Obesity is a common problem in cats, especially when they get older, and therefore caregivers should know not to It is only an aesthetic problem. Obesity and overweight will affect the he alth of our cat and is, therefore, a condition that we must avoid. In this article on our site we are going to explain how to know if a cat is fat, the consequences of this problem and what measures we can take so that our feline regains its weight ideal.
Cat Body Condition
Cats are characterized by their agile and elegant shapes. Capable of jumping, climbing and running, they function as perfect machines, for which they must maintain a adequate body condition Thus, although it is not possible to give an ideal weight for the cat According to its age, there are some criteria that allow determining if the cat is at its optimum weight, thinner, much thinner or, on the contrary, if it is overweight or obese to a greater or lesser degree. These criteria are expressed in a series of drawings that can be found in veterinary centers or on the WSAVA Global Veterinary Community website.
A cat at its ideal weight is well proportioned, its waist can be seen and its ribs are palpable, not visible. In addition, the accumulation of abdominal fat is minimal. On the contrary, in the obese cat it will be difficult to touch the ribs because a layer of fat will prevent it, it will present a rounded abdomen, also due to the accumulation of fat. Nor will the waist be distinguished. In some cases there will also be fatty deposits in the lower back. Thus, a cat's body condition is assessed by observation and palpation.
How to make a cat lose weight?
We have already seen how to know if a cat is fat, now we will comment on what elements will help us keep it in its ideal body condition:
- First of all it is important that we go to veterinary check-ups. It is common for us, as caregivers, to find it difficult to realize that our feline is above his ideal weight. In these cases, the veterinarian will be able to evaluate it following the guidelines that we have mentioned.
- The exercise is also basic. A cat with access to the outside usually has opportunities to keep fit, but a cat that lives in an apartment may not display all the necessary activity. To avoid their sedentary lifestyle we must implement environmental enrichment measures
- Of course, feeding is a basic pillar for maintaining a cat's ideal weight. This must be adapted to the age of the animal and its vital circumstances and must always be provided in the appropriate quantity.
- Likewise, the abuse of prizes or human food leftovers must be controlled
- In sterilized cats we must reduce energy consumption.
- Finally, any sudden change in our cat's body condition, both weight loss and weight gain, is cause for veterinary consultation.
As we can see, there are many factors involved in weight. In addition to those mentioned, there would be breed, sex or age and those that depend on the keepers such as the choice of diet and the way it is offered, the type of environment it provides and even their perception of the animal's physical condition. It is these last factors on which we will be able to act.
Consequences of obesity in cats
If from the guidelines we have given for how to know if a cat is fat, we conclude that it is overweight, we must take very seriously that it recovers its optimal body condition, since obesity is arisk factor for different diseases and, in addition, it can worsen the clinical signs of others. On the other hand, obese animals have limited tolerance to exercise and heat and more complications when using anesthesia.
Best food for obese cats: guidelines and recommendations
In addition to increasing physical activity and enriching the environment when we know that our cat is fat, we can try to lose weight through food, for which we must have the help of our veterinarian so that, based on the current consumption of our cat, calculate the amount that we will offer daily to lose weight.
It is important to reduce fat intake, but not protein, while increasing fiber and water, That is why wet food can help in these cases. It is also a better option to ration the food several times rather than offering it freely throughout the day. A diet to reduce weight can also include prizes, but always being aware of the calories they provide, which in no case can exceed 10 percent of daily energy. Our veterinarian should monitor the weight progression to reassess the diet.
