Did you know that obesity is the most common dietary issue in house cats? In fact, a whopping 63% of domestic cats are considered overweight in all developed nations combined. A cat is considered obese when it is 10 - 20% above its normal weight. Despite the portrayal in thousands of online "tubby tabby" videos, there's nothing cute or funny about a fat cat.
At Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital (serving the Broomfield, Superior, Louisville, Boulder, and Thornton areas), we often see clients dealing with overweight cats. We're always glad that cat owners recognize there's a problem and want to help their pets. So, we are committed to getting to the root of your pet's weight gain and developing a nutritional and exercise plan to aid in weight loss. Below is some more information about obesity in cats.
Signs Your Cat is Struggling With Obesity
Apart from obvious visual confirmation, signs your pet is obese include:
- Difficulty climbing or jumping
- Loss of waistline
- Inability to feel ribs or hip bones
- Tightening collar
- Increase in gas
- Decrease in bowel movements
Factors That Can Lead to Obesity
Various reasons can contribute to your once-lean kitty now having some extra fluff. These factors may include:
- Age (middle-aged cats)
- Neutered or spayed cats
- Strictly indoor lifestyle
- Underlying health conditions
- Overfeeding
- Poor food quality
- Eating too quickly
- Excessive treats
- Lack of exercise
Treating Obesity in Cats
During your appointment, the vet will assess your pet's weight using various methods, including a physical exam, body chart, bloodwork, and other diagnostics. Once the cause is pinpointed, they will advise you on a treatment plan that could include calorie restrictions, eliminating dry food, prescription vet food (to ensure proper cat nutrition), and behavior/routine changes. You'll need to make time for your pet to play and exercise and time their feedings accordingly.
Contact Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital
If you're in need of a veterinarian near you in the Broomfield area, please don't hesitate to give us a call at (720) 669-4200. Our state-of-the-art animal hospital is warm, welcoming, and eager to help your pet!