Is your feline buddy a bit on the chubby side? If so, she’s in good company. Obesity is one of the most widespread issues we see in our feline friends. While there’s no way to get an exact count, some estimates put the number of chubby cats at well over fifty percent. While Fluffy will still be adorable if she’s, well, not just fluffy, even carrying a few extra pounds can pose serious health risks. Read on as a local Lenexa, KS vet offers some insight about feline obesity.
What Are The Associated Health Risks Of Obesity?
The medical risks of obesity in kitties are very similar to those in humans. Overall, being overweight can add strain to almost all of your kitty’s organs and systems.
Here are a few of the main concerns to be aware of:
- Kidney/Urinary Track Issues
- Anesthetic Complications
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Issues
- Liver Disease
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Arthritis and Joint Issues
- Skin Problems
- Decreased Life Expectancy
- Digestive Disorders
- Decreased Immune Function
- Reproductive Issues
- Reduced Quality of Life
Unfortunately, these issues can sort of pile atop one another. For instance, obesity significantly increases Fluffy’s risk of developing osteoarthritis. In fact, obese kitties are five times more likely to become lame or arthritic than kitties at normal weight. Fatty tissues cause the release of cytocines, which can damage pets’ joints. The additional weight also puts extra stress on your kitty’s bones. This also sometimes causes a downward spiral, as the more uncomfortable your kitty gets, the less inclined she will be to want to move around. The less she moves around, the more likely she will be to gain weight. And, once she gains weight, her risks of developing other issues will increase.
Does Obesity Reduce Life Expectancy In Cats?
Sadly, extra weight can take years off your pet’s lifespan. Fat cats only live, on average, about five to ten years. That is starkly different from the lifespan of healthy kitties, which is typically ten to 15 years.
How Do I Keep My Kitty At A Healthy Weight?
There is both good and bad news here. On the one hand, Fluffy isn’t able to get herself a snack or order herself some junk food via Doordash. However, she can be quite demanding when she’s hungry. Actually, that’s a bit of an understatement. Some of our patients have their humans completely wrapped around their adorable paws, and have trained them to fill bowls on command! Your best bet is to instill healthy eating habits from the get go.
Here are some tips:
Don’t Overfeed: This one is something of a no brainer, at least in theory. It’s actually quite easy to accidentally overfeed your feline pal. In fact, just giving your pet ten extra calories a day could cause your furry friend to gain a pound a year. That may not sound like very much for a person, but it really is quite a bit for a cat.
Choose A Great Food: Make sure that your kitty’s diet is appropriate for her age, health, and lifestyle. A kitten is going to have significantly different needs than a senior, and a feline with allergies will also need a customized diet that is very different from one with thyroid issues. Keep in mind that your pet’s nutritional needs will change over time.
Go For Quality Over Quantity: The quality of your pet’s food definitely comes into play here. You don’t have to break the bank getting cat food, but you should make sure your feline pal is eating good, nourishing food. Keep in mind that lower quality brands are often high in fillers and carbohydrates, which aren’t great for Fluffy. Dry foods also tend to have a higher carb content and less moisture than canned.
Set A Feeding Routine: Does Fluffy have you trained to feed her on demand? You may need to put your pet on a set schedule for meals, rather than allowing her to nibble at will.
Limit Treats: Cats don’t usually snack as much as dogs, but there are plenty of kitties that love to beg for special treats. Keep treats to about five percent of Fluffy’s diet.
Pay Attention To Portions: Did you know that even just feeding your feline pal ten extra calories a day can cause her to gain a pound a year? A hundred extra calories a day turns into a pound a month. That’s a lot for a little ball of fur!
Consult Your Vet: Your vet should be the ultimate authority on your pet’s weight. Make sure to keep up with your kitty’s appointments at our animal hospital. Talk to your vet periodically about Fluffy’s diet.
Monitor Your Cat’s Weight: It’s always better to correct a weight issue early on than to wait until your pet is severely overweight and then try to put her on a diet. Keep track of your feline pal’s weight. An easy way to do this is to weigh yourself, then pick Fluffy up and weigh yourself again. The difference is your pet’s weight.
How Do You Keep A Cat Active?
A good exercise regime is also going to affect your kitty’s weight. Of course, Fluffy is more likely to fall asleep on a treadmill or stationary bike than actually use one. You’ll need to encourage your pet to stay active.
Toys and playtime are of course the gold standard here. Even taking a few minutes a day to play with your feline pal can make a significant difference. (Those daily play sessions are also a wonderful way to bond with your cute pet, help her burn off excess energy, and just generally keep her happy.) While it’s important for kitties to have toys they can use by themselves, interactive play tends to be more effective at getting Fluffy to move around. Keep things like wand toys and laser pointers on hand when you’re watching TV, and work this into your relaxation time.
What Are The Causes of Obesity in Cats?
To put this in the most simplified terms, cats, like people, become obese when they take in more calories than they expend. However, it’s much more complex than that. There are risk factors that come into play.
Here are some of the key ones:
Age: As with people, cats are more likely to become obese as they grow older. Once Fluffy gets to be about eight, her chances of becoming chubby will increase.
Spay/Neuter Status: There are many health benefits to getting your kitty fixed, such as reduced likelihood of certain cancers, better behavior, and, of course, lower risk of unwanted litters. One of the few downsides is the fact that your pet may put on some pounds after the procedure.
Environment: Making your home fun and interesting for your cat can also help. A kitty who lives in a studio may not have as many options for activity as one that lives in a mansion. Even a one-bedroom can be a fun place for Fluffy. If you don’t have much room, offer your pet some vertical space by adding a cat tower or shelves.
Health: Fluffy’s health also plays a role. Certain medical issues can increase the chances of obesity. If your feline buddy suddenly starts packing on extra pounds and you are not sure why, schedule an appointment with your Lenexa, KS vet.
Ask your Lenexa, KS vet for specific advice.
Make An Appointment At Our Lenexa, KS Animal Hospital
Do you have questions about your cat’s diet? Contact us, your Lenexa, KS pet clinic, today. We are here to help!
