Chubby Cats
It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of cats are obese. This is no surprise considering that, with the abundance of food, the tendency to be overweight is prevalent in people as well. Fat cats are more likely to have arthritis and heart problems, and they are four times more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes.
If you're not sure if your cat is overweight or not, try to feel his ribs. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but there should be a thin layer of fat over them. If you have difficulty feeling the ribs, or even finding them, your cat is too fat.
There are several reasons that a cat may have for becoming obese, and several ways to fix them. First, the cat is being fed too often. An adult cat should be fed about two meals a day--in the morning and the afternoon. The occasional treat is acceptable, but don't let it become an everyday habit.
Second, the cat has access to food any time of day. Although leaving dry food out all day works well for some cats, others require stricter meal times. Only have food available twice a day, and when the cat is finished eating, put away the extra food.
Another reason is that the cat is being given too much food. A general rule is if your cat leaves food, give him less next time. If he eats all of it and begs for more, try giving him more next time. The ideal amount is when your cat eats all or nearly all of the food and does not appear hungry afterward. Although this is the ideal amount, you may want to cut back the amount a little bit if your cat is overweight until your cat returns to normal size. Measure the food you give your cat to make sure you know how much he has eaten each day. If your cat is allowed outside, make sure no one else is feeding him.
Fourth, the food the cat eats is too fattening. Generally, canned food is better for your cat than dry food. Although there are pros and cons to wet and dry food, if your cat is getting fat, switch to canned food. Your cat should then be eating a low-carbohydrate high-protein diet. Some dry cat foods also offer this diet if your cat won't eat canned food.
Lastly, your cat is lazy. If the cat is strictly an indoor cat, try buying him lots of engaging toys. Set aside time each day to play with him. Even if your cat won't play, when he goes to eat, use the litter box, or sleep, try picking him up and moving him as far away as you can from where he was going so he has a longer trip. Every little bit helps!
Although helping a cat lose weight can be difficult, it can be done! The most important thing is to check with your local veterinarian to get his assessment of the cat. He may also prescribe special food or a diet plan for your cat. Just have patience and don't give into that adorable face as he pleads for food!
If you're not sure if your cat is overweight or not, try to feel his ribs. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but there should be a thin layer of fat over them. If you have difficulty feeling the ribs, or even finding them, your cat is too fat.
There are several reasons that a cat may have for becoming obese, and several ways to fix them. First, the cat is being fed too often. An adult cat should be fed about two meals a day--in the morning and the afternoon. The occasional treat is acceptable, but don't let it become an everyday habit.
Second, the cat has access to food any time of day. Although leaving dry food out all day works well for some cats, others require stricter meal times. Only have food available twice a day, and when the cat is finished eating, put away the extra food.
Another reason is that the cat is being given too much food. A general rule is if your cat leaves food, give him less next time. If he eats all of it and begs for more, try giving him more next time. The ideal amount is when your cat eats all or nearly all of the food and does not appear hungry afterward. Although this is the ideal amount, you may want to cut back the amount a little bit if your cat is overweight until your cat returns to normal size. Measure the food you give your cat to make sure you know how much he has eaten each day. If your cat is allowed outside, make sure no one else is feeding him.
Fourth, the food the cat eats is too fattening. Generally, canned food is better for your cat than dry food. Although there are pros and cons to wet and dry food, if your cat is getting fat, switch to canned food. Your cat should then be eating a low-carbohydrate high-protein diet. Some dry cat foods also offer this diet if your cat won't eat canned food.
Lastly, your cat is lazy. If the cat is strictly an indoor cat, try buying him lots of engaging toys. Set aside time each day to play with him. Even if your cat won't play, when he goes to eat, use the litter box, or sleep, try picking him up and moving him as far away as you can from where he was going so he has a longer trip. Every little bit helps!
Although helping a cat lose weight can be difficult, it can be done! The most important thing is to check with your local veterinarian to get his assessment of the cat. He may also prescribe special food or a diet plan for your cat. Just have patience and don't give into that adorable face as he pleads for food!
©2012-2014 Alissa's Plethora of Cat Knowledge. Images may be subject to copyright.
