Introduction
If you've ever had a cat, you know that they can be very finicky creatures. They often get sick of the same food after eating it for only a few days and require frequent attention in order to maintain their health and well-being. Cats are also notorious for developing obesity as they get older, which can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes or heart disease if left unchecked. Luckily, there are ways to prevent feline obesity before it becomes an issue!
Feline Obesity
A cat is obese when its body weight is greater than that expected for its height, age, and gender. The main reason for feline obesity is a lack of exercise. Unlike dogs, which tend to be more active and playful, cats are sedentary animals that spend most of their time sleeping or licking themselves. Many owners also overfeed their pets without realizing it--an issue that becomes especially problematic in older cats who have lost some of their ability to regulate food intake appropriately.
In addition to being unhealthy for both humans and animals alike (obesity can lead to heart disease), overweight cats may experience other health problems related directly or indirectly to excess body fat:
Diabetes in Cats
If your cat is diabetic, she will need to be treated with insulin injections. You should consult with your veterinarian about the best way to manage her diabetes. It's important that you take your cat in for regular vet visits so that she can be monitored for signs of obesity and other health problems. Your vet may suggest putting her on a weight management diet or changing some of her eating habits (like feeding her less food). If you feed dry food, they might recommend giving her less than before; if wet food is more convenient for you and your pet, then try increasing its portion size by 1/3 cup each day until it reaches its full amount (if this isn't enough--or too much--to help control their weight).
Types of Cat Obesity
- Overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes.
- Overweight cats are more likely to get skin and joint issues, like arthritis, which can make it difficult for them to get around.
- Overweight cats are more likely to develop heart problems such as high blood pressure or an enlarged heart.
- Obese cats are more likely to develop cancer (especially colon cancer) than healthy-weight cats and this risk increases with age; older overweight cats should be screened annually by your veterinarian.
The association between obesity and certain types of cancers in people has been well established; however, there is limited evidence linking obesity in cats with these same diseases but some studies have shown that being overweight may increase the risk of developing certain types of tumors.
Obese animals tend not only to have higher rates of diabetes mellitus but also suffer from other chronic conditions including arthritis etcetera which may lead them to suffer from mobility problems later on in life if left unchecked over time without proper intervention through diet changes etcetera..
Causes of Obesity in Cats
The causes of obesity in cats are numerous, and some factors may be more or less relevant to your pet's specific situation. The most common causes include:
- High-calorie diets
- Lack of exercise
- Genetics and breed (for example, Siamese cats tend to gain weight easily)
- Stress from environmental factors such as a new home or family member moving in; being left alone for long periods of time; having medical issues that require treatment with steroids; or experiencing anxiety during travel.
Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and pain relievers can also cause weight gain. Additionally, some medications can interact with each other causing side effects such as increased appetite and thirstiness which leads to increased consumption of food/water leading ultimately towards obesity if not monitored properly by owners/vet staffs respectively!
Factors Contributing to Obesity in Cats
Obesity in cats is a widespread issue, and it can be difficult to determine if your cat is overweight. If you're concerned about your pet's weight, here are some factors that may contribute to obesity:
- Lack of exercise - Cats need regular exercise as much as humans do. They love to play and run around outside, but if you live in an apartment building with no outdoor space or if your cat spends most of his time indoors, he probably won't get enough physical activity on his own. If this sounds like your situation, consider taking him for walks or playing fetch with him when you're home together during the day!
- Feeding on schedule - Feeding meals at regular times each day can help prevent weight gain by ensuring that all members of the family eat at approximately the same time each day (although cats aren't generally prone to overeating). However, it's still important not to overfeed because this could lead directly towards obesity issues down the road as well!
Conclusion
The best way to manage feline obesity is by monitoring your cat's weight and making sure it stays within the normal range. You can do this by using a scale and measuring tape, or if you have a vet who supports your efforts with regular checkups, he or she will be able to help monitor your cat's progress as well.