Let me be honest with you — British Shorthairs LOVE food. Didi will act like he hasn’t eaten in days even if his bowl was full five minutes ago. And that’s exactly why weight management is such a big deal for this breed. Before I knew better, Didi was definitely packing on some extra ounces that his vet was not thrilled about. Here’s how we turned it around 🐱
Why British Shorthairs Put on Weight So Easily
It’s not just the food obsession — British Shorthairs have a naturally slower metabolism and a stocky body type. They’re also pretty chill cats who’d rather nap on the sofa than chase a toy mouse. That combination makes them prime candidates for weight gain. Didi went from “pleasantly plump” to “the vet said we need to talk” in about six months because I was free-feeding kibble and giving too many treats.
What Worked for Didi
- Measured meals — I switched from free-feeding to two measured meals a day. I use a kitchen scale to weigh Didi’s food to the gram. Sounds obsessive, but it works.
- Treat budget — Treats are limited to 10% of daily calories. I count them just like I count his actual food. Dental treats count too!
- Wet food base — Wet food is lower in calories per gram than dry kibble and keeps Didi feeling full longer. He gets wet food as his main meals with a small kibble topper for crunch.
- Play time — Didi isn’t naturally athletic, so I had to get creative. A laser pointer for 10 minutes before meals gets him moving. Wand toys work too — anything that makes him jump and run a bit 🎯
The Belly Check
The simplest way to tell if your cat is at a healthy weight: run your hands along their sides. You should be able to feel their ribs with a thin layer of fat covering them — not a hard bony feel, but not hidden under a thick pad either. When Didi was overweight, I couldn’t feel his ribs at all. Now I can feel them with just a slight pressure. That’s the sweet spot 🎯
Didi dropped about a pound over three months with these changes. The vet was happy, Didi has more energy, and honestly, he’s a more playful and engaged cat now. If your cat is on the chunky side, start small — switch to measured meals first. You’ll see a difference before you know it 😸
🐱 More in General