Cats can frequently put on some extra pounds, particularly as they become older and less active or if they are kept inside. Especially if their name is Daisy.
Now Daisy had a tough upbringing before she settled with us. Until then she'd never been sure when the next meal was coming, or where it was coming from. As a result she gulped down her own food, then pushed her kids off of their bowls, before she went a scavenging. We let this behaviour slide "because she's had it tough" but this was a bad idea. Now settled, Daisy did less. So she got bigger. And bigger. Until she had a real problem; she was obese.
Obesity is a particularly common nutritional disorder, with approximately one in three of every adult cats affected. As cats become overweight it makes them more prone to health problems such as constipation, diabetes, osteoarthritis and lower urinary tract problems. As a result it’s important to keep a regular eye on your cat’s weight and body condition.
How can you work out if your cat is overweight?
As weight gain is gradual it can be hard to work out if your cat is overweight, so it’s advisable to get your vet to make regular checks. However, to check yourself you can simply run your hands around your cat’s abdomen and sides.
- If your cat is a good weight you should be able to feel but not view their ribs relatively easily without them being covered by too much fat.
- Your cat is likely to be moderately overweight if their waistline is difficult to see, you can feel some fat under their tummy, but their ribs can still be felt.
- Your cat is likely to be classified as obese if no waistline is visible, their ribs cannot be felt and they have a rounded tummy with a hanging layer of fat (especially if it sways when walking).
However, before making any changes to your cat's diet to reduce weight, please speak to your vet. It is important that your vet checks your cat's weight and assesses whether any underlying diseases might be contributing to the issue.
Reduce/cut out treats and snacks
One way to help reduce your cat's weight is to begin stopping all treats for a period. They will give you
THAT look but it is for their own good. For this to work it's important that everyone in the family and even close neighbours know this to ensure there's no selective cheating or stocking up on food with Mrs Miggins at Number 9! Also if you have a number of cats, you should feed the cats separately to avoid any stealing from others - although this is easier advice to give than to follow!
Try light food formulas
It may also be worth considering putting your cat on a special 'light' food formula. These light diets are enriched with all the essential nutrients your cat should need, but are less concentrated, with reduced calories. This also means that you may not need to reduce the quantity of food that you give your cat. If your cat is already on a prescribed diet from your vet, it is important to contact them first before changing their food.
Several leading brands offer carefully prepared light diets based on the latest scientific advances in quality, taste and nutrition to help support a managed weight loss program. These include:
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Obesity Management Feline
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Obesity Management Feline Wet
Hills Prescription Diet R/D Feline
Hills Prescription Diet R/D Feline Minced (Tins)
Hills Prescription Diet W/D Feline
Hills Prescription Diet W/D Feline Minced (Tins)
Keep your cat active
Don't forget that food is only part of the equation. Like with humans, lifestyle can be important too. Lack of exercise can often lead to cat's putting on weight, so encourage your cat to keep active and use up more calories. This could be for instance through scheduling some dedicated playtime with toys or introducing a climbing tower or scratching post, as well as time outdoors. Find what works for each cat - Daisy loves scrunched up bits of paper she pushes around the floor like an ice hockey puck. But she only wants to play around 9pm in the evening, but when you find works with them - use it to your and their advantage.
