Published weight-loss guidance is a gentle calorie deficit. Losing weight too fast carries risks, including hepatic lipidosis.

Check the metabolisable energy statement and protein share: higher protein helps preserve muscle, and lower energy density can improve satiety.

Free feeding is the main obstacle. Move to measured meals, and in multi-cat homes solve stealing and gate-crashing.

Target weight and timeline should be set by a vet. Markedly overweight cats should be checked first for endocrine disease.