As the owner of an adorable kitty, it’s your responsibility to look after its health and well-being. That’s why you need to keep a close eye on his changing shape. How can you tell if he’s overweight? What are the main culprits behind excess weight? How can you help your protégé regain his figure? Let’s turn our attention to weight management in cats.
Overweight and obesity in cats
Studies estimate that a third of all cats are affected by obesity. Apartment cats, which are more sedentary, are particularly affected by this disease.
As a reminder, a domestic feline is overweight when it weighs 10% more than its ideal weight. It becomes obese if it exceeds 20%. As the Hill’s Pet Nutrition brand points out, 90% of people with overweight pets don’t realize it.
Causes of weight gain in cats
Is the skin on your cat’s belly acting up? It could be overweight. There are many causes of weight gain in cats with long whiskers and velvet paws. By understanding the cause of the bulges on your little friend’s body, you’ll find it easier to help him or her regain their figure.
There are 3 main causes of excessive fat accumulation in cats:
- A diet that doesn’t meet their needs. His meals are characterized by an exorbitant caloric intake. Kitty’ s eyes glaze over when he sees food, and he eats more than he needs.
- Too frequent giving of treats. To please their gourmet, many adopters exaggerate the quantity of treats offered.
- A sedentary lifestyle. Felines enjoy a life of gentle idleness and don’t get enough exercise.
Age, breed, sterilization and certain illnesses also influence the weight curve of our animal friends.
The consequences of excess weight in cats
Just like the rest of us bipeds, the quadrupeds that accompany us over the years risk plunging into the throes of overweight and obesity if no precautions are taken. A few extra kilos can impair their quality of life and open the door to serious health problems.
A cat with less than ideal weight on the scales can see his longevity dwindle to nothing. What’s more, a number of pathologies can take their toll on the body. As a result, your hairball is exposed to a plethora of ailments, including diabetes, urinary disorders, osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, hypertension and cancer.
Last but not least, overweight pets miss out on the pleasures of everyday life. Easily out of breath and tired, they lose their zest for life. Some even fall prey to depression, which can affect their mood.
How to tell if a cat is overweight
To check that your bushy sidekick isn’t overweight, all you need to do is adopt a few quick and simple gestures. We invite you to place your hands on his flank, to detect his ribs.
Are the bones that make up his thorax hard to feel? Measure his body fat index (BFI) by clicking here. If it’s around 20%, schedule a check-up with your vet. The animal health professional will be best placed to assess the patient’s ideal weight and advise you.
Good to know: a feline with an opulent figure often has difficulty getting around, sleeps more than usual and may be in a bad mood.
Our advice to help him get back to his ideal weight
” Help, my cat is too fat! What should I do, doctor? ” Don’t worry: weight gain is not inevitable. Of course, don’t impose a draconian diet on your cat. Opt for a balanced, high-quality diet that respects its physiology and is adapted to its age, size, state of health and level of physical activity.
Through the Prescription Diet range, Hill’s offers clinically tested dietary foods for pet care. To reduce Minou ‘s excessive body mass and maintain a healthy weight, the brand’s experts have developed kibbles with a low energy density. The flavors that will delight your 4-legged friend’s taste buds? Tuna and chicken.
As well as serving him meals tailored to his needs, limit treats. To preserve your tomcat’s health and well-being, choose high-quality products. Finally, stimulate him every day. To get him moving and help him regain (or maintain) a certain slenderness, organize play sessions. Invite your pet to expend his energy by investing in a variety of toys (without constantly running him out of breath!).
Did you know? Some felines love to go for walks. You can try to get your little protege used to wearing a harness, and walking alongside you in magnificent green settings. It’ll be a great opportunity to experience new adventures together!
