Cat Food for overweight Cats
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: Obesity in cats

"Obesity occurs when your cat's long-term energy intake is higher than their energy consumption. The body stores the excess energy in the form of body fat. This leads to an increase in weight and with it, the strain on their joints and internal organs.
The consequences are manifold: overweight cats not only move less and are therefore no longer able to perform typical cat exercise (e.g. hunting) to its full extent, but they also often suffer from respiratory problems and other secondary diseases. These range from diabetes to joint problems (e.g. osteoarthritis) and cardiovascular diseases. Overweight cats therefore have not only a lower quality of life, but often also a shorter life expectancy."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: Obesity in cats

"Obesity occurs when your cat's long-term energy intake is higher than their energy consumption. The body stores the excess energy in the form of body fat. This leads to an increase in weight and with it, the strain on their joints and internal organs.
The consequences are manifold: overweight cats not only move less and are therefore no longer able to perform typical cat exercise (e.g. hunting) to its full extent, but they also often suffer from respiratory problems and other secondary diseases. These range from diabetes to joint problems (e.g. osteoarthritis) and cardiovascular diseases. Overweight cats therefore have not only a lower quality of life, but often also a shorter life expectancy."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing.
What is cat food for overweight cats?
Cat food for overweight or obese cats has been specially developed to support overweight cats and help them lose weight. It is low in fat and therefore low in calories while still being high in fibre. This is because, unlike carbohydrates, fibre fills you up for longer without providing too much energy. In combination with high-quality proteins, the cat food still provides your cat with the energy they need if they are overweight.
What is cat food for overweight cats?
Cat food for overweight or obese cats has been specially developed to support overweight cats and help them lose weight. It is low in fat and therefore low in calories while still being high in fibre. This is because, unlike carbohydrates, fibre fills you up for longer without providing too much energy. In combination with high-quality proteins, the cat food still provides your cat with the energy they need if they are overweight.
How do cats become obese or overweight?
There are many different risk factors for obesity in cats.
The best known causes include:
- Excessive energy intake (e.g. due to overfeeding, feeding of high-calorie food such as restorative cat food)
- Lack of exercise (e.g. with indoor cats)
- Reduced energy requirements in senior cats
- Neutered cats
- Genetic predisposition
- Diseases (e.g. hypothyroidism)
- Medication (e.g. corticosteroids)
How do cats become obese or overweight?
There are many different risk factors for obesity in cats.
The best known causes include:
- Excessive energy intake (e.g. due to overfeeding, feeding of high-calorie food such as restorative cat food)
- Lack of exercise (e.g. with indoor cats)
- Reduced energy requirements in senior cats
- Neutered cats
- Genetic predisposition
- Diseases (e.g. hypothyroidism)
- Medication (e.g. corticosteroids)
How can I tell if my cat is overweight?
There are various signs that your cat is overweight. The most common include:
- Your cat does not like to move and seems sluggish.
- Their waist is no longer visible from above.
- You can no longer see or feel their ribs.
- Fat accumulates, especially on the abdomen and flanks.
- They struggle to perform typical cat movements, such as jumping up or chasing.
- Your cat needs more time to groom themselves as they cannot directly reach all parts of their body.
How can I tell if my cat is overweight?
There are various signs that your cat is overweight. The most common include:
- Your cat does not like to move and seems sluggish.
- Their waist is no longer visible from above.
- You can no longer see or feel their ribs.
- Fat accumulates, especially on the abdomen and flanks.
- They struggle to perform typical cat movements, such as jumping up or chasing.
- Your cat needs more time to groom themselves as they cannot directly reach all parts of their body.
What are the properties of cat food for overweight and obese cats?
Diet plays an important role in helping overweight cats to lose weight and promote their health. Specialised weight management cat food supports gradual weight loss and reduces the risk of comorbidities.
The following properties can contribute to this:
| Feature | Low calorie content |
|---|---|
| Description | The calorie content describes the total energy content of the cat food, which is reduced in cat food for overweight cats. |
| Feature | Low fat content |
| Description | A reduced fat content lowers the energy content of the cat food, which contributes to a low-calorie portion. |
| Feature | High protein content |
| Description | High-quality protein contributes to a steady supply of energy and supports muscle function. |
| Feature | High fibre content |
| Description | Lots of fibre ensures long-lasting satiety and supports healthy digestion. |
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Low calorie content | The calorie content describes the total energy content of the cat food, which is reduced in cat food for overweight cats. |
Low fat content | A reduced fat content lowers the energy content of the cat food, which contributes to a low-calorie portion. |
High protein content | High-quality protein contributes to a steady supply of energy and supports muscle function. |
High fibre content | Lots of fibre ensures long-lasting satiety and supports healthy digestion. |
Ask your vet for advice on which food might be suitable for your overweight cat.
What are the properties of cat food for overweight and obese cats?
Diet plays an important role in helping overweight cats to lose weight and promote their health. Specialised weight management cat food supports gradual weight loss and reduces the risk of comorbidities.
The following properties can contribute to this:
| Feature | Low calorie content |
|---|---|
| Description | The calorie content describes the total energy content of the cat food, which is reduced in cat food for overweight cats. |
| Feature | Low fat content |
| Description | A reduced fat content lowers the energy content of the cat food, which contributes to a low-calorie portion. |
| Feature | High protein content |
| Description | High-quality protein contributes to a steady supply of energy and supports muscle function. |
| Feature | High fibre content |
| Description | Lots of fibre ensures long-lasting satiety and supports healthy digestion. |
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Low calorie content | The calorie content describes the total energy content of the cat food, which is reduced in cat food for overweight cats. |
Low fat content | A reduced fat content lowers the energy content of the cat food, which contributes to a low-calorie portion. |
High protein content | High-quality protein contributes to a steady supply of energy and supports muscle function. |
High fibre content | Lots of fibre ensures long-lasting satiety and supports healthy digestion. |
Ask your vet for advice on which food might be suitable for your overweight cat.
What to feed an overweight cat
Overweight cats should be fed a low-calorie cat food that is satiating in the long term and supports weight loss. There is special cat food for weight management that has exactly these properties.
What to feed an overweight cat
Overweight cats should be fed a low-calorie cat food that is satiating in the long term and supports weight loss. There is special cat food for weight management that has exactly these properties.
How can I help my cat lose weight?
You can help your cat lose weight by controlling their diet and encouraging regular exercise. You can also offer them cat toys to encourage movement.
How can I help my cat lose weight?
You can help your cat lose weight by controlling their diet and encouraging regular exercise. You can also offer them cat toys to encourage movement.
Which cat food is the most filling?
A high fibre and protein content is the best way to satiate your cat and provide sufficient energy at the same time. You can also opt for a special cat food for weight management. However, ask your vet for advice on which cat food is best for your cat, as individual factors also determine which food is suitable and which is not.
Which cat food is the most filling?
A high fibre and protein content is the best way to satiate your cat and provide sufficient energy at the same time. You can also opt for a special cat food for weight management. However, ask your vet for advice on which cat food is best for your cat, as individual factors also determine which food is suitable and which is not.

























