Cat Weight Control
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your cat healthy is to feed them the right amount of food to prevent excessive weight gain. Obesity in cats is very common, especially in cats restricted to indoors. Unfortunately, it can be very serious as it may decrease their life expectancy. Obesity puts them at risk for diabetes, orthopedic pain (such as arthritis), heart and lung problems, an inability to properly groom themselves, and liver disease. Weight loss diets can be very effective in helping shed those extra pounds. However, restricting their calorie intake has to be done very carefully to avoid stress on internal organs, such as the liver.
How do I know if my cat is overweight?
Overweight cats carry extra fat in the belly, around their chest, and over their back. For a healthy cat, you should be able to feel your cat’s ribs without too much pressure, and you should notice a slight tuck in at their waist and their abdomen.
How can I help my cat lose weight?
Your vet should help you determine if and how much weight your cat should lose. We will also work together with you to determine why your cat is overweight. It may be as simple as taking away that free feeding bowl of food and changing to measured portions at meal times. In other circumstances, we may choose to start your cat on a prescription weight loss diet to help reduce the weight in a controlled and healthy manner.
What is offered during a nutritional consultation?
We will provide a full assessment of your cat’s overall health. We will determine their body condition score and discern if there are any secondary health issues we should also address. If your cat is found to be overweight, we will develop an individualized weight loss plan that works for your cat.
