Obesity In Cats

Did you know that more than half of our feline pals are overweight? Fat cats may be cute, but those extra pounds carry some very serious risks. Some of the health issues that are common in chubby cats include heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and certain cancers, to name just a few. Keeping your pet at—or at least near—her ideal weight will go a long way towards keeping her healthy. A local Dumbo, Brooklyn NY vet discusses obesity in cats in this article.

Meowpulation

We can’t really discuss chubby cats without at least touching on the fact that Fluffy is very, very talented at getting us to fill her bowl. Some kitties melt down as soon as they see the bottoms of their bowls … even if they just had their third breakfast. If your furry friend is getting, well, chubby, that plaintive meow could be a lie! Ask your vet for tips on daily portion sizes and calorie counts, and let that professional advice—not your furball’s cajoling face or pitiful cries—determine feeding practices.

Causes Of Obesity

The leading causes of obesity in cats probably won’t be much of a shock. While things like age and genetics do factor in, Fluffy’s diet and exercise regime (or lack thereof) are usually the culprits. It doesn’t take much to overfeed a kitty: even overshooting it by just ten calories a day can result in a weight gain of a pound a year. That’s a lot for a cat! Then there’s Fluffy’s workout regime. Our feline friends are very active as kittens, but they steadily lose steam over time, and are pretty much exhausted by the time they’re about nine. Make sure your feline buddy has lots of toys, and take time to play with her regularly.

Weight Changes

If you aren’t sure whether your cat is obese or not, then you’ll want to get your vet’s opinion. It’s also a good idea to monitor Fluffy’s weight. If you can’t get her to stay on a scale, weigh yourself, then pick her up and weigh yourself again. Your feline pal’s weight is the difference between the two numbers. Please note that sudden and/or unexplained weight changes can be a sign of medical issues. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these.

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