It’s hard not to spoil your cat especially when it comes time to feed it. You cat lovers out there know exactly what I’m talking about. There’s just something about that tiny little squeak they let out mixed with a flurry of brushes across your leg and of course that purr they give the moment they get what they want, that just goes straight to your heart. For me that’s all it takes. 3-4 squeaks and I’m either delivering fresh fish or getting my rod & reel so I can go catch it some. Unfortunately all of this constant giving in often leads to your pet becoming overweight. According to a recent article over at Pet Place you know you have an overweight cat when “the pet has a noticeable paunch, a broader conformation and ribs cannot be seen or felt easily. Fat cats don't have the "tuck" normally seen in front of the hindquarters.”

What do you do if you after years of leaving out huge bowls of food and giving away treats at the drop of a hat, you suddenly realize your pet is obese? Maybe this next series of tips will get you and your pet back on a track:

Moderation Is Key. Instead of dumping a couple of scoops in the bowl on your way out the door every morning, ease off just a bit and only give them enough to make it till you get home. Later when you return give them another scoop, but remember to only include enough to last till breakfast.

If one pet goes on a diet, all pets go on a diet. If you have multiple pets and only make changes to one of their diets than you are sending out signals that the larger cat has somehow done something wrong and is being punished. Instead of sending mixed signals approach both animals on an equal front.

Mix in some moisture. Dry cat foods are very high in calorie content, while can foods contain a lot of liquid with less calories.

I know this one will sound a little obvious, but play with your pet. We all live extraordinarily busy lives and though it may sound like a silly question, when was the last time you got down in the floor with some string and played with your cat? It doesn’t have to be every night, but at least a few times put your cat through the motions. Make him jump, run around the room, and chase after things like he did when he was a kitten.

When we think of diets, weight problems, and the need for exercise typically it’s in terms of our bodies and not our pets. By simply giving smaller portions of food and reminding them of the joys of chasing after a plastic mouse, in no time your cat will be slimmer, trimmer, and better equipped for his transition into the later stages of adulthood.