Choosing the Right Vet for Your Pet

Beyond Fluffy: What To Do When Your Cat's Obesity Is Taking Over

Feline obesity is a growing problem, especially as the weather cools down. Cooler weather means less leash time outside and more cold nights cuddling for warmth. A study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention discovered that more than half of all cats in the United States are considered overweight. Fighting obesity in cats is becoming increasingly important, and there are a few things you can do for your own cat to encourage healthy habits.

Exercise

What's the best way to exercise your cat? They typically don't like to go for walks, but you can still keep them busy in other ways. Wand toys encourage running and jumping, as do lasers. If you can coax your cat into getting on a leash and harness, going out for a walk can provide stimulation and exercise. The ultimate goal is to ensure that your cat is not simply sitting around all day.

Diet

Putting your cat on a diet could be the thing that saves him, especially because some cats over-indulge simply because food is available. Automatic feeders are a great idea for the cat who likes to eat, especially because they allow you to meter the amount of food your animal gets. Feeding your cat small portions just two to four times a day is a great way to prevent weight gain.

Type of Food Available

Low-calorie foods are great for cats, just as they are for people. The less fattening, the better. This means that cats should be fed low-carbohydrate foods. Unfortunately, cats do not digest carbs very well. Instead, give your kitty a diet full of protein with some fats and very few carbs.

Consider Adopting a New Cat

Interactive toys are great for those days when you have to head out to work or school, but having more than one cat can be a great way to encourage playtime. The more your cats run around, the more calories they are burning off. Two cats are more likely to run and play than just one.

Go to the Vet

It is always a good idea to talk to your cat's veterinarian about how your cat can attain a healthy weight. A thorough physical examination, set of lab tests, and weighing session may lead to new findings. Your vet can also rule out conditions like hypothyroidism and low metabolism.

Curbing obesity is important, especially because larger cats become more prone to insulin resistance. High glucose levels lead to diabetes, which is a serious condition. Additionally, overweight cats can become asthmatic or have trouble grooming themselves. Click here for info about veterinarians.