One of the most preventable yet most common health problems in
cats is obesity. According to a Cornell University study,
overweight cats are more likely to suffer from serious diseases
like diabetes. Plus, obese cats
are more likely to die at a younger age. Published in the
Journal of Nutrition (December 1998), the study noted that of
2092 cats, 20% were heavy and an additional 5% were obese.
Many veterinary health experts estimate that about 40% of U.S.
cats are obese. Is your cat one of these?
Causes of Obesity in Cats
One study found that overweight cats were most likely
middle-aged neutered males living in apartments and eating
diets of dry cat food, having no outdoor access and little
exercise. Even more serious was that researchers found that
nearly 15% of obese cats were overweight by one year of age!
Cats can be be more prone to weight gain after being spayed or neutered, so you'll want to
take your pet's weight into consideration when choosing a food
and encouraging exercise.
Additionally, the American Animal Hospital Association
Compliance Study found that veterinarians underdiagnose feline
obesity and that cat owners are typically unaware at how fat
their cats are and donโt understand the consequences of obesity
in their furry little friends.
Treating Obesity with exercise
How does one prevent obesity in their feline companions? First,
consider what is making them fat in the first place. Are they
sedentary and sleeping all day?
Like dogs, your cat needs exercise, especially if they're
living a solitary feline life with no cat friends. Check out
some ways to play with your cat.
Because apartment-living cats are most at risk for growing
obese, think of ways to give your cat exercise in your smaller
environmentโcat trees, track balls, bell balls and even another
cat can engage them in play to help keep them healthy.
Feeding your cat
Make sure you read the labeled directions for feeding on your
cat food. Some foods are meant to be fed less than others. Like
people food, some food is higher in calories or fat.
Also, like people, some cats may fare better on different
diets. Talk to your veterinarian about how much food your cat
should eat, what his or her diet should be made up of, and, if
they're obese, look at what you might need to do to change
their diet. Some veterinarians suggest a high-protein,
low-carbohydrate formula like Hillโs Prescription Diet m/d or
Royal Canin
Veterinary Diet for cats that is designed to manage feline
weight. Ask you veterinarian how to determine a healthy weight
for your cat and learn how to weigh them.
How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight
So now youโve acknowledged that Portly needs to lose a few
pounds. How will you do this? Experts recommend a full physical
exam with lab tests to determine that Portlyโs fat is indeed a
result of overeating and lack of exercise, rather than an
underlying medical condition. Other changes you can make
include:
- Feed smaller portions once or twice a day instead of free
freeding (having a bowl always out and filled).
- Feed foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Know
how much you feed each day and adjust if there is weight gain
or no reduction.
Additionally, James Richards, DVM, in Cornellโs Science News,
suggests particular tips when fighting feline fat:
- Like Weight Watchers for cats, schedule regular weigh-ins
with your veterinarian.
- Ask your veterinarian if your cat should be eating a
particular weight-reduction meal plan.
- Develop the weight reduction program for your corpulent cat
under the guidance of your veterinarian.
- Get that feline couch potato off the couch! Mice, feathers,
laser pointers, and teasers will engage them in some exercise
each day.
- For lone kitties, experts suggest adopting a second cat.
Having a friend will give them someone to interact and play
with while youโre not home.
When you change your kittyโs meal plan, make sure you are
consistent and maintain course until you see a change for the
better. It could take up to a year to see significant weight
loss, but donโt lose heart if it seems to be taking a long
time. Any change youโve made in your kittyโs exercise and diet
regimens will be doing your feline friend a healthy favor.
The Diet that can Help Fat American Cats
Just like humans, cats are prone to a number of health
conditions with obesity being one of the most common. More than
50 percent domestic cats in the US are overweight and only
their overindulgent owners are to blame. The most common causes
for obesity in American cats is unsuitable, unhealthy food and
a sedentary lifestyle.Overweight cats live shorter lives
compared to their healthier counterparts. They become prone to
all kinds of secondary health conditions like diabetes, kidney
disease, and arthritis. While fat cats are all the rage on the
internet, as a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure
your feline companion leads a long, healthy life.
Put your fat feline friend
on a diet
The easiest way to help your cat shed some pounds is by
controlling its fat and calories intake. The best way to start
is by feeding him a diet which supplies about 70 percent of
calories necessary to maintain his current weight.Your pet is
an obligate carnivore, which means that he needs meat for
certain nutrients. Start feeding your cat highly digestible
food that contains meat as the primary source of protein. This
plays a major role in prevent him from putting on
weight.Another step is to give your cat more raw and canned
foods in his daily diet. These low-carb foods contain high
amounts of meat protein and lesser calories compared to dry
food. You can start by changing 25 percent of the entire meal
to wet food and slowly increase it to 50 percent. Besides
weight loss, wet food is also beneficial in protecting the
health of your catโs urinary tract.Switch the dry food to one
that is specifically made for weight loss. These foods limit
your catโs intake of fat and calories while proving him with
necessary nutrition. Pick a food that has high fiber content.
This can make your cat feel fuller and reduce his consumption.
Less treats, more
play
If your cat has a lazy lifestyle, you should play with him more
often and make sure he becomes more active. Introduce him to
new games and toys so heโs less bored and more playful. This
also helps in multi-cat households. Playing with your pet more
will also strengthen your bond.Pique his hunting interests by
hiding healthy treats around your house for him to find. Buy
toys that look like mice or have feathers on them to make him
more keen on playing.Another great way to get your cat moving
is by erecting vertical spaces for him to climb. Invest in a
tall post with a sturdy foundation for your cat to have more
fun and feel safe when he wants to retreat.Your involvement in
your catโs life plays a big role in how healthy he is. Spend
more time playing and bonding with him and invest in healthy
food and treats so you can enjoy a longer, healthier time with
your feline best friend.Before you put your overweight cat on a
diet, consult with your veterinarian for the best course of
action and recommended food.
More on Feeding Cats
Nutrition for Male Cats
What to Feed a Female
Cat
Food for Overweight Senior
Cats
This information is for informational purposes only
and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice
of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with
respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a
licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
