Did you know that obesity is one of the most common health risks our feline friends face? Fluffy will still be cute if she’s, well, not just fluffy. However, she’ll also be at risk from some very serious medical issues! Read on as a local Eau Claire, WI vet discusses kitty obesity.
Dangers of Obesity
Extra pounds are associated with many of the same health issues for pets as they are for people. Some of these include heart disease, diabetes, bone/joint problems, skin trouble, reproductive issues, and liver and kidney issues, just to name a few. Fat cats also have shorter life expectancy!
Feeding Fluffy
As one may expect, what you feed your cat will have a huge outcome on her overall weight. Portion control is an issue here. Many furballs have their humans more or less trained to feed them on demand. If Fluffy is getting round, that meow could be a bold lie! Choosing the right food is also important. Many brands, particularly lower-quality ones, contain lots of carb-heavy fillers. Last but not least, don’t go overboard with treats. Spoil your kitty with toys, cuddles, and catnip, rather than food.
Exercise
As you may know, cats have used up most of their lifetimes’ worth of energy in their first few years, and spend the majority of their time after that napping. Try to keep Fluffy active by playing with her regularly. Use toys that you control, such as a laser pointer or wand toy. You can also get her moving by tossing a toy or crumpled-up piece of paper down the hall. Your pet will probably run after it just out of curiosity. Some kitties will even play Fetch! Another way to keep your furball active is to get some pieces of furniture that encourage her to jump and climb, like a cat tower or even a catwalk.
Note
Diet and exercise both play huge roles in your pet’s overall weight. However, they aren’t the only factors. Cats can also gain weight due to age and/or medical issues. If Fluffy is gaining weight for no apparent reason, have your vet check her out. Also, if you know or suspect that your kitty needs to lose weight, consult your vet, and get some specific advice.
Please contact us, your Eau Claire, WI vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
