Are you worried about your cat looking a little heavy these days? Don’t ignore this. Use this article to understand why it may be a health risk and what to do about it.
Why do Cats Gain Weight
1. Little to No Exercise
The most common causes of cat obesity are inactivity and excessive eating, and resolving these problems will benefit most cats.
Some individuals might assume their cat is sluggish and blame them for lacking lively interactions. Sometimes cats will signal to us by bringing us their toys, although this rarely happens. Cats are known to be independent pets, and sometimes you may think you don’t need to provide them with daily exercise. Remember that this is not always the case.
2. Too Much Dry Food
Yes, sometimes dry food can be convenient. You buy it in bulk and feed your cat regularly, it doesn’t go wrong, and you keep being more cost-effective. However, did you know it is less filling than wet food due to the lack of water content? Cats will ask you for more and end up overeating and gaining weight.
3. Irregular Bathroom Breaks
Just like humans, cats can also often get constipated. As a result, they are outing on extra weight. Keep checking your cat’s litter boxes just to make sure.
Why is Cat Weight Management Important
Did you know that if your cat is even 2 pounds overweight, it is at significant risk of many diseases? The following are a few of the common conditions linked to being overweight:
Obese cats are three times more likely than cats of average weight to acquire:
- Type 2 diabetes, which is a dangerous condition
- Arthritis
- A rise in the number of joint injuries
- Several types of cancer
- High blood pressure
Compared to more fit, normal-weight cats, cats that are overweight or obese typically live shorter lives. With their families, physically heavy cats generally are less animated and playful.
Because they tend to spend more time lying around, it is simpler to ignore early disease symptoms because we may think their idle state is just part of their typical sloth nature. But you are just beginning to understand how dangerous and deadly a few extra pounds can be for humans and our furry friends.
Tips for Weight Management in Cats
1. Healthy Food
While “light” or “weight management” diets are available at pet stores, it is always advisable to speak with your veterinarian to see whether these foods suit your cat. Your veterinarian can suggest a therapeutic diet that is specially created to assist your cat in reaching a healthy weight if it needs to lose a lot of weight.
Compared to other foods, these foods often offer more fiber and fewer calories per cup. Additionally, they are designed to give your cat adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals, enabling healthy weight loss despite daily calorie reduction.
2. Spread Out Meals
Did you know you can trick your cats into thinking they’re eating more food? You can do this by spreading out their meals into smaller bowls throughout the day. They might think they’re having more because they are getting more bowls!
3. Switch Canned Food
Maybe it’s time to make a little more effort for your pet. Yes, cats prefer canned food over dry food. But why not try to create some recipes yourself? You’ll know the ingredients and whether they’re suitable for your cat or not. This way, you are more in control.
4. Exercise
Cats experience chronic boredom much as people do. Provide lots of vertical climbing surfaces and switch up the toys to liven things up. Include brief periods of play throughout the day. Cats are not made for endurance but for speed, so aim for five to ten minutes of action during each play session.
Pet strolls are not only for canines! If your cat is the correct temperament, it can also benefit from a walk around the neighborhood.
5. Fewer Treats
Cats love treats, and we love making our furry friends happy. But when your cat is on the verge of obesity, think about their health first, stick to meal prepping, and give fewer treats to help them maintain weight.
Conclusion
Your pet may be unable to inform you when they’re in pain. It is our duty to protect them from harm and not contribute to their death or them developing any diseases. This informative article might’ve given you a hint to understand how your cat may feel carrying around the excess weight and how you can take care of them.
