At least 25 percent of cats are overweight. Obesity is defined as the accumulation of body fat in excess of not only what the cat needs to maintain itself. The body weight exceeds the optimal weight by 20 percent or more.
Obese cats are at an increased risk of several conditions, including diabetes, liver problems, and pain associated with lameness. And if they have to be anesthetized for surgery, the anesthesia is more complicated and riskier.
Weight problems can become so bad that cats - which typically are grooming pros - even need help cleaning themselves. Cats get so fat that they can’t reach parts of their body to keep it clean. Imagine being told you have the dubious honor of cleaning your not-so-frisky feline’s bottom every day. Additionally, feline lower urinary tract disease can result from cats becoming too lazy to empty their bladders frequently enough.
So when do cats typically begin putting on the pudge?
Many of them gain their weight as youngsters. Cats need to be spayed or neutered before reaching puberty, and this surgery can decrease their energy needs by almost 30 percent. If high-energy growth food is fed free choice after this surgery, they are almost certain to become fat.
Indoor cats - particularly apartment dwellers - tend to put on the weight more often than outdoor cats due to less room to move around. If you were an indoor cat that only needed to stalk and catch your dinner in a food bowl, you’d likely gain weight too.
Not all owners are aware
One factor that contributes to extra girth lies in the owner. Many owners don’t realize that their cats are too heavy. There are three reasons for this:
- Owners don’t know what the proper condition of the cat is because they haven’t seen cats in the proper condition.
- People tend to think that excess weight in cats is OK through statements like, “My cat’s as big as a sofa” or “My cat just eats and sleeps.”
- Common phrases that promote the stereotype: A “fat cat” is someone who is wealthy and doing fine. There’s a positive connotation because people don’t understand the potential risk.
Not too late to lose weight
Because cats need to be pushed to exercise, it’s up to owners to help them shed pounds. This can be tricky if the cat is home alone all day - but it is possible. Here is three ways to keep your kitty moving:
- Put your cat’s food and water in a part of the house separate from the litter box and where the cat sleeps. He’ll have no choice but to walk to the litter box, the food and water bowls, and to its snoozing quarters.
- Engage him in play activities - particularly ones that involve chasing objects, like ping-pong balls or marshmallows (just don’t let them eat the sweet treats). Try adding similar toys to your playtime. And don’t forget toys filled with catnip to get their attention. Another fun toy commonly found at pet and discount stores is a short, fishing-pole-type wand with a string and feather on the end. For the best results, keep up all play activities for 20 minutes. If the cat begins to drift away from the activity, get some exercise yourself and lead the cat around the room with the toy.
- Walk your cat - this is particularly good for indoor cats. Not all cats will go for this, though; the only way to tell is to put a harness on them and try. But a walk does use up some calories. Again, 20 minutes is optimal for muscle toning, which causes the calories to continue to burn.
If your cat is at a normal weight, be proactive and realize he doesn’t need food round-the-clock. A common misconception is thinking that cats rub against you only when they’re hungry. All cat owners should try this quick test the next time you feel your feline nuzzling on your leg: Look in her bowl. If it contains food, or if she was recently fed, grab a feather or furry mouse and play with her!
So although cartoon icons like Garfield appear happy, kitties in the real world face risks by carrying extra weight. Instead of using food to express your love for your pet, give your frisky friend the healthiest treat of all: attention.
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