Is your feline companion a furry little chonker? If so, she’s in excellent (and adorable) company. Over half of domestic cats are overweight or obese. And, while we all know overweight cats are attractive, those additional pounds pose some major health hazards to your adorable companion. This article is about feline obesity, as discussed by a local Rapid City, SD veterinarian.
How Long Do Chubby 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. 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 Help Fluffy Lose Weight?
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.
Regardless, 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 I Feed Fluffy?
Diet has a significant impact on your kitten’s general weight and health. 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. Choosing brands might be difficult, so get into the habit of reading labels. There are a few general rules to remember. Things will be considerably easier if you know what you’re looking for.
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.
Controlling your 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!
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. 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.)
Get Your Kitty An 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.
Of course, some people may have pets of different ages. You may have a kitten and a senior, for instance. Or, your feline pals may have different health issues and therefore, different dietary needs.
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 Health Risks Does Obesity Lead To In Cats?
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 Of The Entire Body
- 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 they, like the rest of us, 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.
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. 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 Things Cause Obesity in Felines?
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 Rapid City, SD veterinarian examine her.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Rapid City, SD 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 Rapid City, SD animal clinic, we’re here to help!
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