Is your kitty a fluffy little chonker? If that’s the case, she’s in good (and adorably charming) company. Over half of domestic cats are tipping the scales into overweight or obese territory. We all agree that chubby cats are irresistibly cute, but those extra pounds can lead to some serious health concerns for your furry friend. A local Elgin TX vet shares some important insight about feline obesity below.
What Is the Lifespan of Obese Cats?
Sadly, overweight cats tend to have shorter lifespans compared to their slimmer counterparts. Fluffy might only live for five to 10 years, which is quite a bit shorter than the usual 10 to 15-year lifespan she could have anticipated. To view the numbers from a different angle … Chubby felines aged 8 to 12 years face a mortality rate that’s 2.8 times greater than their leaner counterparts.
What’s the Best Way to Help a Chunky Cat Lose Weight?
Fluffy isn’t exactly the type to stick to a weight loss plan all by herself. The bright side is that, in the end, her diet is totally up to you. Most cats can’t snag a snack or crack open a can of food on their own. (We say most because a few clever kitties have cracked the code to cupboard access. Some of them aren’t afraid to swipe their humans’ snacks!)
Still, your pet can—and likely will—meow and beg until you finally give in. Get ready to brace yourself for that irresistibly cute face!
What’s the Best Diet for My Overweight Cat?
Your cat’s diet is a key factor in maintaining their weight and overall health. Check out these handy tips for feeding Fluffy:
Choose Top-Notch Food
There’s no need to empty your wallet on cat food, but it’s important that your furry friend’s meals are both nutritious and wholesome. Picking the right brands can be a bit of a challenge, so it’s a good idea to start reading those labels regularly. Once you figure out what to keep an eye out for, everything will become a lot simpler.
Pet food labels should follow the same guidelines as those for human food. The key point is that the ingredients should be arranged in order of their percentage. The first item on the list boasts the highest proportion of all the ingredients. Seek out products that prioritize meat, fish, or poultry at the top of the label. Check out the other ingredients too! Steer clear of items packed with fillers like corn or wheat. These foods are not just loaded with carbs; they’re also not the best choice for our feline friends in the first place.
Don’t forget that portion control plays a key role too! Just adding a mere ten extra calories to Fluffy’s daily intake could lead to her packing on a pound over the course of a year. Adding a hundred extra calories to your daily intake could lead to gaining a pound each month. That’s quite a bit for a fluffy little creature!
Keep an eye on those serving sizes and calorie counts. As a general guideline, a kitty typically requires around 20 to 30 calories for each pound of body weight each day. Yet, there’s still a bit of variation in the mix. A lively, playful cat will definitely use up more energy than one that prefers to snooze all day. (Let’s put a pin in Fluffy’s snoozing quirks for a future post.)
Select Food That Suits Different Ages
Your cat’s eating habits will evolve as they grow. A kitten’s nutritional needs are quite different from those of a senior cat. Have a chat with your Elgin TX vet about the best timing and methods for making age-related dietary changes.
What Happens If My Cats Require Different Diets?
This is a pretty common issue. Lots of homes are filled with more than one cat. Your senior cat might require a specific type of food, while your playful kitten has a taste for something entirely different. Clearly, asking Fluffy to steer clear of Mittens’ food is likely to be a bit of a lost cause.
You might want to consider dishes that come with microchips. These will be connected to a kitty’s microchip, ensuring that it opens exclusively for that cat. Another alternative is to maintain consistent mealtimes, feeding both of your pets separately yet simultaneously.
What Are the Health Risks of Feline Obesity?
Just like in humans, obesity in cats comes with a host of similar risks. As you might imagine, heart disease ranks among the most prevalent and worrisome health issues. Yet, it’s certainly not the only risk.
Check out some of the others:
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Cancer
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Health Issues
- Arthritis
- Systemic Inflammation
- Complications related to Anesthesia
- More Frequent Trips to the Bathroom
- Liver Disease
- Breathing Troubles
- Skin Issues
- Kidney Trouble
- Reduced Lifespan
- Issues with Skin and Coat
- Metabolic Disorder
- Lowered Quality of Life
Check in with your Elgin TX vet for additional details!
What Are Some Ways to Keep My Cat Active?
Kittens are little bundles of energy, darting around and getting into all sorts of mischief, but just like us, they eventually settle down as they grow older. (Note: Cats tend to slow down even more than many other creatures.) Senior cats can snooze for as much as 20 hours a day!
While you might not be able to persuade Fluffy to dash up and down the stairs or race on cue, there are definitely ways to encourage her to stay active. Providing an abundance of toys and playtime is the best approach in this situation.
Daily play sessions are a fantastic way to keep Fluffy active and engaged. Try out some interactive toys, like a wand toy or a laser pointer. Or treat your adorable pet to a clever toy that reacts to her every move. These items are fantastic as they connect with your pet’s inner tiger, bringing out her natural hunting instincts.
Another idea to consider is investing in some cat furniture that will promote and inspire activity. A cat tower to climb or a kitty wheel to run on is sure to bring some excitement.
If your pet is adventurous and inquisitive, she might just love strutting her stuff on a leash during walks. Always prioritize safety! Keep an eye on your cat when she’s wearing her harness or collar, and remember, if she’s not into walks, don’t force her.
Consult with your Elgin TX veterinarian for personalized advice.
What Causes Feline Obesity?
Just like us, Fluffy’s weight usually depends on how much she eats and how much she moves around! Typically, a plump kitty is just enjoying more treats than they’re working off! That’s likely not a shocker, considering how our feline companions love to snooze. if you own a cat, we wouldn’t be surprised if she is catching some Z’s even as you are reading this. Sadly for Fluffy, sleeping won’t burn nearly as many calories as chasing after mice.
There’s more to it than just diet and exercise, though. Your kitty’s age will also be a factor. Senior cats have unique nutritional requirements compared to their younger counterparts and typically require fewer calories. Make sure to chat with your Elgin TX vet about this regularly, particularly as your pet gets older.
Weight can also be influenced by various medical conditions. Some might lead to shedding those extra pounds, while others could encourage putting on a few more. If you’re puzzled about your pet’s weight changes, why not schedule a visit to our clinic? Let our vet give her a thorough check-up.
Schedule Your Visit to Our Elgin TX Animal Hospital
Got a plump kitty lounging around your home? (Or perhaps on your lap?) Have questions about your furry friend’s diet or general care? Feel free to get in touch with us any time! As your friendly Elgin TX pet clinic, we’re always ready to lend a paw!
