Why a Healthy Weight is Important for your Cat?

Why a Healthy Weight is Important for your Cat – Keeping your cat at a healthy weight can benefit their overall well-being. A healthy weight can lead to a happier and more active cat, and potentially a longer life.

Why a Healthy Weight is Important for your Cat?

However, obesity, which is characterized as being 20% or more above the normal weight range, is a frequently observed nutritional issue among domestic cats, and it is preventable.

Why is it Important for Your Cat to Maintain a Healthy Weight?

Being overweight can have a detrimental impact on your cat’s quality of life. Overweight felines tend to be less physically active and interactive with their families, which makes them less playful, less energetic, and more lethargic. In addition, overweight cats are at a greater risk of developing serious health problems, including but not limited to:

• Arthritis due to increased burden on the joints, ligaments, and tendons.
• Urinary disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Heart disease.
• Chronic inflammation.
• High blood pressure that can burden the heart further.
• Diabetes due to the body’s inability to produce insulin in sufficient quantities or use insulin effectively.
• Breathing difficulties caused by fat around the chest and abdomen that restricts the expansion of the lungs.
• Decreased immune function.
• Constipation and flatulence.
• Skin infections.
• Some cancers.

What Causes Cat Obesity?

Obesity in cats is primarily caused by overfeeding, but there can be other contributing factors as well. Before initiating a weight loss program, determine if there are any underlying medical causes for obesity.

Why a Healthy Weight is Important for your Cat?

Several common causes of feline obesity can include:

• Overfeeding.
• Genetics.
• Lack of exercise or sedentary activity level.
• Spaying or neutering.
• Unhealthy feeding habits.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Some medications.
• Cushing’s disease.
• Diabetes.
• Stress.
• Pain.

How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight?

A comprehensive and holistic approach involving veterinary professionals is usually required to help cats lose weight effectively. Here are some helpful tips for you to try:

1. Rule Out Medical Conditions First

The first step in any weight loss program is to assess whether any medical conditions could be contributing to your cat’s weight gain. It is critical to identify and treat any problems related to obesity.

2. Listen to Your Vet’s Advice

During your cat’s regular check-up, if your vet advises that your cat needs to lose weight, don’t take offense. Listen to their advice and act accordingly. After assessing your cat’s medical history and conducting a comprehensive examination, your vet will suggest an overall weight loss goal and schedule regular check-ups to monitor their progress.

Why a Healthy Weight is Important for your Cat?

3. Assess Your Cat’s Diet

The quality of the cat food you give to your feline companion can make a significant difference in their weight management. Some over-the-counter cat foods contain unnecessary additives like sugar and high levels of fat that can pose a challenge for weight loss in your cat.

Why a Healthy Weight is Important for your Cat?

Canned cat food is a better alternative for cats looking to shed some pounds because it has fewer calories, contains more water, and is easier for cats to digest. Many pet stores also provide over-the-counter weight-loss diets. While they do help, measuring food quantities will be required.

A qualified pet nutritionist or your vet can provide more specific guidance and advice regarding your cat’s diet and nutrition.

4. Regulate Portion Size

Excessive feeding is one of the most common causes of feline obesity. You should measure your cat’s daily food allowance rather than free feeding, which means letting them eat whenever they want. Monitor the cat’s food intake and gradually move towards scheduled feedings. Initially, start with small, more frequent meals and make a sound when it’s mealtime so the cat can adjust to the new routine.

As you transition away from free-feeding, providing a designated feeding