weight management for cats

Okay, so Loki is a 4-year-old Maine Coon and he has officially become a blob. I used to be able to feel his ribs, now they are completely hidden under that thick fur. I am trying to get him healthy before he gets any older, but I am struggling with what to feed him.

I have tried reducing his kibble, but he just stares at me with those big sad eyes and meows until I give in. What diet actually works for weight loss? I feel like I am going crazy trying to figure this out.

Stop free-feeding immediately. That is the main reason he is gaining weight. You need to measure out his food with a scale, not a cup.

I wrote about this in strict portion control for weight loss. It is boring but it works. If you just guess the amount, you are probably overfeeding by 20-30%. Get a digital kitchen scale and weigh his daily ration. Then split it into two meals. No more, no less.

Be very careful with that advice, @sowens. I know you mean well, but dropping food too fast can cause liver problems.

I have seen this happen to senior cats. You need to go slow. Check out slow and steady weight loss for the risks. If you cut his calories too drastically, he could develop hepatic lipidosis. It is a serious condition. Please consult your vet before you start a strict diet.

I agree with @donna_w65 on the safety, but I think the issue is also the type of food. Dry kibble is dense in calories.

I recommend switching to wet food. It is more filling and has more water. You can look at wet food options for weight management to see what I use for my cats. If he is used to dry, you might need to mix it. I wrote about that in mixing wet and dry for picky cats. It takes time, but it helps with the weight and the hydration.

The measurement is the most important part. You cannot just eyeball it.

I use a specific scale and a container that I have marked with lines. It keeps things organized. If you are struggling to measure accurately, read my post in accurate measuring of kibble. It explains how to set it up so you don't accidentally pour too much. Precision matters.

I am so worried about Pumpkin right now. She is also 5 and has weight issues. I have been giving her that special vet food the doctor recommended, but I am not sure if it is working.

Has anyone else had good luck with those diets? I feel like I am spending so much money and she is still the same size. I read vet diet food experiences and I am confused by all the different opinions. Does anyone have a success story with the prescription food?