day, measuring and controlling the number of calories your cat consumes.
To prevent overeating, use a feeder that opens according to a timer rather than your cat’s behavior.
5. Add Water Or Replace With Water
Even though they are receiving less food than previously, your cat will feel satisfied if you add some water to their food.
Increase the amount of water you add to their meal if you’re feeding them dehydrated food.
Dehydration is a problem that cats frequently have, therefore adding water helps them stay more hydrated. For the same result, you can also add water to canned or wet food.
If your cat is still begging for food when it is not mealtime, you might want to give them some fresh water.
Your cat will learn to drink more water if you just give them a sip when you offer it, which will help them avoid hunger for a little while longer.
As an alternative, you might give your pet low-calorie hydrating treats like Instant Goat’s Milk.
It increases the feeling of fullness in your cat, contains probiotics that aid the digestive system, gives their routine a little more flavor, and only adds 10 calories per serving.
6. Play With Them
Cats are innately playful animals. Aim to play with your cat for at least 30 minutes every day, using a variety of toys.
This improves their calorie burn while also strengthening your relationship. To ensure you don’t forget it, include this time on your daily “to-do” list.
Try rewarding your cat with play instead of food if they frequently whine for food. Once they have your full attention, some cats will lose the urge to eat.
7. Go For A Walk
Pet strolls are not only for canines! If your cat is of the correct temperament, it can also benefit from a walk around the neighborhood.
For a cat, experts advise using a harness and leash rather than a collar. As they become accustomed to the leash, teach them to enjoy the process by rewarding them frequently.
Never pull on the leash while walking your cat; let them take the lead the first few times until they grow used to it.
8. If You Have Multiple Cats, Separate Them During Feeding Time
Separating your cats during mealtime may seem unusual, but it can help your overweight cat(s) lose weight.
If you’re giving your overweight or obese cat a special diet food, make sure they’re the only ones who get it.
When the cats aren’t all chowing down at the same time, it’s much simpler to see what and how much they’re eating.
Furthermore, cats may overeat because they perceive other cats as competition.
Feeding your cats at specific times and in separate rooms is the simplest approach to separating them during feeding time:
Place each cat in their designated space and then set out their food bowl. Allow them 10 to 15 minutes to eat before removing the bowls.
It won’t be long before the cats discover they must consume their food when you serve it to them, or they will lose out.
If you can’t feed them in separate rooms, feed them in the same room with the door closed but at different times. You can also use baby gates to partition the same room.
Also, check out Cat Losing Weight After Giving Birth: Reasons & Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a cat weigh?
Though most cats should weigh between 7 and 12 pounds, the appropriate weight for an individual cat is determined by the size of the cat’s frame, so we emphasize body condition score rather than weight. To determine the amount of body fat an animal has, we employ a body condition rating system. There are several different scales, but they all measure the amount of fat on a pet’s ribcage. Feeling over the rib cage of a dog or cat should feel no more cushioned than the back of the owner’s palm. Your cat is overweight if he weighs 10% more than his ideal weight, and obese if he weighs more than 20% more than his ideal weight.
What difference does it make if my cat is overweight?
Obesity in cats has been linked to a variety of ailments, including diabetes, skin disease, and arthritis/joint pain. While you may not see any issues, overweight pets are more likely to require anesthesia and have higher medical bills. Furthermore, studies have shown that being overweight causes inflammation throughout the body, and we are only beginning to understand the wide range of health issues that might be linked to chronic inflammation.
What elements contribute to the effectiveness of a weight loss plan?
Working as a team with your family and your veterinarian, as well as being adaptable, are the keys to success. Because each pet has unique dietary requirements, we must examine them as an individual while also considering the program as a whole. Keeping track of all the types of food your cat receives, weighing your cat periodically with an infant scale (getting your own will make things much easier for you and your cat! ), and monitoring the amount of food given are all helpful ideas (many owners like to use a gram scale at home as measuring cups can be tricky to get exact).
Final Words
It is normal for a cat to become fat after giving birth, however, you can help her to get back in shape by taking certain steps and consulting a vet.
If you have any questions, ask us in the comments section.
Also, check out Why Is My Cat Not Eating After Giving Birth?