Weight Management
Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in cats and is considered to be an epidemic by many experts. Obesity refers to an excess of body fat that can lead to compromised health and is a significant animal welfare concern. Numerous health issues are associated with feline obesity including, but are not limited to, diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, urinary tract diseases, arthritis, dermatopathies, and a shortened lifespan. The good news is that obesity can be managed by making a few changes in how your care for your cat.
Fluff or Fat?
It can be difficult to tell if your cat is overweight – and many cat guardians may be unaware that their pet may have this condition. A body condition scoring chart can help to determine the body condition of your cat through a simple visual and hands on assessment. If you have any concerns, the best way to ensure your cat is at a healthy weight is by consulting your veterinarian.
Killing with Kindness
Cats are experts at convincing us they need food and treats and have trained us to respond to their desperate and persistent cries for snacks. Rather than feeding your cat based on their behaviour, we recommend referring to the body condition chart mentioned earlier. Using this chart in consultation with your veterinarian will give you the most accurate understanding of whether your cat truly needs more food.
The next time your cat cries for attention, try offering petting or playtime instead. Socializing and play not only help strengthen the bond you share with your cat, it can also help reduce any guilt associated with not feeding them unnecessarily. Play also provides much-needed exercise and enrichment by allowing your cat opportunities to express normal behaviours.
Reducing Weight
Obesity treatment is mainly focused on calorie restriction (generally from a high protein and low carbohydrate diet) to promote weight loss and encourage more activity through play. Rapid weight loss can be particularly dangerous for cats, so it’s essential that you work with your veterinarian. They can help determine the best diet for your cat, set a target weight range, and create a safe, gradual weight loss plan.
Instead of allowing cats to free feed, restrict food to certain feeding times to control intake. Try using food puzzles that encourage cats to “work” for their food, which makes mealtime more enriching.
If you have several cats, feed them separately to monitor individual food intake. Since cats are solitary hunters, separate feeding supports their natural behaviours and reduces food competition between cats. Treats should also be factored into a diet plan. While giving treats can be rewarding for caregivers, they should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
Maintaining Ideal Weight
Once your cat’s target weight is achieved, maintaining that weight loss can be just as challenging. Ongoing monitoring of body condition is essential even after weight loss is achieved.
Regular consultation with your veterinary team is an important part of your cat’s long-term health. They can help assess the body condition of your cat, address any concerns and provide guidance to ensure your cat stays at a healthy weight.