4 Surprising Reasons Why Your Cat Might Be Gaining Weight
- Author: Jan Fadel
- Posted: 2024-03-30
While a "chonky" cat might look adorable, obesity in cats is no laughing matter. Being overweight can lead to all sorts of health issues ranging from feline diabetes to heart problems. However, helping your cat lose weight is often easier said than done. Cats are often surprisingly smart, and if they're absolutely dedicated to acquiring more treats, they can easily circumvent your dieting measures. Check out these surprising ways that food-obsessed cats have managed to sneakily get more snacks.
Tricking Friends And Family into Feeding Them
Nothing sounds more pitiful than a cat on a diet. When you're making your cat diet, they'll most likely spend a lot of time sadly whimpering like they're starving. Even if you know better than to fall for their tricks, it's likely that your friends and family won't. Many pet owners have reported that their cats are geniuses at conning others into giving them food. Your cat may wait until you're out of the room and then approach a visiting guest to pitifully cry until they get a treat.
If your cat is this dramatic, it's important to warn others. Take the time to let any visitors know that your cat has just been fed and doesn't need treats. You can also attach labels to treat jars and pet food bins that emphasize your cat has been fed recently and isn't truly hungry.
Stealing Food from Unexpected Sources
Is your cat still gaining weight even though you know you're only feeding them a reasonable amount of food? Try to keep a close eye on your cat and see whether they might be getting food from other locations. If you have another pet, make sure they aren't stealing food from that pet's bowl. Don't forget about people's food either. Check to see if your cat might be grabbing food from unattended plates or sneaking bits of food while you cook.
If this is happening, you'll need to be vigilant about how you handle food. You might also want to consider training your cat to avoid food. Deterrents like motion sensors that make startling noises can discourage your cat from hopping on the counter to browse for snacks.
Hacking Their Automatic Feeder
Cats have a reputation for being smart, and unfortunately, this extends to automatic feeders. Many cat owners get automatic feeders that ensure their cat only gets a set amount of food on a specified schedule. However, if your cat is very determined to get food, they might spend a lot of time poking and batting at the feeder. Over time, your cat might be able to find the buttons that dispense more food and trick the feeder into giving them extra snacks.
If this is happening, you have a few options. You can switch to a different feeder and hope your cat cannot figure it out. You can also try using a container or some electrical tape to cover up feeder buttons and keep your cat from messing with the feeder.
Rummaging in The Trash Can
Is your cat still gaining weight even though all other sources of food have been locked up? Don't forget about the trash can. While the trash can might look unappetizing to humans, it can be appealing to a cat who loves food. Unfortunately, cats are often smart enough to know this behavior isn't allowed, so they'll wait until you aren't paying attention to steal food from the trash.
If you suspect your cat is doing this, consider switching to a can with a lockable lid. It can help prevent your cat from getting food scraps from the trash can. Just keep in mind that some cats can circumvent trash can locks, so you might need to place your trash in a cabinet or other secure location.
As you can see, there are all sorts of ways for cats to get treats without your permission. If you want to ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight, you'll need to be vigilant and closely monitor their interactions with food. Though it can be tough to deny your furry friend the snacks it craves, the end result is definitely worth it. When you help your cat stay at a healthy weight, you get to spend more time with them.
