Pet Pointers: Cats and obesity
It may come as no surprise that obesity is a growing problem for American cats, and we may even be contributing to this problem without realizing it. Lisa Chelenza has more in this edition of Pet Pointers.
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Recently, the world’s heaviest house cat, 39 pound Meow, died from pulmonary failure. He was only two years old.
It may come as no surprise that obesity is a growing problem for American cats, and we may even be contributing to this problem without realizing it.
The next time you pet your cat, feel around their mid section. Is it fleshy where there should be a more solid tummy? If the cat looks and feels overweight, it probably is!
Obesity in cats can lead to health problems like arthritis and diabetes. Your feline friend may need to trim down a bit.
Are you feeding what is recommended on the package? That may be part of the problem. All commercial pet foods come with recommended feeding instructions. These recommendations are not requirements. Recent studies have shown dogs and cats kept in the house, fed at the amounts on dry food labels, will eventually become overweight.
Try taking away about a third of the recommended serving size. Don’t drastically reduce the amount of food right away. If your cat loses weight too fast, they may develop a disease called Hepatic Lipidosis.
When people need to lose weight, we exercise more. Your cat has to exercise more, too! There’s little chance kitty is going for a walk and Pilates is out of the question. Sleeping on the couch while you are at work is what most cats do. Try adding some interactive toys to the cat’s environment. Anything that mimics the movement of prey is a great idea. Consider adopting another playful cat for a single cat to play with. A kitty condo with lots of platforms is also a fun way for your cats to exercise.
Remember, before you or your cat begins any weight loss regime, consult a doctor or veterinarian.
If you think your cat may need to shape up, consult your veterinarian first and prepare to make some changes.
1. Have a thorough physical exam by your vet. Your veterinarian needs to do a thorough physical exam, blood chemistry profile including thyroid hormone evaluation, and record an accurate weight for the cat.
2. Feed small portions at intervals rather than continuous free access
3. Feed foods high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates (Cats don’t have the same enzymes that people do to break down carbs. Check with your vet for suggestions appropriate for your cat’s age and nutritional requirements)
4. Feed less food than you have been. Cut down gradually to avoid complications and Hepatic Lipidosis.
5. Help your cat get more exercise by enriching the cat’s environment with toys, a fun kitty condo or a buddy
6. Weigh your cat every four weeks to check on their progress
7. If you make changes and don’t notice a loss, you should consult your vet. There may be another problem.