2001-Thu May 25 16:15:59 EDT 2017
Vetstreet. All rights reserved. Powered by Brightspot.
Vetstreet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See Additional Information ›
Do you have a fat cat? It's estimated that half of all cats seen by veterinarians in the United States are overweight, with many being obese. If your cat has ribs that are hard to feel, no visible waist, a round belly, and noticeable fat deposits, he is likely overweight. Being overweight is more than an aesthetic issue; just as in humans, it predisposes your cat to some serious health problems.
Although obesity can be caused by some medical conditions, in the vast majority of cases, fat cats are the products of eating more calories than they expend. It's difficult to prod overweight cats into exercising, although you can increase your cat's activity to some extent with games and even short walks. The most effective way to help your cat lose weight is to reduce his calorie input.
Never put a cat on a crash diet. Cats have an unusual metabolic response to sudden fasting in which they can develop hepatic lipidosis. Your cat didn't gain all this weight in a week or even a month; it's going to take him even longer to lose it.
First, no more free feeding. Leaving food down for your cat to munch on at his leisure encourages him to eat more than he would if fed only in discrete meals. Feed your cat three or four small meals each day (not three or four regular-size meals but downsize ones) instead.
Second, feed your cat a canned, meat-based diet, which generally has a higher protein content than dry kibble. Dry food can be less palatable to some cats and often contains high levels of carbohydrates, which are more likely to be turned into fat.
When changing diets from your cat's old diet to a new one, add the new food in gradually, exchanging about a quarter of the old diet for the new every few days until the entire bowl is filled with the new food after about a week. Abrupt diet changes could cause stomach upsets, which could in turn make the cat not look upon his new diet with gusto. Chat with your vet before making any changes though.
What about treats? Handing out treats is one of the pleasures of living with a cat. Just make sure those treats are healthy, such as slivers of cooked chicken, and that you subtract their calorie count from the meal allotment for the day. When possible, redirect your cat's begging to another activity, such as a quick petting session or game. Sometimes refilling the water bowl with cool water will satisfy him. If he still demands a treat, toss it across the room so he at least gets a little exercise going after it.
Weigh your cat regularly, either weekly on your home scale or every few weeks on the veterinary clinic's more accurate scale. Depending on the result, work with your veterinarian to evaluate your cat's diet regimen and make changes accordingly. Weight loss is not an overnight project, but your cat will thank you with many more active healthy years because of your efforts — even if he's looking at you accusingly as you hide the treats right now.
More from Vetstreet:
Like this article? Have a point of view to share? Let us know!
Take our breed quiz to find your next pet.
Get all the best pet news and information sent right to your inbox!
Thank you for subscribing!
Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and…
Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? We’ve got the skinny on which foods are OK to feed him.
Not sure about food puzzles? Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work.
With these simple dental care tips, you can help keep your canine’s adorable smile shiny and healthy for life.
The friendly and inquisitive LaPerm has an easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Check out our collection of more than 250 videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more.
Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Our new tool will narrow down more than 300 breeds for you.
If the video doesn't start playing momentarily,
please install the latest version of Flash.
Thank you for subscribing.