| Unfortunately, obesity in pets is rising. Of course, this | | | | * When you look at him, or her, sideways, does the |
| can lead to very serious health concerns, but the | | | | belly hang down? |
| good news is that simple changes to diet and an | | | | * Is there a large layer of fat covering the ribs? You |
| increase in exercise can see your cat return to its | | | | should be able to feel your cat's ribs, but, of course, |
| svelte former self. | | | | you should not be able to see them. |
| What Has Caused an Obesity Epidemic Among Cats? | | | | * Is your cat sedentary? Does he, or she, spend all |
| There are many factors that cause a cat to become | | | | day sitting or laying? |
| obese, for some cats underlying health concerns or a | | | | If you feel that your cat may be overweight, it is |
| genetic predisposition to a large appetite or slow | | | | advisable to seek the advice of a veterinary, who will |
| metabolism can result in weight gain. | | | | be able to confirm your suspicions, rule out possible |
| However, the epidemic of obesity among cats is | | | | health causes and guide you on the best course of |
| principally caused by us humans. In the vast majority | | | | action. |
| of cases, cats are overweight, because they do not | | | | How to Help an Overweight Cat |
| get enough exercise, are fed too much, are fed | | | | Just like trying to lose weight yourself, helping a cat |
| high-carbohydrate foods and/or they are being given | | | | lose weight involves simply reducing the number of |
| too many treats. | | | | calories it consumes and increasing the amount of |
| Some believe that it is the abundance of cheap, dry, | | | | exercise it gets. To ensure that your cat is not |
| high-carbohydrate cat food that has caused the | | | | eating too much, it is a good idea to set meal times |
| majority of cases of obesity. This poses two | | | | and to make sure that he, or she, is not able to eat |
| problems: firstly, these foods do not contain the | | | | throughout the day from a full bowl. In addition, it is a |
| nutrients that a cat needs, therefore, the cat's | | | | good idea to ensure that only one member of the |
| instinct will be to eat more in an attempt to get | | | | family is responsible for feeding the cat, as this will |
| these nutrients and, secondly, in a natural state, cats | | | | reduce the amount of treats and snacks that your |
| get water from the food (animals) that they eat and, | | | | cat may otherwise be the recipient of. |
| therefore, do not drink much. With a dry cat food, a | | | | Some specialist cat foods are available and these can |
| cat is not getting any hydration whatsoever and, | | | | prove beneficial. However, it is not always necessary |
| again, the cat's natural instinct will be to eat more in | | | | to purchase these expensive foods. Just bear in mind |
| an effort to get the water that it needs. | | | | that an overweight cat should have a high-protein |
| Although cheap cat foods may seem like a bargain, in | | | | diet. |
| the end, your cat will suffer and vet's bills will mean | | | | To increase the amount of exercise your cat gets, it |
| your wallet does, too. | | | | is really important to play with him, or her, more. Balls, |
| Is My Cat Overweight? | | | | wand toys and laser pointers are all popular with cats |
| If you are unsure whether your cat is overweight to | | | | and will help them to become more active. |
| an unhealthy degree, consider the following: | | | | When altering your cat's diet, it is wise to seek the |
| * Does your cat have trouble, running, climbing and | | | | assistance of a vet and have regular checks to |
| jumping? | | | | ensure that your pet remains in good health |
| * When viewed from above, do his, or her, sides | | | | throughout the weight loss program. |
| bulge? | | | | |