Obesity in Kitties

Did you know that obesity is one of the most common health issues in kitties? It’s also one of the most preventable. While your feline friend may look cute if she’s a bit chubby, that extra weight is really very bad for her health. Pudgy pets have significantly higher risks of developing many serious medical issues, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Your cat will be much healthier if she is at or near her ideal weight. A local Carteret County, NC veterinarian discusses feline obesity in this article.

Diet plays a huge role in your cat’s weight. Offer your kitty good, high-quality food, but don’t overfeed her. Even giving Fluffy just a few extra calories a day can cause her to gain a pound a year. That’s quite a bit for a cat! Kitties that eat only kibble may be more prone to gaining weight, because many dry food formulas are high in carbs. Ask your vet for specific recommendations, including serving sizes, feeding times, and suitable snacks.

Making sure your cat gets enough activity is very important. This can also be a bit challenging, given our feline friends’ fondness for napping. Kitties can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping! Offer your drowsy pet lots of fun toys. Look for playthings that will keep your cat active, such as doorknob toys and robotic mice. Cat towers are another great option. It’s also important to play with your pet every day. These fun play sessions will not only be good for your kitty’s waistline, they will also benefit her mentally, especially as she ages. Plus, they will be fun for you too! It’s also worth noting that cats that live in apartments, and those without furry roommates, tend to be less active than other felines.

If you think your cat is overweight, talk to your vet before making any changes to her diet. You’ll need to make adjustments slowly, as rapid dietary changes can be very dangerous for our feline friends. Slow, steady weight loss is much safer. Fluffy’s nutritional needs may also change after she is fixed, and as she grows older. Follow your vet’s recommendations.

Do you know or suspect that your cat is overweight? Please call us anytime! As your local Carteret County, NC, animal clinic, we are happy to serve all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.