While not all overweight cats are obese, feline obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in cats. A cat is considered obese if its weight is 20% or more above the healthy range. Posing a very real threat to your cat’s health, obesity ought to be taken seriously and dealt with quickly. Feline obesity increases your cat’s risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, bladder stones, and many other conditions that can significantly impact your cat’s comfort and general wellbeing.
Causes of excessive weight gain in cats are similar to those in humans: lack of exercise and a diet too heavy in calories. That being said, while calories might be what you feel you should focus on the most, it is actually physical activity and the types of foods that make a real difference in your cat’s overall health.
If you believe your cat may be at an unhealthy weight, pay a visit to your veterinarian to rule out any possible underlying health conditions that could be a factor in their weight gain. Always keep an eye out for unexplained changes in appetite, weight, and energy levels so illnesses are caught and dealt with before they have a chance to progress. Your vet will be able to help you design a diet and exercise plan that will help bring your kitty back to a healthy state of being.
There is plenty you can do to encourage healthy eating habits and a good amount of physical exercise for your beloved pet. Good habits are best started young; if you have a kitten, their eating habits will need some guidance. Kittens will not stop eating when they are full, and are likely to overeat if food is openly available. You will want to feed them smaller, regular meals until they learn to listen to their bodies and recognise what an appropriate portion of food is for themselves.
For cats who eat too much, too quickly, there are food puzzles that make them work a bit harder for their meal and slow them down. Even something as simple as adding an obstacle to their dish, such as a ping pong ball, can encourage them to eat at a more leisurely pace, allowing them to be more aware of the sense of fullness when they’ve had enough. This should never be done with anything that could be toxic or pose a choking hazard for the cat, and if you have doubts or concerns there are food puzzles available designed for this purpose.
As far as what to feed your kitty, wet food can have a more balanced calorie-to-nutrient ratio while encouraging hydration. Also, while dry food is more suitable for the food puzzle strategy, wet food is a safe and comfortable option you can feel confident about. Our wet food pouches are fresh and perfectly proportioned too, so you don’t need to worry if you’re over or under-feeding your furry friend!