Fat Cats: Health Risks And How To Slim Kitty Down

Australians love pussycats. It’s a fact. There are just under 4 million pet cats in Australia and with at least one third of them diagnosed as overweight or obese, it is clear we are killing them with kindness (and kibble). 

But it’s not all our fault – don’t feel too badly. Our feline friends know how to get the best out of their human chattal. A bowl of food that is only slightly depleted will cause most kitties to demand that it be filled. They will use whatever means necessary to ensure that bowl is topped up. They’ll wake you up, wind themselves around your legs, meow adorably and when all else fails, they may even give you a swipe. This increasing desperation will have the hapless human complying in no time and probably offering treats into the bargain. It’s also quite possible that this same desperate act will be repeated with your neighbour who thinks you don’t feed your cat properly.

Before you know it, you will have a fat cat. And, however adorable it may be, that’s not a good thing.

THE PROBLEM OF OVERWEIGHT KITTIES

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR IF YOUR CAT IS OVERWEIGHT?

Sometimes it can be hard to tell, especially with long haired or fluffy cats, if your cat is tipping the scales toward obese. The best way to be certain, is to take your floof to your local vet. Most vets will be only too happy to weigh your kitty and provide advice on how to manage their weight. 

If a trek to the vets with your resisting puss is too tricky then you can weigh your cat yourself by jumping on the scales holding kitty and then subtracting your own weight from that measurement. The difference will be the cat’s weight. Most adult cats, depending on the breed, should be around 4 – 5kgs. Another way is to assess whether or not the cat is well proportioned, with ribs, spine and pelvic bones not visible but easily felt and with minimal abdominal fat.

WHY DOES IT MATTER IF YOUR CAT IS FAT?

Cats get fat if they eat too much for the amount of exercise they have. As cats get older, their activity levels can decrease, if they are neutered the changes in hormone levels can affect their weight and male cats tend to be heavier than female cats.

This excess weight can cause a myriad of health problems including:

• Reduced life expectancy;

• Diabetes;

• Arthritis;

• Liver failure;

• Infections;

• Stress and anxiety;

• Skin disorders due to difficulties grooming.

HOW TO SLIM KITTY DOWN

The two easiest ways to slim kitty down is to measure their food intake and increase their activity levels. Of course you may find this difficult but help is at hand.

• If you can, take kitty to the vets and ask for a weight loss program.

• Measure out how much food kitty is supposed to have each day and give it to them gradually throughout the day. This way they are still getting food whenever they ask for it but it’s only coming out of the daily allowable amount.

• Invest in a slow feeder from the pet store.

• Hide kitty’s dry food and let them find it – this has the added benefit of making them move more.

• There are lots of cat feeding toys available that encourage play and break down boredom.

• Provide kitty with a custom-built CATIO – a secure play space complete with climbing apparatus, sunbathing platforms, scratching posts and a hammock for resting in after all the exercise. 

A custom-built Catio can provide kitty with a safe space to exercise, stop them from catching food they shouldn’t or from tricking your neighbour into feeding them. It’s healthier for kitty, healthier for the wildlife and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are doing your absolute best for your favourite feline.

SQUAREPEGS HANDYMAN DOES Custom Catios

A Catio is a great way to encourage your kitty to be a little bit more physically active by offering enrichment and excitement.

Contact us here to learn more and to organise your free quote.

WHERE WE WORK

You’ll find Squarepegs Handyman in and around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, the Hunter and beyond. Contact us to find out if we service your area. 

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