Is Your Cat Overweight?
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Cats are very similar to people in many ways. Just as it is important to watch what is going into your tummy, you also need to keep an eye on how much is going into your cat’s tummy. When people eat too much food, over time they can become overweight. Cats are the same- if they get into the habit of eating however much they want, when they want, they are likely to gain weight. This is especially true as your cat gets older and less active. If you aren’t sure if your cat is overweight or not, there are a few telling signs that you can look for.
- A double chin is always a telling sign of a weight problem. If you find that your cat has a bunch of fat underneath their chin, he might have a weight problem.
- A big stomach is another sign- if his stomach is hanging and obviously flabby, he might have a weight problem
- Can you feel your cat’s ribs? On a healthy cat you should be able to feel their rib cage but not see it- if you cannot feel your cat’s rib cage then he is definitely overweight.
- Your cat should have a definate hollow behind the rib cage. if there is a bulge of fat there instead, he is probably overweight.
Just as people think that their weight isn’t a big deal, many cat owners don’t worry if their cat is a little overweight. However, the reality is that being overweight can cause many health problems for your cat. The more overweight your cat is, the more weight and pressure they have to carry around on a daily basis. This places stress on the joints and can cause conditions such as arthritis. Obese cats are also prone to diabetes and heart conditions, as are humans. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what and how much your cat is eating. If you think that your cat is overweight you should speak to your veterinarian and look into buying a specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.
Whether you have an overweight cat or not, it’s important to make sure that your cat gets the exercise they need. If your cat isn’t currently overweight then the exercise will help keep him active and avoid future weight problems. If he is already overweight then the exercise will help him to lose some.
The great thing is that exercising with your cat doesn’t have to be a tedious activity; it can be a lot of fun. Below are a few ideas that will help you get an exercise program started with your cat.
- Try to get your cat to run around a lot more- most cats enjoy being ‘chased’ if they are in a playful mood, or will run after a small ball
- Take a walk with your cat- use a cat harness if necessary
- Get your cat some new toys that will encourage him to exercise and jump around
- Strategically place toys and treats all around the house to encourage your cat to walk around
- Regularly change the games that you play with your cat so that he doesn’t get bored
- Even if you are away for the day, leave safe toys out for your cat to play with.
- If you have more than one cat, they are more likely to play when you are not around
- If your cat is a house cat, could you provide an outdoor run so he has access to the outside for part of the day?
If you need to change your cat’s food, then you need to do it slowly. Do not just decide to replace cat food A with cat food B the next day, or you might find you have a cat with a very upset stomach. Also cats are very much creatures of habit so may refuse a sudden change of food. In order to switch your cat’s food without problems, you will need to mix just a bit more of the new food into each meal so that he gradually gets used to it- this process can take a few days so be patient.
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