Has your kitty been getting a bit round lately? Do you suspect that Fluffy is, well, not just fluffy? Well over half of our feline friends are obese. While chubby kitties are very cute, unfortunately, they also face elevated risks of developing some very serious health issues. Read on as a London, ON vet discusses obesity in cats.
Risks of Obesity
Obesity carries many of the same risks for pets as it does for people. If Fluffy is obese, she will have much higher risks of developing several dangerous medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, skin problems, and liver and kidney issues. Those extra pounds can also increase your cat’s chances of having reproductive trouble and/or post-surgical complications. Your furball will be much healthier if she stays at or near her ideal weight.
Keeping Fluffy Fit
Make sure your furball has plenty of fun toys, and take time to play with her every day. Even spending just a few minutes chasing that dot from a laser pointer around can help keep your kitty fit. You also want to offer Fluffy some pet furniture that encourages physical activity, like jumping and climbing. Cat towers are great for this!
Feeding The Furball
Cats are absolutely adorable, and they know it. Many of our furry patients have their owners wrapped around their paws, especially when it comes to food. Fluffy may very well have you trained to feed her on demand! Unfortunately, giving your cute pet just a few calories too many a day can cause her to quickly pack on the pounds. Choosing the right food is also important. Lower quality brands tend to have high amounts of carbs and fillers, which can be quite fattening. Ask your vet for specific nutritional recommendations, including portion sizes, suitable treats, and feeding schedules.
Helping Your Cat Slim Down
Do you have a furry little butterball on your hands? Talk to your vet before making any changes to your kitty’s diet. Just like people, cats must slim down slowly in order to lose weight safely. Never, ever put your furball on a crash diet. This is very bad for your feline buddy’s metabolism, and could make her very sick!
Please contact us, your local London, ON animal clinic, with any questions or concerns about your cat’s diet or care. We are dedicated to keeping our feline patients happy, healthy, and purring!
