Just when you think you’re getting the hang of this kittenhood thing, your kitten becomes a teen and then a young adult. Like a growing human, your kitten’s needs change as they grow. When it comes to how to keep your young cat healthy, you’ll want to be prepared for the changes in metabolism that have such an important role in your young cat’s health.
How fast is a young cat’s metabolism vs. a kitten?
As your cat ages, their metabolism will slow down. Kitten metabolism is higher because the young cat is using calories not just to maintain their body but also to grow their body. In fact, in very early kittenhood (up to 4 months), your kitten’s energy requirement was over twice as high as it will be for most adult cats (adjusted for size).
Cats who are neutered or spayed also have a lower energy requirement than an intact cat. What this means is that if you feed your cat the same amount they ate before they were altered, they’re likely to gain weight.
Do cats have a fast metabolism? For most adult cats, the answer is “no.” Most adult cats only need to eat enough calories to meet their resting energy requirements.
How does nutrition impact metabolism?
If you’re feeding your young cat an age-appropriate diet that’s approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), your young cat will get everything they need from their daily food. Your cat needs specific nutrients to maintain their muscles and for normal organ function.
For cats who are prone to obesity, diets that are lower in calories and higher in fiber may be beneficial. Fiber is broken down more slowly and helps the cat to feel satiated for longer. Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores that require a meat-based diet.
What is a healthy weight for a young cat?
Rather than focusing on the number on the scale, it’s better to focus on your cat’s body condition score. A cat at a healthy weight should have easily palpable ribs with minimal fat covering. The ribs should not be easily visible, and the spines of their vertebrae (backbones) should not be obvious. The cat should have a visible waist behind the ribs. The abdominal fat pad should be minimal.
Do not use your cat’s primordial pouch, which is the loose-hanging skin and fat between their hind legs, to judge your cat’s body condition.
Tips for managing your cat’s weight
There is a lot you can do to manage your cat’s weight as they move into adulthood.
Get regular veterinarian exams
Your cat should see their veterinarian at least once annually when they’re a young adult. Your VCA care team will track your cat’s weight and use these findings to make dietary recommendations. Lab work performed during these annual wellness exams also allows the veterinarian to screen for conditions that can affect your cat’s weight.
Check your cat’s body condition score at home
Consider performing body condition scoring on your cat each month or quarterly. If you’re noticing that your cat is gaining or losing weight, contact your VCA care team for a healthy diet plan.
Feed measured meals
Cats who are free-fed are more likely to be overweight or obese. You can prevent obesity by feeding your cat specific amounts at specific times. Measure meals using a cup measurer or a gram scale. Your VCA care team is happy to calculate a daily calorie requirement for your pet.
Limit treats
Treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat’s total calories each day.
Keep up on exercise
As your cat matures, they may become less rambunctious, which translates to a lower activity level. If you’re a cat leash-walker, keep up the good work! Otherwise, consider using interactive toys to get your cat running and jumping. Give them vertical spaces to vault.
If your cat is overweight, learn more about cat weight-reduction plans.
