Managing your Cat’s Weight

 We face a feline obesity epidemic today in our society. The average cat at home should ideally weigh about eight to 10 pounds, however, more than half of household cats are obese or overweight. As little as two pounds of excess weight can put your cat up to three times the risk for contracting type II diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, joint injuries and urinary tract disease. Obese cats have a significantly shorter lifespan when compared to cats that live at an optimum, healthy weight.
Our feline pets enjoy a life of leisure with all of their daily necessities provided by us and now take advantage of a sedentary lifestyle. Wild cats consume ten to twenty small meals throughout the day and night while spending many hours actively hunting. Domestic cats often eat from their bowls just as often (if free fed) but need only to take a few steps to the food bowl each time. Instinctive hunting behaviors remain but are exhibited as a form of playing and rarely last longer than an hour each day. In addition to reduced exercise, spayed and neutered cats have significantly lower daily energy requirements due to a decrease in their metabolic rate. Also, most commercial cat foods are formulated to be highly palatable, which is often accomplished by the addition of fat. All of these factors lead to an excess of calories beyond what your cat may be burning.
Dietary management is the first area you can make to improve an overweight cat’s physique. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the optimum diet for your cat’s needs and determine how to safely start a proper, balanced diet. Exercise is important but is not natural for cats like it is in dogs. Therefore, it is up to you to make sure your cat gets at least 15 minutes of exercise a day, often through the use of toys or laser pointers. Keep everyone in the household involved, make sure no one is helping your pet “cheat” on their diet, and soon your feline should be healthy and fit.
Remember, most weight loss should be done slowly, often taking over half of a year. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s weight, please give us a call at Copper Hill Animal Clinic, where we can discuss the best approach to finding a healthier balance for your pet! Please call Copper Hill Animal Clinic at 661-296-8848 to schedule an appointment.