Battling Obesity in Cats

We get it, a fat cat looks adorable and is very squishy to hold. But behind that cuteness lie a number of health problems that can arise due to obesity. Did you know that a third of cats in Australia are overweight or obese? While it may be difficult to stop yourself from giving your cat a few extra treats throughout the day just for being so lovable, it’s probably a good idea to stop doing so. If you are afraid your cat may be overweight, use Google to search “vets near me” and get in touch with your nearest vet to figure out a solution.

Some cats may be predisposed to obesity partly due to lifestyle choices and partly due to their genetic makeup. Here are a few factors that contribute towards feline obesity:

Overweight owners are more likely to have overweight pets

A neutered cat may gain weight suddenly due to a change in hormone levels

Female cats

Cats who are not given ample opportunity to exercise

An unsuitable diet

An older cat

Health disorders that prevent the cat from moving around, such as osteoarthritis or even thyroid dysfunction.

Obese cats go through a number of health issues, some of which are:

Osteoarthritis

Diabetes

Liver problems

Heart disease

Back issues

Urinary problems

Skin issues

Increased risk of cancer

Once your vet has determined that your cat is overweight or obese, it’s time to take a few steps to help your cat lose the extra weight and improve its quality of life. Here are a few tips:

The dietary needs of every cat differ based on its size, age, lifestyle and breed. First, your vet will use a Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system to determine if your cat is obese. Based on the findings, the vet will come up with a detailed feeding schedule as well as recommended diets to help your cat reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Just like you wouldn’t give your child junk food three times a day, choosing the cheapest brand of cat food for your cat could be the reason behind your cat’s obesity. Cheap cat food is typically stuffed with fillers which provide no nutritional benefit. Instead, consult your vet and choose a brand that provides your cat with the nutrients it needs to lead a happy, healthy life.

Cats who have their food bowls full at all times free feed and are more prone to obesity. Develop a feeding schedule with your vet and stick to it. Your cat may find it hard to adjust to for a few days but will eventually get used to it.

A major part of a wild cat’s life is spent hunting and searching for food. This kind of physical activity keeps them healthy and fit. Indoor cats are typically more sedentary, and require exercise to keep them at a healthy weight. Invoke your cat’s natural hunting skills by placing the food bowl in a different location every time and make them search for it. You may try placing it in a higher spot to encourage your cat to jump to get to it.

Alternatively, get cat toys that your pet can run after and “hunt”. A good, healthy dose of regular exercise can do wonders in keeping the weight off your cat.

Like our junk food, cat treats are loaded with calories, which is part of the reason why our cats love them so much. You may be tempted to give them a treat to them how much you love them, you could inadvertently contributing to their obesity.

Even a kilo or two of weight gained can contribute to health problems in cats. It can often be difficult to notice if your cat has put on some weight, partly because of a cat’s tendency to become furrier in colder weather and partly because you see them every day and are less likely to notice such subtle changes. Monitoring your cat’s weight regularly can help you come up with a plan as soon as you notice any changes and before things get worse.

Get your cat regularly checked out by your vet, even if you believe it is completely healthy. Many diseases are asymptomatic until they reach their later stages, after which they become very difficult, if not impossible to treat. Schedule an annual wellness checkup with your mobile vet to keep your furry friend healthy and thriving and to detect any problems that may be contributing to weight gain so you can manage it more effectively. A vet can also help you create a plan in case your cat does need to lose excess weight.

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