Kitties are nothing if not adorable. Those charming little faces, quirky habits, plaintive meows, and hilarious antics have a special way of melting our hearts. In fact, many cats pretty much have their owners wrapped around their paws. Quite a few of them also have their human pals trained to feed them on command. This is no doubt a good part of the reason that so many kitties—well over half—are overweight or obese. Chubby cats may be cute, but they also have elevated risks of developing some very dangerous medical issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Here, a Bowmanville, ON vet discusses obesity in cats.

Is Your Kitty Obese?

If your feline pal is obviously pudgy, then you already know the answer to this question. However, it isn’t always easy to tell if cats—especially fluffy ones—are overweight. Here’s a quick test: feel your kitty’s ribs. If you can’t feel them at all, well, you probably have a furry little butterball for a pet. If you aren’t sure, ask your vet.

Causes of Obesity

It probably won’t be much of a shock to find that Fluffy’s love of naps plays a big role in feline obesity rates. Cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day! Your kitty’s diet is also an important factor in her weight. Even giving your kitty just a few extra calories a day can cause her to gain a pound a year. That may not be much for a person, but it’s a lot for a little furball. That said, sometimes other factors, such as age, genetics, or health, can contribute to your furry buddy’s weight. If you’ve noticed your pet rapidly gaining weight, contact your vet right away. This can be a sign of medical issues.

Keeping Kitty Trim

It’s much easier to keep Fluffy at or near her ideal weight than it is to put her on a diet. Ask your vet for specific nutritional advice, including safe and unsafe foods, portion sizes, and snacks. It’s also important to keep your cat active. Make sure your feline buddy has lots of toys, and play with her every day. We also recommend getting some cat furniture that promotes healthy activities, like jumping and climbing. Do you have questions about your cat’s diet? We can help! Contact us, your local Bowmanville, ON pet clinic, today!