Bigger is not always better
September 26th 2007 03:23
It is a problem that is on the rise, and because this problem develops slowly over time, often it can go unnoticed. The problem is feline obesity, and considering the host of health concerns that can accompany obesity, it really is time to ask: ‘Is my cat overweight?’
Just like for people, feline obesity an ever increasing problem. Unfortunately, the image of the contented, fat cat is so accepted and adored in society that many people do not realise their cat is overweight - and that excess weight can be a serious health risk for cats.
It’s not about vanity
Cats are not concerned about looking good in the latest fashions, so why should we worry about a fat cat? In short, obesity heralds a long list of health problems for a cat. When a cat gets fat, the consequences can include diabetes, arthritis, skin disease, breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, reduced exercise tolerance, liver disease and gastrointestinal problems – to name a few.
How did my cat get fat?
More often than not, cats become overweight by eating too much and not moving enough. They are healthy, normal cats who are simply obese because the energy they consume each day is greater than the energy they use – and the excess energy is stored as fat.
This overeating can be attributed to boredom, greediness, the introduction of a new pet, or providing excess leftovers, treats and snacks. Desexed cats tend to need less dietary energy, so unknowingly providing too much energy is an easy and common mistake.
Occasionally, other influences such as glandular diseases and medications can be the cause of an obese cat, and sometimes other conditions like pregnancy and bloat can be mistaken for a weight problem. It is important to correctly identify a weight problem and the causes of a weight problem before starting your cat on a weight reduction program.
Taking the first step
Admitting that your cat has a weight issue is the first step to effective weight loss, but following this, it is often difficult to know what to do. A safe and effective weight loss program for cats does not simply mean feeding less food.
Start by making an appointment with your local vet. Your vet will establish if your cat is truly fat, and eliminate the possibility of other underlying medical conditions. Your vet will also help to devise a suitable weight loss program.
In order to create an effective weight loss program, your vet must be able to gain a clear picture of your cat’s current feeding and exercise patterns. Be sure that you can tell your vet about the types of food you feed your cat – including treats and leftovers – and the quantities you feed.
You should also be able to report any recent changes in your cat’s feeding and activity patterns, if your cat eats all of the food it is provided, and who else may be responsible for the feeding and care of your cat.
Implementing change
Your vet will then establish some weight loss goals for your cat. A common approach is for your vet to determine your cat’s optimum weight, and breakdown the weight loss into smaller targets to promote slow and steady weight reduction. The key to successful weight loss is to find a food that is enticing to your cat while also being lower in calories.
Along with decreasing the calories consumed by your cat, successful weight loss requires a daily exercise routine to be implemented. Engaging your cat in numerous small bursts of play each day is an effective exercise strategy. Promote this activity by providing toys and cat-friendly furniture.
Strategies for success
All effective long-term weight loss will be slow and difficult – for both you and your cat. However, there are a number of strategies that can be used to increase the chances of success.
Feeding less food more frequently is a key strategy, especially at the start of a weight reduction program. Divide you cat’s daily food allowance into 3 to 4 smaller meals, and feed them at fixed times in the same place. Make sure that your cat is not being fed the same meal more than once by different members of the household.
Begging for more food should never be rewarded. Avoid giving snacks and treats between meals, even when nagged by your hungry cat, and always remember that play and cuddles make much better rewards than food.
High fibre food can make your cat feel fuller, which can be especially helpful at the start of a weight reduction program. Make sure that any diet changes are made gradually by transitioning your cat to a new food over a 4 to 5 day period.
During mealtime in a multi-cat household, separate your slimming cat forom other pets to eliminate temptation and food stealing. Regular weighing sessions and veterinary checks along with religiously documenting your cat’s progress will ensure safe and successful weight loss.
The bottom line is that no feline weight loss program will be successful without your motivation and discipline. Throughout the weight loss program it is important to remember that you are largely in control of your cat’s environment. So when your cat looks at you with big, hungry eyes, it is up to you to be strong – a period of dieting for your cat now means a longer, healthier future with you.
It’s not about vanity
Cats are not concerned about looking good in the latest fashions, so why should we worry about a fat cat? In short, obesity heralds a long list of health problems for a cat. When a cat gets fat, the consequences can include diabetes, arthritis, skin disease, breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, reduced exercise tolerance, liver disease and gastrointestinal problems – to name a few.
How did my cat get fat?
More often than not, cats become overweight by eating too much and not moving enough. They are healthy, normal cats who are simply obese because the energy they consume each day is greater than the energy they use – and the excess energy is stored as fat.
This overeating can be attributed to boredom, greediness, the introduction of a new pet, or providing excess leftovers, treats and snacks. Desexed cats tend to need less dietary energy, so unknowingly providing too much energy is an easy and common mistake.
Occasionally, other influences such as glandular diseases and medications can be the cause of an obese cat, and sometimes other conditions like pregnancy and bloat can be mistaken for a weight problem. It is important to correctly identify a weight problem and the causes of a weight problem before starting your cat on a weight reduction program.
Taking the first step
Admitting that your cat has a weight issue is the first step to effective weight loss, but following this, it is often difficult to know what to do. A safe and effective weight loss program for cats does not simply mean feeding less food.
In order to create an effective weight loss program, your vet must be able to gain a clear picture of your cat’s current feeding and exercise patterns. Be sure that you can tell your vet about the types of food you feed your cat – including treats and leftovers – and the quantities you feed.
You should also be able to report any recent changes in your cat’s feeding and activity patterns, if your cat eats all of the food it is provided, and who else may be responsible for the feeding and care of your cat.
Implementing change
Your vet will then establish some weight loss goals for your cat. A common approach is for your vet to determine your cat’s optimum weight, and breakdown the weight loss into smaller targets to promote slow and steady weight reduction. The key to successful weight loss is to find a food that is enticing to your cat while also being lower in calories.
Along with decreasing the calories consumed by your cat, successful weight loss requires a daily exercise routine to be implemented. Engaging your cat in numerous small bursts of play each day is an effective exercise strategy. Promote this activity by providing toys and cat-friendly furniture.
All effective long-term weight loss will be slow and difficult – for both you and your cat. However, there are a number of strategies that can be used to increase the chances of success.
Feeding less food more frequently is a key strategy, especially at the start of a weight reduction program. Divide you cat’s daily food allowance into 3 to 4 smaller meals, and feed them at fixed times in the same place. Make sure that your cat is not being fed the same meal more than once by different members of the household.
Begging for more food should never be rewarded. Avoid giving snacks and treats between meals, even when nagged by your hungry cat, and always remember that play and cuddles make much better rewards than food.
High fibre food can make your cat feel fuller, which can be especially helpful at the start of a weight reduction program. Make sure that any diet changes are made gradually by transitioning your cat to a new food over a 4 to 5 day period.
During mealtime in a multi-cat household, separate your slimming cat forom other pets to eliminate temptation and food stealing. Regular weighing sessions and veterinary checks along with religiously documenting your cat’s progress will ensure safe and successful weight loss.
The bottom line is that no feline weight loss program will be successful without your motivation and discipline. Throughout the weight loss program it is important to remember that you are largely in control of your cat’s environment. So when your cat looks at you with big, hungry eyes, it is up to you to be strong – a period of dieting for your cat now means a longer, healthier future with you.
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