Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
TPAH

Call Us Today

(858) 720-8724

[email protected]

  • Covid-19 Our Pledge To You
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet our Team
    • Payment Options
    • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Theraputic K-Laser
    • Stem Cell Therapy
    • Order Prescription Food Online
    • Vets First Choice Online Pharmacy
    • Links
Preventing Obesity in Cats
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

Preventing Obesity in Cats

Cat eating from bowl

How to Help Your Cat Maintain a Healthy Weight

Overweight cats look cute in cartoons and memes, but feline obesity is no laughing matter. Excess weight strains your pet's heart and joints and increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, urinary tract problems, cancer, and skin conditions.

Is Your Cat Overweight?

It's difficult to determine the ideal weight for your cat if you look at numbers alone. Although experts say cats should weigh between 7 to 12 pounds, some cats may be overweight or obese at 12 pounds, while others are sleek and slim.

A quick examination will help you evaluate your pet's weight. Run your hands over your pet's body. Can you feel the ribs or are they hidden under a thick layer of fat? The ribs are normally covered by a small amount of fat but can be felt easily if your cat isn't overweight. If you can't feel your pet's ribs, it may be time to make some changes to your pet's diet.

Take a look at your cat's waist from above while he or she is standing. You should see a slight indentation between the hips and back legs. A round appearance with no noticeable waist may mean that your cat is overweight or obese.

What You Can Do to Prevent Obesity

These steps can help your cat avoid the dangerous consequences of obesity:

  • Offer Food Appropriate for Your Cat's Age. Your pet's nutritional needs change throughout his or her lifetime. Growing kittens require more frequent feedings and need extra nutrients in their food. Continuing to feed cats food intended for kittens past one year of age can lead to weight gain. Food changes may also be needed as your pet ages. Less active, older cats may benefit from lower-calorie senior food. Your pet's veterinarian can help you find a type of cat food that meets all of your pet's nutritional requirements.
  • Pay Attention to Portion Sizes. Do you throw a handful of food in your cat's dish every time you notice it's empty? Overfeeding is a common cause of weight issues. In fact, your pet may only need one-third to one-half cup of food per day, depending on the food's calorie count. Take a look at the cat calorie calculator offered on the Pet Nutrition Alliance website to determine how many daily calories your cat really needs.
  • Limit Treats. Too many treats can also affect your pet's weight and may be a factor in obesity. Treats should account for no more than 10 percent of your pet's daily caloric intake, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.
  • Help Your Cat Stay Active. Cats need regular exercise to maintain their ideal weight and keep their hearts, muscles, and joints strong and healthy. Your cat may enjoy batting at the toy at the end of a kitty fishing rod, chasing a laser beam, or fetching a small toy. Interactive treat mazes offer physical and mental stimulation for your cat (as long as you pay attention to the calorie count of the treats), while battery-powered mice give your pet a fun workout. If you're handy, a homemade maze or climbing tower can keep your pet busy for hours.
  • Visit the Vet. It's easy to overlook a slight weight gain in your cat. Unfortunately, even an extra pound may increase your pet's risk of developing health problems. During annual wellness exams, your pet's veterinarian evaluates your cat's weight and body condition and can offer a few healthy eating tips if your favorite feline has started to gain weight.

Approximately 60 percent of cats are obese, according to the American Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Could your cat be one of them? If you're concerned about your cat's weight, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Pet Nutrition Alliance: Calorie Calculator for Cats

Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University: Top Five Nutrition Mistakes Pet Owners Make, 5/31/17

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: 2018 Pet Obesity Survey Results

Cornell Feline Health Center: How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?

Catster: Do You Have an Obese Cat? Here’s How to Tell, 3/6/18

No article settings found. Please configure it

Sign Up for Exclusive Promotions

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Sunday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Our Location

  • "Great experience. Everyone was very nice and friendly to not only my family but to my nervous pup as well. We've been to lots of vet offices over the years, and the overall energy of everyone we came in contact with was the best by far. Love Dr. Vora, we followed her here and will be back for sure!"
    Lisa G.
  • "I just took my 7 month old puppy for a check up and loved Dr. Steele. He answered all my questions and I never felt rushed at all. The vet tech even showed me how to trim my dog's nails. Definitely would recommend this place for anyone's pet."
    Julia B.
  • "I want to thank the staff at TPAH for being so considerate and kind during a very rough time for us and our doggy. I'm very happy knowing that in her last hours she was around a very loving staff that treated her like their own pet.
    Thank you guys for doing all that you could for her and for us."
    Shannyn B.
  • Parrots

    If you’re thinking of adding a feathered friend to your family, you might be surprised at what it takes to care of this type of pet. While parrots are highly intelligent and fun pets, there are a few aspects that make them more difficult to care for than a cat or dog. Here’s what you need to know ...

    Read More
  • Most Common Digestive Issues in Dogs and How to Relieve Them

    Do you know which digestive issues are most common in dogs? ...

    Read More
  • Glaucoma in Cats

    Do you know the signs of glaucoma in cats? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In