Overweight Cat Help

Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is one of the best ways to ensure your feline friend lives a long enjoyable life. Unfortunately, obesity has become a common problem with cats. Just like people, being overweight can be detrimental to your pet’s health. An overweight cat has added stress upon their body and is at an increased risk of diabetes, arthritis and joint pain. They may experience exercise intolerance and less energy.

How do I know if my cat is overweight?

A trip to the vet is a sure way to determine if your cat is overweight. Your veterinarian will complete an exam, weigh him and ask you info about their current diet and activity level. Then he will score his body condition. This assessment of your cat’s level of lean muscle and fat will determine if your cat is at healthy body weight, overweight, or possibly even underweight.

How can I help my cat lose weight?

Poorly managed diet and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common contributing factors leading up to obesity. The good news is there are ways you can help your fat cat lose weight. One of the easiest things that you can do to help your cat shed some pounds is to address their diet. It may be feeding a special calorie-reduced diet, feeding your cat a specific amount of food daily as opposed to just filling up their bowl, and possibly feeding one cat separate from other cats in the household. Scheduling some active playtime for you and your cat not only increases your bond with him, but will also help him stay active and help keep his weight under control.

What is offered during a nutritional consultation?

Your veterinarian will be able to score your cat’s weight accurately and determine how much weight loss is required. They can recommend lower calorie or calorie restricted diets along with an exercise regime to help your cat reach its optimum weight.