Feline Obesity: An Overview
Posted on: 23 February 2016
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While you do the best that you can to ensure the health and safety of your cat, it can be easy for your cat's weight gain to go unnoticed until it reaches an unhealthy level. Below is an overview of obesity in cats, what causes it, complications related to it, and how it can be treated and prevented.
What Causes Obesity in Cats?
There are a number of reasons why your cat may be obese, so your cat's veterinarian will likely do a full exam to rule out any possible medical reasons.
While obesity in felines can certainly be linked to a lack of exercise and a poor diet, there can also be medical causes, such as hypothyroidism and pancreatic cancer. It is also believed that neutering or spaying your cat can lead to an increase in body weight though the weight gain isn't inevitable and can be avoided with proper monitoring of diet.
What Complications are Related to Obesity in Cats?
If your cat is considered overweight or obese, they're at an increased risk of developing a number of diseases, including cancer.
Diabetes, arthritis, and bladder stones are just a few things that are more common in cats who're above a healthy weight. While not impossible, these conditions can make it more difficult for your cat to lose weight as they may be in pain or otherwise uncomfortable and prone to lounging around. Obesity in cats can be a vicious cycle – as your cat gains weight, they become more sluggish and uncomfortable, which only leads to more weight gain as they're getting less exercise and likely eating more.
How Can Obesity be Treated and Prevented?
It's best to treat weight gain as soon as it's noticed, but even if your cat is considered obese, it's still possible for them to lose the weight and keep it off.
After any medical causes of weight gain have been ruled out, your cat's veterinarian will ask you questions about your cat's daily activity. This will help your cat's vet to determine how much your cat should be eating. Your vet will also encourage you to play with your cat and get them up and moving throughout the day. For the rest of your cat's life, it will be important for you to keep them active and to adjust their food portions as needed.
If you fear that your cat has reached an unhealthy weight, consult with your cat's veterinarian.