If there’s one thing we all want from our fur babies, it’s for them to be healthy, because when they’re healthy, they’re happy. And when they’re happy, their owners are happy, too!
But if you had to take a guess at what the most frequently observed nutritional disorder among domestic cats is, what would your answer be?
If you said cat obesity, then you were 100% right, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.
Overweight Cats vs. Obese Cats
Like humans, all cats have what’s called an “ideal weight.” This is based on a variety of factors, such as age, breed, sex, and spayed/neutered status, and is unique to each cat.
Maintaining a weight that’s at or near their ideal weight is vital to their well-being. But like most cat owners probably already know, that’s often easier said than done.
In fact, one study from 2016 found that up to 63% of pet cats are overweight or obese.
But while the condition is linked to various diseases and often results in a shorter lifespan, most cat owners don’t perceive their cat’s weight as an issue, according to Purina.
So, let’s set the record straight.
A cat is overweight if it weighs 10-20% more than its ideal body weight, and obese if it weighs more than 20% above its ideal weight.
What Causes Cat Obesity?
Cats between the ages of 8 and 12 are more likely to be overweight than younger cats, according to PetMD.
Weight gain is also more common among cats that aren’t neutered, as well as indoor cats with restricted outdoor access, if any. Especially since being inside all day limits their opportunity to run and exercise.
Some cats might have a condition, allergy, or injury that causes them to either eat too much or not burn enough calories throughout the day.
But of all the animal-specific causes of cat obesity, one of the most common causes can be attributed to the type of food you feed your cat, as well as how you feed it to them.
Not only is dry food more closely linked to obesity than wet food, but free-feeding and excessive treats are also linked to obesity, despite it being the most common way to feed a cat.
Common Risks Associated with Cat Obesity
Cat obesity is a growing problem that can and will put your cat’s health in jeopardy if not treated—or prevented, for the matter.
Aside from shortening its lifespan, obesity can increase a cat’s risk of developing certain diseases, including cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and urinary bladder stones.
Some cats could develop problems with their skin and coat problems, especially if they stop grooming themselves. And hepatic lipidosis is a common complication of obese cats that stop eating.
But then you have to consider the impact obesity has on the cat’s well-being and quality of life. And yes, cat depression is a real thing.
They might not have the energy or be physically capable of playing with their favorite toys, or hunting their favorite bugs or rodents.
Cats are also more likely to live in pain, even when not active.
How to Assess Your Cat’s Weight
There are two primary ways to assess your cat’s weight: the eye test and the feel test. Vets will use these assessments to determine the cat’s Body Condition Score.
Ideally, your cat’s ribs aren’t visible but easily felt, like the back of your hand. They’ll have a visible abdominal tuck that’s hidden by loose skin, and a tapered torso with an obvious waist.
If you can’t feel your cat’s ribs and it has a rounded abdomen, they might be obese.
While physically weighing your cat won’t tell you whether they’re obese or not, it’s still a good habit to get into as a cat owner because it’ll tell you if they’re making progress in their weight loss journey.
If you’d like to weigh your cat at home, try using a baby scale for more accurate measurements.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Overweight
So, your furry friend is gaining weight…
If the weight gain is still new and hasn’t grown out of control yet, there are a few things you can do at home to try and right the ship.
For starters, make sure you’re feeding your cat the required amount, nothing more, nothing less, unless otherwise directed by your cat’s veterinarian.
You should also consider transitioning to a feeding schedule, as opposed to free-feeding your cat. It might take time to get the cat on board with this, but it’s often the healthier way to feed a cat.
Transitioning to wet food over kibble can also help prevent weight gain, while also increasing fluid and protein intake. Again, this is a transition that would take place over several months, at the least.
Avoiding excessive treats and increasing play time will also help your cat lose weight.
When to Notify Your Cat’s Veterinarian
If you’re taking your cat to its annual wellness exam, then your veterinarian will be able to notice the warning signs early enough to take the necessary steps to prevent cat obesity.
But for those that haven’t seen a vet in a while, I recommend notifying your veterinarian as soon as you stop seeing the cat’s ribs—and especially if you can’t feel the cat’s ribs.
This gives the veterinarian time to determine the root cause of weight gain and formulate a treatment plan designed to reduce weight and prevent it from returning.
Some treatments include exercise or physical therapy (yes, this exists for cats), medication, weight loss programs, prescription diets, and more.
Once it’s determined that your cat is overweight or obese, it’s important to make regular appointments with the veterinarian to measure progress.
How to Prevent Obesity in Cats
The best medicine is prevention—it’s just as true with cats as it is with humans.
Preventing obesity in cats starts early in the cat’s life, and it often involves similar tactics as when we try to prevent weight gain in our own bodies.
Limiting excess calories (treats, over-feeding), eating regularly (no free-feeding), and maintaining an active lifestyle (lots of playtime and exercise).
And, of course, being your cat’s biggest advocate always helps.
That means not ignoring the symptoms and being honest about your cat’s health as they get older. If changes need to be made and those changes will result in a higher quality of life, then it’s worth it.
