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Obesity In Cats

October 15, 2017

Did you know that over half of domestic cats are overweight or obese? While chubby kitties may be cute, they are unfortunately at risk of developing some very serious health conditions, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, arthritis, and diabetes, to name just a few. Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet discusses feline obesity.

Feeding Fluffy

As one might expect, your kitty’s diet plays a huge role in her weight. Keep a close eye on your pet’s portion sizes, and don’t overfeed her. Even giving your furry friend just ten extra calories a day can cause her to gain weight! Of course, some of our feline pals have their humans firmly wrapped around their paws when it comes to food. If Fluffy is getting pudgy, don’t let her begging sway you. That cute little meow could be a lie! When it comes to feeding your pet, quality is just as important as quantity. Offer your furball healthy, nutritious foods. It’s worth mentioning that kitties who eat dry food may be more likely to become obese than those who get canned food. This is because many kibble brands—especially lower-quality ones—are packed with fillers and carbohydrates, which can make it easy for cats to gain weight. Ask your vet for advice. For personalized assistance in crafting a diet that keeps your cat healthy and at a proper weight, explore our ‘Nutrition & Weight Management’ services.

Keeping Kitty Active

Our feline friends are very frisky when they’re little, but they slow down—sometimes way down—as they grow older. In fact, Fluffy spends about 16 hours a day sleeping! Keeping your kitty active is very important. However, you probably won’t be able to get your furry buddy to do stair runs, so you’ll have to tempt her into moving. Offer your cat lots of fun toys, and play with her regularly. Even a few minutes of pouncing and jumping will be beneficial. We also recommend getting your furball a cat tower or kitty activity center, which will encourage her to jump and climb.

As Fluffy ages, it’s not just her activity level that changes. For more detailed advice on caring for your cat during her golden years, including tips on health, diet, and comfort, read our ‘Fluffy’s Golden Years’ article.

Helping Your Pet Trim Down

Is your feline buddy getting chubby? If so, be sure to consult your vet before making any changes to your kitty’s menu. Never put Fluffy on a crash diet: this is very bad for your pet’s metabolism, and could make her quite ill!

Do you have a furry little butterball on your hands? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA vet hospital, today! We are happy to serve all your pet’s veterinary care needs.

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