Top tips for overweight cats

Is my cat overweight?🐱

It’s sometimes difficult to tell if your pet is overweight or not, especially if the weight gain is gradual over a period of time and we see them everyday.

Our Vet, Dr Scott Miller shares his vet advice on how to know if your pet is overweight and his top tips on reducing their waistline!🐾

How do i know if my cat is overweight?

The most accurate way to find out if your cat is overweight is a trip to the vets. Your vet will be able to weigh and examine your pet, along with advising on the best course of action tailored specifically for your cat. Its important to know that your cat's ideal weight is individual to each cat and will vary according to their size, age and breed, so there’s no one exact ‘ideal weight’ for cats.

Alternatively, you can carry out a Body Condition Score through feeling and looking at your cat’s body. You can be advised on how to do this through your Vet and reputable Veterinary websites.

Top tips to help your cat lose weight

Our Vet, Dr Scott Miller shares his top tips to help your overweight cat lose those excess pounds:

• Portion control - Make sure you acquaint yourself with how much food your cat should be being fed per day of the food currently being used. Regimented feeding times over Ad lib feeding means better control of amounts fed. Use recommended feeding guides on the back of packaging or speak with your vet for a personal recommendation.

• Diet - Low fat foods tend to be key for weight loss in cats, meaning each mouthful is lower in calories, yet your feline friend will still feel full and satisfied. Discuss the options with your Vet, but weight management foods can really help to reduce a growing felines waistline. Dr Scott Miller advises low fat foods such as Fat Cat Slim, designed to help your cat lose weight.

• Exercise - Cats can be very lazy, sleeping for up to 18 hours every day. Indoor cats can be increasingly sedentary, particularly as they age, predisposing them to weight gain. Active play with fishing rod toys or laser pens for 15mins twice a day is a great way to get their heart rates up and bring their weight down!

Risks associated with your cat being overweight

There are many health risks associated with your cat being overweight, such as:

• Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes

• Overweight cats have a greater risk of urinary tract disease.

• Osteoarthritis - Increased weight can place excessive pressure on joints, tendons and ligaments which can result in arthritis.

• Decreased lifespan and quality of life

If you have an overweight cat, you're already a step in the right direction by researching and asking the right questions. Weight loss should be a controlled, slow process and many of the risks associated with being overweight can be avoided if appropriate action is taken. If you're unsure of where to start, contact your Vet for advice on next steps.

Vet, Dr Scott Miller and Barking Heads

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*The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified pet health provider with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s health*