Is your kitty pal a furry little chonker? If so, she is in good (and very cute) company. More than 50% of pet cats are overweight or obese. While we all know that overweight cats are adorable, those additional pounds pose some major health hazards to your cute companion. In this article, a local Tampa, FL vet examines feline obesity.
How Long do Obese Kitties Live?
Unfortunately, fat cats do not live as long as those of normal weight. Fluffy’s life expectancy could be as low as five to ten years, as opposed to the 10 to 15-year norm she would expect. Putting the numbers in a different perspective … Fat cats aged 8 to 12 had a 2.8 times greater mortality rate than their leaner counterparts.
How Can You Slim Down A Chubby Cat?
You can’t expect Fluffy to follow a weight loss regimen on her own. The good thing is that you ultimately control her diet. Most cats are unable to obtain a snack or open a can of food. We say most because some cats have found out how to get into cabinets. Some are not hesitant about snatching their human’s meals.
Regardless, your pet can and may meow and plead until you give in. You may need to brace yourself against that furry face and dramatic meows. If your furball is a butterball, the meow may be a lie!
What Should I Feed Fluffy?
Opt for high-quality cuisine. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on cat food, but it should be nutritious and healthful. Choosing brands might be difficult, so practice reading labels. There are a few basic guidelines to follow. Things will become much easier if you know what you’re looking for.
Labels for pet food must adhere to the same standards as those for humans. The essential requirement is that the elements be mentioned in proportion order. That indicates the first item listed has the highest proportion of all the elements. Look for products that list meat, fish, or poultry first on the packaging. Check out the other ingredients as well. Avoid products that include a lot of fillers, such as maize or wheat. These foods are not only high in carbs, but they are also generally unhealthy for cats.
Portion control is also a significant consideration. Even giving Fluffy 10 more calories every day can cause her to gain one pound per year. A hundred extra calories per day would equal one pound per month. That is a lot for a ball of fur!
Pay attention to both serving size and calorie count. As a general guideline, a kitty needs approximately 20 to 30 calories per pound each day.
Choose Age-Appropriate Food
Your feline companion’s nutritional requirements will also fluctuate with time. A kitten’s nutritional needs differ from those of a senior cat. Consult your veterinarian about when and how to make these transitions.
What if My Cats Need Different Diets?
This is not an unusual problem. Many homes own more than one feline. You may have a senior cat who requires one sort of food and a kitten that requires another. Telling Fluffy not to eat Mittens’ food is unlikely to be effective, of course. You could consider getting microchip-equipped dishes. These will be linked to a specific microchip and will only open for that cat. Another alternative is to stick to set meal times and feed both of your pets separately yet simultaneously.
What Are The Health Risks Associated With Feline Obesity?
Obesity in cats presents many of the same hazards as it does in humans. As you might assume, heart illness is among the most common and alarming. However, this is far from the sole concern.
Here are a few others:
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Cancer
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular Illness
- Arthritis
- Systemic Inflammation
- Anesthesia Complications
- Increased Urination
- Liver Illness
- Respiratory Disease
- Skin Issues
- Kidney Dysfunction
- Shorter Lifespan
- Skin And Coat Problems
- Metabolic Disorder
- Lower Quality Of Life
Contact your veterinarian for further information.
How Can I Keep My Kitty Active?
Our feline friends are usually highly active when they are kittens, but like the rest of us, they slow down with age.
You can’t force Fluffy to run up and down the stairs or sprint on command. Offering a variety of toys and playtime is the best approach here. Use interactive devices like wands or laser pointers. You can also give your cute pet a smart toy that reacts to her motions. These products work well because they awaken your pet’s inner tiger and unleash her hunting instincts.
Purchasing cat furniture that facilitates and encourages activity may also be beneficial. Having a cat tower to climb or a kitty wheel to run on won’t hurt!
Make sure to ask your veterinarian for more information.
What Causes Feline Obesity?
Fluffy’s weight is in large part determined by her caloric intake and exercise habits, much like it is for humans. In most circumstances, an overweight cat is just consuming more calories than she is burning off.
Diet and exercise are not the only considerations. Your pet’s age also factors in. Older cats have different nutritional needs than younger cats, and they frequently require fewer calories. This is something you should discuss with your veterinarian periodically, especially as your feline companion becomes older.
Medical issues might also impact your pet’s weight. Some may cause weight reduction, while others cause weight gain. If you are unsure why your pet is gaining or losing weight, schedule an appointment at our clinic and have your veterinarian examine her.
Book An Appointment At Our Tampa Animal Hospital
Do you own a chubby cat? Do you have any questions concerning your pet’s nutrition or care needs? Please do not hesitate to contact us. As your Tampa, FL vet clinic, we are here to help!
