HEALTHY FELINE WEIGHT AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT…

Cats like people can  put on extra pounds during the winter, and also cats like people can over indulge. Indoor cats may have the same problem – too many treats and not enough exercise. Although cats do not have any incentive to prepare for swimsuit season, being overweight is a problem and can be a serious health concern. Feline obesity can lead to:

• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Joint disease
• Skin problems
• Shorter life

The demands of increased body mass may exceed the body’s ability to produce insulin. Obese cats are 2-4 times more likely to develop diabetes.

The liver is a vital organ that supports nearly every other organ in the body. Excess fat stored in the liver, fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) decreases liver function and can be life threatening.

Of course, excess weight puts stress on joints. If movement is painful Kitty is even less likely to play and burn off calories.

Overweight cats cannot groom themselves properly. The extra weight makes them less flexible and they just can’t reach all the places that need attention. Consequently they may have dry flaky skin and dull fur, even if they have a high quality diet.

Before starting a weight loss program Kitty should have a complete exam. Weight needs to be taken off slowly and should be done through a combination of diet and exercise. The body can’t cope with rapid release of toxins and certain vitamins stored in fat.

FUN FACT – Did you know that, unlike people, cats must get all their vitamin D from food? It is stored in fat, and blood concentrations of vitamin D can be a predictor of feline health.

Your vet may suggest a special weight loss diet or simply smaller portions of Kitty’s regular high protein food. Cats are obligate carnivores. Cats just don’t have the ability to digest carbohydrates the way people and dogs do. Cats need protein. Under natural conditions their meals would be small and unpredictable.

In fact – one mouse is the perfect meal for an average sized cat! A typical mouse is made of 20 percent protein, 9 percent fat and lots of moisture.

This is a difficult concept for many humans. Food is equated with love and cats have a way of looking “so hungry” they must need at least a small treat. Free feeding (leaving a full food dish out all day) is the human equivalent of sitting next to a large bag of snack food. Kitty may be eating more due to boredom than because she is hungry. Feeding small meals throughout the day has an added advantage of showing exactly how much is eaten (or not).

Follow your vet’s recommendations for portions and number of feedings per day. Weight should be checked at monthly intervals. Toys are a great way to increase activity. But some cats just aren’t interested in catnip. (It is genetically determined and does not mean anything is wrong.) In that case interactive toys (e.g. feathers on a wand), cat furniture for climbing, or even a playmate may help.

Once Kitty has reached a healthy weight follow your vet’s recommendations for maintenance. (Remember, being too thin is also unhealthy. If your cat is losing weight despite eating normally or has stopped eating do not delay in seeking professional help.) Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the ways to increase the chance of a long and happy life for your cat.

HOW TO HELP A CHUBBY CAT IN A MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLD LOSE WEIGHT…

First, free feeding is never a good idea. To prevent over eating cats should have two meals a day. Breakfast and dinner. Each cat should have their own food bowl spread out to allow for space between the cats.

Tell your vet how much the plump cat weighs. Ask what the ideal weight for that particular  cat is. Ask the vet how many calories a day the cat needs to slowly  drop the weight. Ask your vet for a realistic time frame for the weight to come off safely.

For a chubby cat who needs to lose a few pounds  feed that cat in a room separately from the other cats with the door shut. To make this even better – split that cat’s food portion into two bowls. This gives the impression of more food!  Allow 20 minutes for all of the cats to eat. Collect the food bowls of the cats in the kitchen first, then the bowl of the cat who’s behind a closed door and let the cat out. A hard process with the separating but a must to prevent tension at mealtimes.

With the support of your vet and your time and patience your cat is sure to win slimmer of the year!!!!