Cats are prone to putting on weight, especially as they grow older and become less active. Learn how to identify an overweight cat and how to shed those kilos.

Cats have a natural tendency to put on a few pounds, especially as they get older and less active. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in cats so it's important to monitor your cat's weight regularly. Overweight cats are particularly prone to health issues including diabetes, heart and respiratory conditions, bladder stones and arthritis. They also run the risk of becoming lame and may even develop behavioural problems.

It can be tricky to tell if your cat is overweight. Regular assessments by your vet are recommended.

You can also check at home simply by running your hands around your cat's flanks and abdomen. You should be able to feel, but not see, the ribs quite easily, without a heavy covering of fat. The waistline behind the ribs should be clearly visible when looking down from above, with no sign of swaying folds at the sides when walking. If you are uncertain, ask your vet to check for you. They should also be able to recommend a tailored feeding program.

To help your cat lose weight, start by cutting out all treats for a period two weeks, including milk, which is a meal in itself. Make sure your friends and family know your cat is on a diet too. If there's no improvement, consult your vet. Not all weight gain is the result of over eating, and you should check for any underlying medical condition.

With the approval of your vet, reduce the size of your cat's main meals by about 10per cent for a further two weeks. Try dividing the food into smaller portions to reduce the length of time your cat goes without food, and to help you keep track of exactly what you're feeding.

For outdoor cats, switch the feeding time to just before they go out for the day, lessening the impulse to go scavenging for an extra meal. If you have a number of cats, feed overweight cats separately to avoid stealing.

After a fortnight, check the body condition again and continue the diet until your cat reaches its ideal weight. It can take months to reverse significant weight gains, so be patient.

Never starve your cat in an attempt to lose weight quickly. It's not safe to reduce food intake by more than 10-15 per cent, as your cat won't get the right balance of essential minerals and vitamins and runs the risk of developing the fatal liver condition hepatic lipodosis.

You may also want to consider moving your cat onto a specially formulated 'light' food. Light diets have a lower fat content, so you don't need to cut down on the actual amount you feed. Your cat will continue to get all the right minerals and vitamins in the correct proportions. Once back to an ideal weight you can return to a standard adult recipe, although it's quite safe to stay on a light diet throughout adult years. Light foods are also ideal for less active cats that don't need as much energy from their food.

Of course, managing your cat's diet is only half the solution. A lack of exercise is often the reason for weight gain, so encourage your cat to stay active and burn up more calories. A dedicated playtime can help or invest in a climbing frame or cat gym to encourage climbing, leaping and stretching.