Is your kitty a furry little chonker? If so, she’s in excellent (and adorable) company. Over 50% of domestic cats are overweight or obese. And, while we all know plump cats are cute, those additional pounds pose some major health hazards to your adorable companion. Read on to learn more about feline obesity, as discussed by a local Matthews, NC veterinarian.
How Long Do Obese Cats Live?
Unfortunately, obese cats often live shorter lives than healthy cats. Fluffy’s life expectancy may be only five to ten years, as opposed to the 10 to 15-year norm she would ordinarily expect. To see the numbers from a different perspective… Fat cats aged 8 to 12 years old had a 2.8 times greater mortality risk than their skinnier counterparts.
How Do You Slim Down a Fat Cat?
You can’t expect Fluffy to stick to any sort of weight loss plan on her own. The good news is that you ultimately have control over her diet. Follow your vet’s advice on this.
Of course, your pet can—and may—meow and plead until you give in. You might need to prepare yourself against that gorgeous fuzzy face.
What Should My Obese Cat Eat?
Diet has a significant impact on your kitten’s general weight and health. It also plays a huge role in her weight.
Here are some tips for feeding Fluffy:
- Choose High-Quality Foods: You don’t need to spend a fortune on cat food, but your cat’s diet should be nutritious and healthful.
- Read Labels: Labels for pet food must follow the same guidelines as those for humans. The essential requirement is that the elements be mentioned in percent order. This signifies that the first item listed has the highest proportionate amount of all the elements. Look for products that identify meat, fish, or poultry first on the label. Check out the additional ingredients. Avoid products with a lot of fillers, such as corn or wheat. These foods are not just high in carbs, but they are also not particularly good for cats.
- Measure Portions: Controlling your kitty’s portion size is also key. Even giving Fluffy an extra ten calories every day can cause her to gain a pound per year. A hundred extra calories per day equals one pound per month. That’s a lot for a fluffy ball of fur!
- Watch Calories: Pay close attention to calorie count. In general, a kitty would require approximately 20 to 30 calories per pound per day. However, there is still considerable variety. An energetic, playful cat will use more fuel than one who naps all the time. (We’ll leave Fluffy’s sleeping habits for another day.)
- Choose Age-appropriate Food: Your feline companion’s food requirements will also shift with time. A kitten has different nutritional requirements than a senior cat. Consult your vet about when and how to make these transitions.
Ask your Stallings, NC vet for more information.
What If My Cats Require A Different Diet?
This is not an uncommon circumstance. Many households have multiple felines. You can have a senior cat who requires one sort of food and a kitten that requires something else. Clearly, warning Fluffy not to eat Mittens’ food is unlikely to be effective.
You could look into getting microchip-equipped dinnerware. These will be linked to a kitty’s microchip, allowing it to open only for that cat. Another alternative is to stick to set meal times for both of your pets and feed them separately yet simultaneously.
What Are the Health Risks of Feline Obesity?
Obesity in cats has many of the same hazards as in humans. As you may assume, heart disease is one of the most common and worrying conditions. However, it is not the only risk.
Here are some of the others:
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Cancer
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Anesthetic complications
- Increased urination
- Liver disease
- Respiratory diseases
- Skin Problems
- Kidney dysfunction
- A shorter lifespan
- Skin and coat issues
- Metabolic Disorder
- Reduced quality of life
For further information, ask your veterinarian.
How Do I Keep My Cat Active?
Our feline friends are usually highly active when they are kittens, but slow down with age. (Note: Cats slow down even more than most other creatures. Senior cats can sleep for up to 20 hours a day.)
You can’t get Fluffy to run up and down the stairs or sprint on demand, but you can keep her moving. Offering plenty of toys and playing is the way to go here. Use interactive devices, such as a wand or a laser pointer. You can also give your adorable pet a smart toy that responds to her actions. These things usually work well because they awaken your pet’s inner tiger and unleash her hunting instincts.
Getting some cat furniture that facilitates and encourages activity could also be beneficial.
Of course, if your pet is bold and curious, she might like leash walks. Put safety first, though. Never leave your cat alone with her harness or collar, and don’t force her to go on walks if she doesn’t appear to enjoy them.
Make sure to ask your vet for more information.
What Causes Obesity in Kitties?
Fluffy’s weight is typically governed by her caloric intake and exercise habits, just like people’s. In most circumstances, an overweight cat is simply consuming more calories than they are expending. Given our feline friends’ napping habits, this should come as no surprise. If you have a cat, it’s not surprising if he or she is sleeping right now. Unfortunately for Fluffy, capturing Zs does not burn as many calories as catching mice.
Diet and exercise aren’t the only variables. The age of your pet will also be a factor. Older cats have differing nutritional needs than younger cats and frequently require fewer calories. This is something you should discuss with your vet on a frequent basis, especially as your feline companion becomes older.
Medical issues might also influence your pet’s weight. Some may cause weight reduction while others cause weight gain. If you’re not sure why your pet is gaining or losing weight, schedule an appointment at our clinic and have your Matthews, NC veterinarian examine her.
Make An Appointment At Our Matthews, NC Animal Hospital
Is your cat chubby? (Or in your lap? Have you got any inquiries about your pet’s diet or care? Do not hesitate to contact us. As your neighborhood Matthews, NC animal clinic, we’re here to help!
