Question: My cat is getting fat. What can I do?

Answer: The oversimplified answer is to stop feeding it so much. But pet obesity just isn't that simple, so your question is an important one. Responsible cat owners keep their cats indoors to ensure a longer and healthier life, but if you've let your cat become obese, you have put its life at high risk for disease and a shorter life span. Approximately 35 to 40 percent of indoor cats are overweight.

First visit a veterinarian for a thorough health check. Thyroid conditions and other ailments can lead to obesity.

If your pet is simply overfed and underactive, portion control is a great start. Look for a cat food that is complete, balanced, meat-based and scientifically formulated for your cat's needs. Consider a weight-control or reduced-calorie formula. Your vet might also recommend scaling back the dry food, which is often higher in fiber and carbohydrates, and adding canned food. Canned food is higher in protein, which is why most cats prefer it.

Use the directions on the cat-food package as a guideline; holding to suggested portion sizes can help your cat lose or maintain weight. Use a measuring scoop or cup to control quantity.

Snacks should make up no more than 10 percent of daily caloric intake and be limited to treats made especially for cats. Your dinner leftovers and discarded table scraps are not nutritionally complete or balanced.

Nutritionists advise people to eat more frequent and smaller meals, and this also applies to cats. What's most important is gradual weight loss. Losing weight too quickly can be extremely dangerous to a cat's health.