When Food Is Not Love: The Rising Cost of Feline Obesity
The ideal weight for a domestic cat is about 8-10 pounds. Some breeds, like the Maine Coon, can top out at about 15 pounds, while Siamese cats may weigh as little as 5 pounds. In striking contrast to these figures, the majority of pet cats in our country are considered overweight or obese.
The best way to counter the health ramifications associated with too many pounds? Prevention, of course! Staying in front of feline obesity is an enormous responsibility, and we’re here to help our patients live their longest, healthiest life possible.
Proper Nutrition (and Exercise!)
When cats are young, they burn up a lot of calories by playing, pouncing, and simply growing. But their nutritional needs change when they reach adulthood. No longer in need of extra food to supplement speedy development, portion sizes should level out around a cat’s first birthday.
Measured meals, restricted treats, and lots of daily exercise can all maintain a cat’s ideal weight far into their life. A daily game of chase with a laser pointer or a feather toy can add a great deal of mental and physical enrichment to an indoor-only cat’s lifestyle.
All Stages
Senior cats tend to slip into routines of sleeping, eating, and grooming. As a result, over 55% of cats over the age of 7 are at risk of developing chronic problems that are associated with extra weight gain, such as respiratory illnesses, diabetes and arthritis.
Even just a few extra pounds on a cat is equivalent to 30-50 pounds on a person. Added weight can be difficult to reduce, and as cats age, the problems caused by their weight become more pronounced. Not surprisingly, treatment for various health problems can become complicated as they age.
Preventing Feline Obesity
Keeping your cat active and fit should remain a top priority. Equally important is feeding them the right amount of food every day. We know that some cats beg for treats or snacks between meals, and it feels great to make them happy. However, it’s easier to keep the pounds off to begin with rather than trying to lose excess weight down the line.
A Word on Diabetes
Feline obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, and it can make this preventable disease more difficult to control.
Here to Help
A big part of your cat’s routine wellness exam is recording their weight. If we’ve known your cat since kittenhood, we have tracked any changes to the weight, body condition score, and appearance. We always encourage cat owners to maintain wellness care appointments so that we may prevent any developing problems, and treat conditions before they get out of hand.
Hidden Dangers
We know well the negative impact of feline obesity because joint pain is fairly obvious to observe. However, inflammation caused by fat tissue can spread throughout the body and cause other illnesses that we cannot see.
Similarly, feline obesity can make anesthesia more dangerous, increasing the need for additional medical care, and require certain medications.
If you have further questions about preventing feline obesity, or have concerns about maintaining lifelong health, please let us know. Cat Care of Vinings is always here to help you!
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The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.