Do you
have an overweight cat? Are you sure? The iconic image of the fat cat made
popular in comic strips and internet memes has made it so most people
don’t even know what a cat with an ideal body weight looks like. It’s quite
possible that your feline friend does have a little (or a lot) of extra weight
that they are carrying around and your veterinarian can help you determine
that.
Health Concerns
Did you know that cats that are
an ideal body weight on average live longer lives, potentially adding years
onto your cat’s life? Not only that, but they tend to feel better too! Obesity
in cats has been linked to many health concerns such as diabetes, liver, and
heart disease, to name a few. Fat cells have been shown to release
pro-inflammatory mediators into the blood stream predisposing cats to
inflammation which can intensify many conditions such as inflammatory bowel
disease and asthma – two very common cat diseases. As cats age, arthritis
commonly becomes an issue in the joints of their limbs and spine, which is
exacerbated by the extra weight that these joints are burdened with.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are concerned about your
cat’s weight, now is the time to take action and start him or her on their way
to a healthier and happier life. You need to involve your veterinarian in the
process to make sure the weight is lost in a safe manner. Your cat’s
veterinarian should be able to design a program for you with weight loss goals,
making sure the weight is coming off at an appropriate rate, as well as
ensuring that all of your kitty’s nutritional requirements are being met.
Diet
During your veterinary visit,
your veterinarian will discuss the type and amount of food being fed, which may
need to be adjusted depending on your individual cat’s needs. Be sure to tell
them about treats your cat receives (and don’t forget that little piece from
your dinner plate counts too). There are many different types of foods that can
be used, including special prescription diets that you and your veterinarian
can discuss to figure out which works best for you.
It can be hard not to treat your
feline friend with all the food and treats they want. But don’t forget that
food is only one of the ways that you can spoil them. They can also be rewarded
with catnip, play, or just plain-old loving attention. Remember, that many cats
eat merely out of boredom, so adding some of the other things they enjoy to
their lives can alleviate this as well. Puzzle feeders can also be a great way
to slow down eating and provide activity and stimulation.
One problem that is common in
multiple cat households is that one cat will steal food from the other cats,
making it difficult for owners to regulate. Different strategies can be
employed such as controlled meal feeding in separate areas, or putting food
where only one cat can access it. There are even devices that can be bought
that will only allow a specified cat to access the food based on an I.D. collar
or microchip! Discuss the specifics of your situation during your veterinary
visit to come up with creative solutions that will work in your home.
Exercise
And don’t forget exercise!
Just as in people, activity is an important part of any weight loss plan.
Our indoor cats are particularly prone to inactivity, but with a small amount
of effort on your part, they can start to get more exercise, which comes with
the added bonus of being more mentally stimulated as well! See below for links
to more information on this.
As you move along in the process
and your cat begins to shed the extra weight, you will no doubt see some
exciting changes occurring. It is not uncommon to hear stories from amazed
owners about how it seems they have a new cat, one that is acting years younger
– more playful and active. This is a testament to how much better their cats
are feeling, which is a clear improvement of their quality of life.
Online Resources
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
This site has many tools to assist cat owners in obesity prevention, provides obesity facts and risk assessments, pet weight check, and caloric intake charts.
This site has many tools to assist cat owners in obesity prevention, provides obesity facts and risk assessments, pet weight check, and caloric intake charts.
Cornell Feline Health Center
This site offers a general overview of feline obesity and provides an insight into some assessment systems that veterinarians may use to assess the weight status of a cat.
This site offers a general overview of feline obesity and provides an insight into some assessment systems that veterinarians may use to assess the weight status of a cat.
AAFP's "Your
Cat's Environmental Needs"
This brochure provides additional information about the physical and emotional needs of cats which can be essential to a cat's well-being, including the maintenance of an optimal weight.
This brochure provides additional information about the physical and emotional needs of cats which can be essential to a cat's well-being, including the maintenance of an optimal weight.
AAFP's Environmental Needs Guidlelines
These Guidelines offer information on creating a healthy feline environment to help reduce unwanted behaviors and illness and feline stress.
These Guidelines offer information on creating a healthy feline environment to help reduce unwanted behaviors and illness and feline stress.
This site provides information on
enrichment for household cats, including: self-play toys, interactive toys,
perches, catteries, videos, and tricks.
Submitted by Robert Schmitt, DVM
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