How To Put A Bengal Cat On A Diet – Easy Steps For Weight Loss

Are you wondering how to put a Bengal cat on a diet? New owners often wonder about their Bengal cat’s weight, especially if they notice them getting chubby. It might be time to consider putting your cat on a diet to avoid health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

As a responsible cat owner, learning and understanding the correct nutritional values for your Bengal cat is essential. This blog post reviews how to put your Bengal cat on a diet using practical and straightforward tips so you can manage your cat’s weight effectively.

Signs that Your Bengal Cat Needs a Diet

Given their propensity for activity and vigor, Bengal cats need a balanced diet to stay healthy and strong. Here are a few indicators that your Bengal cat might benefit from a diet:

Constipation In Bengal Cats

If your Bengal cat has been having constipation, which can include vomiting and diarrhea, it may be a sign that their diet is not suitable for them.

Lethargy Or Laziness

If your Bengal cat exhibits unusual signs of sluggishness or appears to lack energy, it may be a sign that its diet lacks certain nutrients.

Tapeworms And Roundworms

Bengal cats can usually get two types of intestinal worms; tapeworms and roundworms. If you notice your Bengal cat or kitten not gaining weight but eating more than usual or begging for food frequently, it may indicate the presence of intestinal worms. 

The first thing to do here is deworming, which can be done at home or by seeing your vet. The other part of the solution to this problem is putting your Bengal cat on a healthier diet, which would compensate for the damages caused by the worms.

Urinary Tract Problems

If your Bengal cat has urinary tract (UTI) problems, such as frequent urination, it may be because their diet contains too many minerals or dehydrates them. Read in more detail about UTI in Silver Bengal Cats – Symptoms, Causes and Prevention.

Dull Coat

Bengals are known for their appealing coats. Proper Bengal cat nutrition ensures a glossy and healthy coat, whereas a dull coat may indicate that your cat needs more nutrients from their food if it has grown lifeless and dull. This is particularly visible in breeds with longer coats, i.e., Maine Coons.

Gaining Weight

If your Bengal cat has recently put on weight, it may be a sign that they are overeating or not exercising enough. Another factor might be inexperienced new owners who give their Bengal cats more food than is necessary. 

Bengal Cat Overweight But Not Overeating

Most feline obesity cases are not due to medical conditions, but it’s possible if you notice your Bengal cat overweight but not overeating. Rarely, thyroid or hormone diseases might be responsible, but these are uncommon in cats.

Bengal Cat Gained Weight After Spay

After spaying or neutering, cats may develop abdominal fat near the incision. It’s not the vet’s fault; hormone changes slow their metabolism after surgery, after which they may gain weight.

Steps to Put a Bengal Cat on a Diet

1. Weight loss plan with your vet

Starting a diet without a suitable weight loss plan can make an already challenging task even more difficult, as you may already know from personal experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to go alone when creating a diet plan for your Bengal cat.

Your veterinarian knows how to develop an efficient weight loss plan based on your Bengal cat’s particular health situation, lifestyle, and requirements. 

2. Determine the ideal weight

Determine the ideal weight for your cat in consultation with your vet. You can use this to set a reasonable weight loss or maintenance target. According to our experts, the ideal weight of an adult Bengal cat falls between 8 to 12 pounds.

3. Pick healthy foods

Pick a premium cat food that is made with weight management in mind. Choose a brand that has a high protein content and few carbohydrates. The packaging of cat food mentions its contents and nutritional value.

4. Measuring food

Food should be measured into the proper serving sizes for your Bengal cat and given several small meals throughout the day. This encourages healthy digestion and prevents overeating. Remember to follow the feeding schedule with consistency for better results.

5. Gradually transition

Over the course of one to two weeks, gradually introduce increasing amounts of the new food into your cat’s regular diet. If you find it hard to transition, consult a vet to understand the transitioning strategies and specific Bengal cat nutrition requirements.

6. Follow up on the progress

Regularly weigh your Bengal cat and monitor their food intake to follow up on their progress. Adjust the feeding schedule and portion size to ensure they healthily achieve their weight goals.

7. Include exercise

There is a bundle of exercises for cats to lose weight. These should be a regular part of your cat’s daily routine to encourage activity. They are able to lose weight and burn calories as a result. This also improves their immune system. Learn all about exercising your Bengal cat.

8. Wet Food Only Diet

Bengal cat nutrition is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Compared to dry foods, canned food has a much higher moisture content. The additional water has the same result as a large glass of water before a meal. Wet food causes your Bengal cats to feel full more quickly and stop eating earlier, which aids in weight loss. 

9. Reducing the treats

Is a tasty treat your go-to reward for your cat’s good behavior? Even though a small treat now and then may seem harmless enough, the calories can add up quickly.

For weight loss purposes, treats should only make up 5% or less of your cat’s daily food intake, so only give them occasionally.

Additionally, be sure to inform your vet about the treats you give so they can account for the extra calories when determining how much cat food you can provide daily.

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