Is Your Tabby Looking a Bit Tubby?
We've been hearing a lot recently about the obesity epidemic here in America. Unfortunately, our pets are putting on weight too. According to some recent studies, as many as 60% of America's pets are overweight.
An overweight cat is at risk of developing many serious health problems, including heart, thyroid, or other metabolic disorders; liver problems; joint pain and arthritis; and Type 2 diabetes. Many of these diseases can, sadly, be fatal.
Obesity develops when food intake exceeds energy requirements -- in other words, your cat is eating more calories each day than he or she is burning off. Excess caloric intake is then stored as fat. Most cases of pet obesity are related to overfeeding combined with lack of exercise.
How can you tell if your cat is overweight? The general rule of thumb is, while you shouldn't be able to see your kitty's ribs, you should be able to easily feel the ribs when you put your hands around your cat's ribcage and press lightly. If you cannot feel your kitty's ribs without pushing, there is too much fat.
Also, take a look at your kitty from above. He or she should have a visible indentation (waist) between the rib cage and the hips. If there is no waist, or if the area between the ribs and hips is wider than the ribs or hips, your kitty is overweight.
If you believe that your cat is overweight, the first thing to do is take your kitty to the vet. Although most cases of obesity are related to overfeeding and lack of exercise, there are some medical conditions (such as an underactive thyroid) that can cause weight gain. If a thorough physical exam doesn't turn up a medical problem, your vet can work with you to develop a gradual weight-loss program for your cat.
Feline weight-loss programs need to be managed very carefully, and only under strict veterinary supervision. Cats have a unique metabolic response to fasting or dieting. When the amount of a kitty's food is decreased too rapidly, he or she is at risk of developing a serious (and often fatal) disorder called Feline Hepatic Lipidosis.
To help your kitty lose weight, your vet will likely prescribe a diet food. This is typically introduced into your cat's feeding routine very slowly (over a period of several weeks). Over time, you will mix more and more of the diet food into your kitty's dinner, slowly decreasing the percentage of old food and increasing the percentage of diet food. Your vet will work with you to carefully monitor your cat's health, including regular weigh-ins.
Increasing the level of your kitty's physical activity is an important weight-loss tool. Take time to play with your kitty every day, and add interactive toys to your kitty's environment so he or she can get a good workout even when you're not at home.
Although a successful weight management program requires permanent changes in the behaviors that have allowed your cat to become overweight, your kitty's health will greatly benefit.