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FOCUSED NUTRITION
Helpful information about the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats with certain lifestyles or health challenges.
Indoor Cats
Feeding Indoor Cats
Indoor cats are at an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese and also having lower urinary tract issues. Hairball management may be another consideration for owners of indoor cats. Indoor cats can benefit from nutrition tailored to their unique needs.
Key Messages
- Indoor cats are typically less active and thus require fewer calories. Feeding guidelines on pet food labels are for an "average" cat, but every cat is an individual.
- If a pet gains or loses weight, the amount of food should be adjusted.
- Treats should not exceed 10% of the daily caloric intake.
- The quantity of food should be reduced when feeding treats since they can contain a surprising amount of calories.
- To minimize the risk of indoor cats eating from boredom, environmental enrichment can help.
- Environmental enrichment, such as puzzle feeders, feather toys, scratching posts, and perches, offers mental stimulation and helps manage weight by encouraging activity.
- Feeding diets containing fibers such as cellulose and soybean hulls can help minimize hairballs.
"Indoor cats are more likely than outdoor cats to be overweight since they are typically less active. Be sure to monitor your pet’s body condition and weight in case you need to adjust the quantity of food or the diet you’re feeding. Encouraging activity with toys and play sessions can help manage weight and keep your pet mentally stimulated."
To Share With Pet Owner:
Benefits of Healthy Weight
Although there are many benefits to maintaining a healthy weight in pets, many owners do not understand what a healthy weight is or the benefits for pets.
View Hot Topic
6 min to 10 min
Evaluating Your Cat’s Body Condition
Assess your cat's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.
View Video
1 min to 5 min
Additional Resources
AAFCO. (2012). Reading labels. http://talkspetfood.aafco.org/readinglabels [Accessed 28 July 2020]
FEDIAF. Understanding pet food labels. http://www.fediaf.org/39-prepared-pet-foods/80-understanding-labels.html [Accessed 28 July 2020]
Laflamme, D. P. (2006). Understanding and managing obesity in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 36, 1283–1295.