🐾 Obesity is not just a human problem: it increasingly affects cats too.
In fact, it's estimated that around 50% of cats are overweight, and many pet parents are unaware of the health risks this poses.
If your cat has gained a few extra kilos, it’s important to act as soon as possible — but to do it properly: with appropriate nutrition, portion control, exercise, and plenty of support.
In this article, we explain how to choose a high-quality light food, why it’s not enough to “just feed less,” and how certain ingredients can make all the difference.
❓ Why is it so important to manage your cat’s weight?
Although it may sometimes go unnoticed, being overweight is not a minor issue for cats. Excess body fat can trigger or worsen several health problems:
● Joint disorders and chronic pain
● Diabetes mellitus
● Urinary tract diseases
● Fatigue and lack of energy
● Reduced life expectancy
Moreover, excess weight has a strong emotional impact: an obese cat feels more tired, moves less, and often becomes less social. It's not just their body that suffers — their mood and behavior do too.
🍽️ What should a good light cat food include?
Reducing calorie intake isn’t just about feeding less or buying any food labeled “light.” The key is to choose a formula that’s low in calories but rich in essential nutrients, to maintain muscle mass, support joints, and keep your cat feeling full and happy.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Sufficient, high-quality protein
Proteins are vital for maintaining an optimal body condition. They help preserve lean muscle while reducing fat. A quality light food should be rich in animal-based protein.
2. Satiating fiber
Fiber helps your cat feel full with less food and supports digestion. Ingredients like chicory root, beet pulp, or other fiber-rich vegetables are great allies.
3. Low calorie and fat content
It’s important to reduce overall calories without compromising taste or nutrition. Many formulas include L-carnitine, which helps metabolize fat more efficiently.
4. Joint support
Overweight cats often experience joint discomfort. That’s why it’s ideal for light foods to include chondroprotectors like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, or natural anti-inflammatory ingredients such as devil’s claw and turmeric.
🐱 Ownat’s solutions for cats prone to overweight
At Ownat, we believe that nature provides the best answers for our cats’ health. That’s why our recipes are made with natural ingredients, fresh meat, and contain no artificial preservatives or colorants.
If your cat tends to gain weight, these are our recommended options:
Ownat Classic Light
A perfect recipe for cats that need to manage their weight. Its high protein content and low fat levels make it an effective option to reach an ideal weight without losing muscle mass.
Ownat Care Weight Control
Our most complete formula for overweight or weight-prone cats. It contains a high fiber content for a satiating effect, chondroprotectors for joint health, devil’s claw and turmeric to support the inflammatory response, and L-carnitine to help burn fat.
🧑⚕️ The role of the pet parent: much more than filling the bowl
Changing your cat’s food is only part of the solution. To help them achieve a healthy body condition, you need to be actively involved. Here are some key tips:
✅ Measure portions carefully
Always use a measuring cup or scale. Estimating by eye often leads to overfeeding. Follow the recommended daily amount based on ideal weight, not current weight.
✅ Limit treats
Snacks should count toward daily calories. Avoid human food and choose low-calorie treats, or better yet: offer playtime, affection, and shared moments.
✅ Encourage physical activity
No need for marathons — just more frequent interactive play at home can make a real difference.
💚 Ready to start the change?
Helping your cat lose weight is an act of love and responsibility. It’s not about making them go hungry, but about providing food that truly meets their needs.
Ownat offers several natural and effective options to help cats prone to overweight maintain a healthy weight — always supported by a philosophy that’s rooted in nature.
