Feline Obesity
One of the most common problems in pets, especially in indoor cats, is obesity. A cat is 'overweight' if it is 1 to 19 per cent heavier than the optimal weight. Your obese cat is largely at risk of many and different illnesses, such as, diabetes, liver problem and joint pain.
Weight gain occurs when cats have a ‘positive energy balance' for an
extended period of time, meaning they are taking in more calories than
they are using. The excess energy is stored as fat. The majority of cases of obesity are related to simple overfeeding coupled with lack of exercise.
You can also detect cat obesity through observing if you are able to feel the backbone and palpate the ribs in an animal of
healthy weight. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs without pressing,
there is too much fat. You should also see a noticeable "waist" between the back of the rib cage and the hips when looking at your pet from above. There should be a "tuck" in the tummy when viewed from the side. The abdomen should go up from the
bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs. Cats who fail these simple
tests may be overweight.
It's very important to consult your veterinarian once you observed that your cat is overweight. You vet may help you come up with cat weight loss programs that can aid your kitty. Nevertheless, these weight loss programs should include the following:
Correct diet. Obese cats consumes more calories than what is required. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), work with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s caloric
requirements, select a suitable food and calculate how much to feed. The
diet should contain a normal level of a moderately fermentable fiber
and the type of fat that prevents the skin and coat from deteriorating
during weight loss. Diets that dilute calories with high fiber lead to
increased stool volumes, frequent urges to defecate and variable
decreases in nutrient digestibility. Research also suggests adding probiotics to their diet. Probiotics for cats supports weight loss and normal weight. Products like the OmNutra Pet Probiotics contain 3 billion CFU per scoop that helps reducing and eliminating pet health issues.
Exercise. Physical activity contributes to both weight loss and maintenance. Therefore, it is advised that they be increased. Regular exercise burns more calories, reduces appetite, changes body
composition and will increase your pet’s resting metabolic rate.
If you are really committed to making your feline friend shed that extra unhealthy fat, you need to implement important changes too. These include removing your cat from the area when the household eats, feeding them small yet frequent meals throughout the day, reduce or remove snacks or treats, and provide non-food related attention.
