Feline obesity - causes, risks, diets and solutions

Just like humans, cats can reach a point where their weight becomes unhealthy. Usually, their bodies can regulate this, but there are situations where extra pounds are not burned, but accumulate more and more. When action is not taken at the first signs of weight gain, there may be a risk of obesity, a topic we discuss in this guide.

• How do you know if your cat is overweight or obese
• What are the causes of feline obesity
• Which cats are prone to obesity
• What risks come with obesity
• What is the right diet for an overweight or obese cat

How do you know if your cat is overweight or obese

You might realize too late that your cat has gained weight, especially when you see them daily and the pounds accumulate slowly, day by day. There are several stages of overweight, and that's why it's good to occasionally visit the veterinarian for routine check-ups. During these, the veterinarian can assess the cat's weight by actual weighing, but also by determining the fat percentage. A healthy cat should have between 16-25% fat. When the cat's weight exceeds the ideal by 40-50%, meaning it has a fat percentage between 56-65%, we can talk about obesity.

However, it is important not to let it get that far and to be able to notice changes in time. For this, you can use the following methods: occasionally, gently palpate the cat's rib cage area, and if you can easily feel its ribs, then the weight may be normal. If you cannot feel its ribs, it is possible that your feline friend is overweight. You can also look for the following signs:

• When you look at it from above, the cat's waist is not visible and its body does not thin towards the belly, but rather the opposite;
• You notice that the collar needs to be loosened;
• Lack of activity, the fact that the cat sleeps more than usual, difficulty walking or starting to breathe harder, all can be effects of being overweight.

What are the causes of feline obesity

It seems there are not major differences between the causes of obesity in humans and those in cats. Diets rich in fat, overfeeding, excessive eating, lack of exercise, sterilization, and slowing metabolism with age are some of the reasons why your four-legged friend can accumulate extra pounds day by day. Here are more details.

Inappropriate diet

Of course, one of the main causes of obesity is feeding an inappropriate amount of food according to the cat's breed and weight. Many cats enjoy the luxury of eating whenever they want, always having a full bowl. If, in addition to this food, owners also offer snacks or treats, then extra pounds can become a threat to the feline. Also, the type of food offered is important. Very cheap food can save you money, but, in the long run, it can endanger your pet's health, especially if it is a purebred or requires special food. Low-quality food can contain dyes, numerous artificial flavors and enhancers, which pervert the cat's taste and feeling of satiety. Moreover, approximately 90% of a cat's health problems are due to improper nutrition, and one of the most common is being overweight.

One of the most frequent mistakes is mixing several types of food containing nutrients with different effects. It is advisable to choose a good quality food, rich in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates.

Lack of movement

As a rule, the risk of obesity is higher in indoor cats than in those with a yard. Even if depriving a cat of contact with the outdoors can protect it from various diseases, parasites, accidents, this problem also arises: the absence of physical effort. Therefore, owners must dedicate time for play, at least 30-60 minutes a day, especially when the feline's figure begins to gain proportions. A session where the pet is stimulated to catch certain objects can be beneficial for both you and the feline. Also, to stimulate it throughout the day, you can provide some interactive toys that could capture its attention, awakening its hunting spirit.

Which cats are prone to obesity

As doctors also claim, some people can gain weight much easier than others. It seems that this tendency also exists among cats, with breed, genetic predispositions, and surgical interventions being factors that influence this aspect.

Sterilized cats

Several sources claim that sterilized cats are prone to gaining weight because their metabolism changes and becomes slower. Another explanation is that a cat can go into heat 2-3 times a year, for 1-2 weeks. During these periods, the cat eats much less, controls its weight, and loses a few extra pounds per year. Therefore, veterinarians recommend that after the first week after the operation, the cat's diet should be adjusted to prevent the risk of gaining weight. It is very important for a sterilized cat to receive proper nutrition and to be fed specialized food. Thus, it is advisable that after surgery, the small pet receives special food for sterilized cats. This type of food is not a whim, but a necessity, because its characteristics meet the nutritional needs of felines, as follows:

• contains at most 10% fat and no more than 30% carbohydrates which, by burning, provide the necessary amount of energy for the cat;
• has a balanced protein content (20-25%);
• is richer in fiber than normal food. These fibers are especially beneficial for regulating intestinal transit.

