October is Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Obesity is a very common problem among our feline friends. In fact, over half of domestic cats are obese. That’s a lot of chubby kitties! Read on as a local Anderson, IN vet discusses feline obesity.
Risks
Your feline companion may look cute if she’s a bit chubby, but those extra pounds are very bad for her health. Obese kitties are at risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, bone/joint issues, kidney problems, and skin trouble. Overall, obesity will also decrease your pet’s expected life span. It can also affect your furry friend’s quality of life. That extra weight can interfere with your cat’s ability to play, groom herself, and jump up to her favorite spots.
Causes
As one may expect, diet and exercise are the two biggest factors that determine a kitty’s weight. However, they aren’t the only ones. Genetics also plays a role. Some cats are just more inclined to packing on weight than others are. Your fuzzy buddy will also become more likely to gain weight as she ages. That said, sometimes medical issues can cause weight gain. If you’re not sure why your furball is becoming a butterball, reach out to your vet.
Diet
Portion control is a big issue here. Even giving your furry little friend a few calories too many each day can cause her to pack on extra pounds! Pay close attention to serving sizes. Ask your vet for specific advice on this.
Keeping Kitty Fit
Cats are quite playful when they are young, but they slow down pretty steadily as they age. You can’t make Fluffy run laps around the kitchen. However, you can keep her moving by providing lots of toys, and also offering her things to climb and explore. Get into the habit of playing with your cute pet every day. Even a few minutes of chasing after that elusive red dot can make a difference!
Meowpulation
Of course, when it comes to feeding cats, it can be easy to succumb to kitty theatrics. If Fluffy is getting chubby, but melts down whenever she spots the bottom of her food bowl, you may need to steel yourself. That meow could be a lie!
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Do you suspect that your pet is overweight? Contact us, your Anderson, IN animal clinic!
