As pet owners, we have the tendency to stay vigilant and keep track of everything our cat does. Sometimes you might even see them unusually than you remember them being.
Weight gain in cats is very common and can be detrimental to their overall wellbeing. Let’s explore some answers to your question, “Why is my cat so big?” and ascertain ways you can control their obesity.
What’s the Ideal Weight for a Cat?
To correctly deduce whether or not your cat is bigger than they should be, you’ll need to know which weight is ideal for them. Of course, this depend on various factors like breed, age, and body type, the latter of which varies from one cat to the other.
However, if you were to ask me a specific amount, I’d say anything in the range of 8-10 pounds is safe. A general rule of thumb is if your cat’s actual weight is at least 20 percent higher than the perfect weight, they’re obese.
But don’t take my word for it. Consult a vet and ask them to determine the best weight for your cat. They’ll take the aforementioned factors into considerations and tell you if your pet is obese or not.
Common Causes of Cat Obesity
Although obese cat seem chubby, fluffy, and extremely cuddly, it could be a very concerning issue in the long run. Obesity runs rampant throughout the feline world and rectifying it can be a hassle.
But first, let’s talk about some possible reasons why it happens.
1- Lack of Exercise
Felines are generally known to be lethargic and lazy animals. Most cat breeds are perfectly fine with lounging on their owners couches and refusing to do anything. This can also occur because their humans don’t have enough time to exercise them.
2- Lack of Stimulation
Sometimes, owners fail to keep their cats mentally stimulated which leads to boredom. This gives them a chance to eat to their heart’s content to cope with the ennui of doing nothing.
3- Inadequate Sleep
Like humans, cats need a restful night’s sleep. If they don’t get it, they might feel weary, irascible and start gaining weight over time.
4- Health Conditions
It’s also important to keep in mind that older cats are more susceptible to health problems. due to which it’s metabolism slows down and immune system is weakened.
For instance, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and other debilitating illnesses can hamper their ability to walk like they typically would causing weight gain and difficulty moving.
5- Side Effect of Medications
Have you started giving your cat medications only to realize that they’ve been gaining exponential amounts of weight? It’s possible that feline obesity is a side effect of the medications.
If the obesity is acute and cause for any concern, seek veterinary help immediately. Ask them if you should continue giving them the medications and whether there are any better, less harmful alternatives they can administer instead.
6- Spaying or Neutering
When you spay or neuter a cat, their appetite expands by quite a bit. This compels them to start eating large quantities of food causing them to become obese.
Addressing Weight Gain in Cats: Here’s What You Should Do!
By now, you’ve realized that there are many reasons why a kitty might put on extra weight. Once you’ve ascertained the cause of your cat’s obesity, it’s time to take immediate action.
Prepare & Adhere to a Healthy Diet
Due to their status as obligate carnivores,you’ll have to feed your cat a balanced diet consisting of fresh fish, meats, and good-quality pet food that’s high in protein along with some carbohydrates too. Keep them away from plants and anything toxic they might consume.
Confer with your veterinarian and let them prepare a personalized diet plan for your cat while considering their dietary restrictions, and nutritional needs and calculate the correct amount of daily calories you should give them.
Don’t overlook the need to keep them well-hydrated either. Keep filling up their water bowls and place them in areas they can easily access.
Exercise Matters for Your Feline Friend
Like humans, all pets need exercise regardless of their breed or nature. If your cat’s activity levels are relatively lower than what’s required, obesity could be on the horizon.
To help prevent this, owners must keep them physically stimulated. A simple walk in the park or a game of fetch can suffice to keep them engaged and moving.
Additionally, it helps burn off the extra fat around their tummy, thus keeping them fit and healthy. Always keep them on a leash to prevent them from running off and getting lost.
Keep Them Engaged
It’s not all about exercise either. As responsible cat owners, we must keep them entertained too. Mental stimulation is as important as exercise so don’t miss out on it!
The cat toy market is full of products that are specially designed to enthrall cats. One such toy is a puzzle feeder. Whenever, your cat seems hungry, fill it up with cat food like dry kibble as per the advice of your vet and encourage them to play to earn the right to get a snack.
Older pet cats are more prone to living a sedentary lifestyle. This is because they’re vulnerable to many illnesses, all of which hamper their ability to stay active.
How Can I Tell That My Cat is Overweight
It’s actually quite easy to tell if your cat has gained weight.
The first thing you can do is stand over it and glance at their waistline. If it’s visible, rest assured that your cat is perfectly healthy. But if it isn’t, you have an overweight cat on your hands.
Alternatively, you can run your hand along their sides. If you can feel their rib cage, your cat has a healthy weight. If you can’t, it could be a sign that your cat might be overweight.
Tips To Remember When Tackling Feline Obesity
When a cat is fat, they need extra attention and care. The information I shared in the previous section might not yield favorable results if you don’t pay heed to a few other things. Here’s a list of those tips.
- Free feeding is referred to as the act of filling your pet’s bowl and letting them eat to their heart’s content. Don’t do this as you might inadvertently overfeed them.
- Tend to all of their grooming needs by brushing their coats to untangle their fur and trimming their nails. This is necessary as the excess fat on obese cats might make it hard for them to reach every corner and crevice of their body.
- Dental hygiene is immensely important too. Make sure to brush their teeth regularly to retain their color and prevent any dental issues like gingivitis and cavities.
- Even though wet food can be quite beneficial to obese cats, it’s difficult to handle, expensive, and unappetizing for cats. That’s why you should feed them dry food instead.
- Cat trees are a wonderful alternative to preparing a home from scratch. This versatile structure gives cats a place to eat, sleep, and remain active without occupying a lot of space.
Your Fat Cat Deserves a Better Lifestyle
So, that’s a complete guide to keeping your indoor cat looking smart and feeling healthy. Remember, whether you have a Shorthair or a Persian, obesity in cats is no joke. Establish a more proactive and responsible approach and keep your cat from overeating and gaining excess weight.
When given the chance, excessive weight can impact the health and overall wellbeing of your furry friend. So, if you notice your cat is less active around the house, take immediate action and take the first few steps to grant your kitten a life that they deserve.
