Your cat’s rotund belly and expansive way of sprawling across the couch cushions may seem adorable, but it’s important for you as a cat owner to realize that fat cats are usually not healthy cats. There are some key steps you can take to help your overweight cat eat better and exercise more in order to have a longer, healthier life.
Is my cat overweight?
Fifty-nine percent of American cats are overweight or obese, so odds are your cat may be among the oversized. How can you tell if your cat weighs too much? All cases are different based on your cat’s breed and frame, but in general, housecats should weigh 8-10 lbs. Smaller breeds, like Siamese, may be closer to 7 pounds, while large Maine Coons can still be healthy at 20-25 lbs.
One way to tell is to look at your cat from above. Their shape should be hourglass – thinner in the middle – and you should be able to feel their ribs easily. From the side, you shouldn’t see a belly hanging down.
If you’re not sure about your cat’s healthy weight, ask your veterinarian.
Why does weight matter?
While your cat’s large girth might look cute and sassy, it can actually be causing severe health problems. Obesity in cats can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, respiratory problems, skin problems (often from trouble self-grooming), and reduced life expectancy. Don’t ignore signs if your cat begins to gain weight or carries around excess weight. It’s up to you to help your cat lose the weight to become healthier.
Food matters.
The first way to help your cat lose weight is to regulate food. These tips can help you feed your cat in ways to encourage health and discourage obesity:
- Do not give excessive treats or human food to cats.
- Consider giving canned wet food, which is higher in protein (see our blog about giving canned food to cats to learn more about this relatively new advice).
- Try making your cat work for food by using puzzle bowls or hiding food in safe containers.
- If you have more than one cat, separate them at feeding time to ensure that one cat isn’t eating the other’s food.
- Try using set feeding times instead of letting cats graze all day.
Get your cat to exercise more.
Just like with humans, its best to have a weight-loss plan that includes diet and exercise. So how can you get your cats to exercise more and be less lazy? First, make their home a place they want to play. Put in a cat tower to encourage climbing and healthy scratching. Provide lots of toys. And most importantly, play with your cats (yes, you!). Try using laser pointers, wand toys, or toys on strings to interact with your cat and encourage bonding and play. You’ll both enjoy the results!
Be patient but persistent.
Always remember that weight loss in pets takes a long time. Don’t expect to see immediate results. If your cat is severely obese, your vet may recommend a special diet with prescription food, and will monitor your cat’s progress. But for all other cases, making a few changes to diet and exercise can greatly improve the health of your cat, so keep up the efforts, even if it takes a long time for you to notice changes in size.
Dr. Adcock is happy to discuss the best types of food for your cat, and whether or not he or she needs a special diet or exercise plan. Contact us today for an appointment.