Is your kitty companion 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 overweight cats are attractive, those additional pounds pose some major health hazards. A local South London, ON veterinarian discusses kitty obesity in this article.
How long do obese cats live?
Unfortunately, obese cats 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.
What Should My Obese Cat Eat?
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. Most cats cannot obtain a snack or open a can of food. (We say most because some cats have learned how to go into cupboards. There are even some who are not afraid to take their humans’ food. But that’s another topic.)
Here are some tips:
- Portion control is key here. 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! Your vet can give you specific advice on this.
- You’ll also need to steel yourself against that furry face. Kitties can be quite meowpulative!
- Choose high-quality foods. You don’t need to spend a fortune on cat food, but your cat’s diet should be nutritious and healthy. Get into the habit of reading labels. Labels for pet food must follow the same guidelines as those for humans: ingredients must be listed in percent order. Look for products that identify meat, fish, or poultry first on the label. 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.
- Pay close attention to both serving size and calorie count. In general, a kitten would require approximately 20 to 30 calories per pound per day. However, there is still considerable variety.
- Kitty diets are all unique. 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.
What If My Cats Each Require A Different Diet?
This is not an uncommon occurrence. Many households have many 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
- Shorter Lifespan
- Skin And Coat Issues
- Metabolic Disorder
- Reduced Quality Of Life
For further information, ask your South London, ON veterinarian.
How Do I Keep My Cat Active?
Our feline friends are usually highly active when they are kittens, but they, like the rest of us, slow down with age. You can’t get Fluffy to run up and down the stairs or sprint on demand, but you can keep her moving.
Daily play sessions are an excellent way to get your pet exercising. Use interactive devices, such 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. A cat tower to climb or a kitty wheel to run on will undoubtedly benefit your cat!
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. Ask your veterinarian in London for training and safety tips.
Make An Appointment At Our South London, ON Animal Hospital
Is your cat chubby? Are you interested in veterinary deals in London Ontario? Do not hesitate to contact us. As your neighborhood South London, ON animal clinic, we’re here to help!
