KittenAid

Feline Obesity

Feline obesity is a growing problem in the United States (no pun intended). While different breeds of cats obviously vary in size, cats normally range from eight to fifteen pounds as adults. Studies have shown as much as forty percent of the American cat population is not just overweight, but actually obese. For a 160 lb. human to be 20% – 25% overweight he would have to pack on an extra 32 to 40 pounds, but for a 15 lb. cat a gain of just 3 or 4 pounds would put him in that obese range.

Obesity is most often the result of poor diet and lack of exercise, but excessive weight gain can also be caused by abnormal thyroid function, which can be detected by your veterinarian using blood and urine tests. While you may think your cat just looks “fluffy”, feline obesity is a serious problem which can lead to other health issues including diabetes, early arthritis, and a disease called Hepatic Lipidosis. The heaviest cat on record tipped the scales at over 46 pounds and eventually died of respiratory failure, no doubt from trying to lug all that extra weight around.

The best way to combat obesity is to prevent it in the first place by knowing your cat’s needs and paying attention to when, what and how much you feed him. Very active kittens need a higher calorie intake than older cats because they are still developing physically and are expending calories through play. Indoor cats are not as active as outdoor cats, and require fewer calories. As with all animals, weight gain occurs when the number of calories taken in each day is greater than the number of calories expended.

Kittens normally weigh between two and four ounces at birth. With proper nutrition, their weight will double by the end of their first week, and triple within three weeks. At six months, the kitten will take on the features of an adult, but he is still developing bone and muscle. He will reach adult weight by the end of his first year.

Cats show the first signs of extra weight in their stomachs, which will start to hang rather than remaining taut and firm. Place your hands around your cat. If you can’t easily feel his ribs, he’s overweight. Extra weight is also noticeable around the cat’s cheeks and neck.

Before you put your cat on any weight loss program, be sure to have him checked by a veterinarian to determine his ideal weight and to be sure he doesn’t have other health problems.

Cats, like people, will often eat out of habit, or simply because they are bored. While it may be more inconvenient for you, consider first changing his continuous food supply to scheduled feedings in the morning and evening. Give him a portion of food measured in ounces rather than cups according to his weight, and a limited time to eat it. He will soon learn to eat while he can.
If your cat is already on a twice-a-day regimen, you may simply need to reduce his portion size gradually until he achieves the desired weight.

Compared to humans and dogs, felines have a harder time digesting carbohydrates and need mostly protein. Outdoor cats are often more lean than indoor cats because they will catch and eat mice and birds, which are high in protein and very low in carbohydrates. Pet food manufacturers have developed “diet” cat food, which is lower in calories while still providing essential nutrition. Be sure that any change you make is gradual. You should add a small portion of the new food to the old, and slowly increase the ratio of new to old over a period of about a week. Cats are creatures of habit, and sudden changes may upset their digestive systems to the point of illness. Many vets recommend getting your cat used to a wide variety of dry and wet foods while he is still a kitten.

Unlike their wild counterparts, domestic cats don’t have to chase prey in order to survive. Wake him up and play with him! Kittens love attention, and play time will give them the exercise they need to develop strong muscles, while using up some of those calories. Good habits developed at a young age will carry into adulthood.