For example, due to the adjusted content of crude protein (min.) 36%, crude fat (min.) 8% and crude fiber (max.) 7%, Equilibrio Adult Cats light complete food helps counteract excessive weight gain, and the balanced content of nutrients and minerals (proteins, calcium, phosphorus) contributes to harmonious growth.

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Also, Reflex Plus Adult Cat Sterile with Chicken provides the necessary food for sterilized cats and at the same time, thanks to the complex of proteins and vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin C creates a feeling of satiety, a key element when you want to balance your cat's body weight without them feeling drastic changes in their diet.

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Certain breeds

Even if there is no detailed study to confirm this hypothesis, the PetMD veterinary community has compiled a list of breeds that tend to gain weight rapidly. This list includes both long-haired cats, whose fluffy fur can hide a fairly significant weight gain that owners notice late: Persian, Birmanese cats, as well as lazier ones, who have a low level of physical activity: Ragamuffin, Peke-Faced, Exotic Shorthair cats. Also, some cat breeds, such as oriental ones, for example the Sphynx cat, can be very greedy and their diet must be well balanced.

What risks come with obesity

A cat becomes obese when the food it eats, instead of being consumed, turns into fats that are deposited on various organs or areas: liver, arteries, joints. Therefore, among the negative effects that can appear as a result of obesity are:

• The risk of developing diseases such as: diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, various forms of cancer, heart disease, osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, liver and kidney affections;
• Weakening of the immune system;
• Accumulation of fats in the liver can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a disease that can be fatal;
• Problems caused by excess weight put pressure on the cat's internal organs and joints, creating discomfort;
• Obesity reduces your cat's mood. An overweight cat finds it difficult to move and play;
• Possible surgical interventions and medical consultations become more difficult.

What is the right diet for an overweight or obese cat

Considering the risks, we can also realize why it is important to help the fluffy little one lose extra pounds. By reaching a normal weight, the cat benefits from a much more pleasant and longer life and reduces the risk of developing various conditions: diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, intra-abdominal cancers.

Measures must be taken in time and you can start by visiting the veterinarian to establish the degree of obesity of the cat, as well as the effective plan to help your four-legged friend get rid of extra pounds. Here are some recommendations:

• Give up the tendency to overfeed it. Do not leave food at its discretion. It is important to establish with the veterinarian the exact dose of food you will give the cat, as well as the 3-4 intervals in which to offer meals. As a rule, in diets, it is recommended to provide 70% of the daily caloric needs. This is calculated by a fairly simple formula: 30 x cat's body weight + 70. The result will be divided into 3-4 portions, to establish the amount of food you can offer the feline at each meal;
• Offer it quality, light food, based on protein and not carbohydrates, especially for overweight cats;

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• Remove daily snacks or treats from your pet's diet (do not give it your food, at most you can give it pieces of boiled and unseasoned meat, but you will need to adjust the portion of kibble and wet food that day);
• As they age, cats tend to become more sedentary, thus increasing the risk of the cat becoming overweight; for this reason, the diet must be adjusted according to the changes that occur in the metabolism of the small furball;

• After sterilization or neutering, the cat's caloric needs can decrease by up to 30%. After surgery, it is important to change the cat's diet, respecting the veterinarian's instructions and the advice mentioned above;
• Last but not least, play with your cat daily, engage it in physical activities that stimulate its need for movement. You can buy special toys or, if space and time permit, adopt another fluffy companion with whom it can play daily. This way, it will lose extra pounds more easily.

Obesity is a common problem, especially among indoor cats. Fortunately, with the owner's involvement and the recommendations specified in this guide, the balance can be restored, and your fluffy friend will once again enjoy a healthy and energetic life.

Photo source: Shutterstock

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