Addressing Health Risks of Overweight Cats

Just like with humans, cats are at risk for several health issues if they are carrying around excessive weight. Since cats will eat just about anything and can be pretty demanding about when they want to eat, it is important for their owners to modify their diet to fit what the cat needs, rather than what the cat wants.

If your cat has to squeeze through the cat door to get outside, there is definitely a weight problem. However, it might not be that obvious. As the owner, it is your responsibility to give your pet the best possible chance at a healthy life by following the proper precautions.

Regular Vet Visits

One way to learn if your cat is overweight and/or facing health risks due to their weight is to make regular visits to the veterinarian. Your vet can not only assess the weight and general health of your cat, but can help you come up with a diet that matches the needs of your precious feline. This takes all of the guesswork out of the process so you can be a responsible pet owner without feeling overwhelmed.

Potential Health Issues

Cats who are overweight are likely to develop some common health issues. They may experience problems with their breathing, as well as Type 2 diabetes, mellitus, and osteoarthritis. They might also experience skin conditions that have nothing to do with allergies. You may not always notice these health problems, but your vet can identify them for you. Below are some signs you can watch for as well.

• Your cat experiences lethargy, especially when they wake in the morning.
• Your cat is scratching at themselves frequently or rubbing up against something to reach an itch, but has not been around any allergens or unusual substances.
• Slow movement or lack of dexterity when there once were quick movements and plentiful dexterity.

Weight Assessments

You can try to determine if your cat is overweight by checking a few things yourself. Do you see a pouch that is hanging between their hind legs? Can you immediately feel the ribs of your cat when you try, or do you have to squeeze a bit? Is your cat bulging between the belly and hindquarters, or is it slender in that area? A cat should be slender in that area, should never have a hanging pouch, and the ribs should be felt easily without pushing in on the body.

Weight Loss Tips

When you are ready to see your cat stride through the cat door with head held high, use some of the tips below.

• Put your cat on a 200 calorie a day diet.
• Avoid using treats as rewards.
• Do not feed cats human food.
• Always leave water out for your cat.
• Feed cats small doses of food 3-4 times a day.

On top of this, ensure you’re taking him or her to the vet regularly so that the doctor can help you make sure your cat is as healthy as possible.