What happens to an overweight cat?
Obese cats are at a greater risk for many diseases like diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, urinary problems, lameness, pancreatitis and GI diseases of all types, and skin problems such as dandruff. Fat cats also experience a decreased quality of life and even an increased possibility of cancer.
How does a kitten change as it grows into a cat?
The kitten will have a full set of adult teeth by about 7 months old. At 5-6 months the kitten is old enough to be spayed or neutered. Kittens can start to look like adult cats by 6 months of age thus they need nutritional support for optimum health and development during their growth phase which lasts 12 months.
What do you feed an overweight kitten?
Portion feeding provides the greatest opportunity to prevent kittens from becoming overweight or obese – they do best when their total daily portion of food is offered in 3-4 small meals or more each day. Also note that dry foods are more calorie-dense than canned foods, and canned foods tend to be more tasty than dry.
What should I do if my kitten is overweight?
It’s been shown that cats are more likely to become overweight after spaying or neutering. We routinely recommend to decrease the amount of food after this procedure by 20-30% and to watch body condition closely, but it’s still important to keep your kitten on a diet that meets the needs of growing cats until he is at least 1 year of age. 4.
What does it mean when a cat is over weight?
Excessive Weight in Cats. Obesity is a nutritional disease which is defined by an excess of body fat. Cats that are over nourished, lack the ability to exercise, or that have a tendency to retain weight are at risk for becoming obese. Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects, such as reducing the lifespan of an affected cat,…
When does a cat become an obese cat?
🛈 If they weigh 10-20% heavier than the ideal weight, a cat may be classified as overweight. If a cat’s body weight is 20% or more than what is considered normal or healthy, then the cat is classified as obese ².
How many cats are overweight in the United States?
According to a 2018 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59.5% of cats in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese ¹. So if you’re wondering if your cat is overweight, chances are they probably are. But what is obesity exactly? Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat.
What causes a kitten to be underweight?
- Sickness which causes a loss of appetite (anorexia)
- inter-cat issues
- nursing queen and loss of muscle mass as the cat ages)
What to do if your cat is losing weight?
Sometimes, weight loss is a good thing. If your vet recommends that your overweight or obese cat needs to shed a few pounds, a change in diet and increase in daily exercise can help your cat slim down.
What are the signs of an overweight cat?
A swinging pouch between your cat’s hind legs is a sign that your cat is overweight. Your cat’s anal area should look clean. Some obese cats have trouble grooming this area. A greasy patch, matting of fur, or flaking of skin down the midline of a cat’s lower back can also indicate obesity.
What is the lifespan of an obese cat?
The life expectancy for obese cats is around 6 to 12 years. Keep a diet rich in protein and less carbs, and make sure your pet gets enough exercise to be able to maintain a healthy weight. Opt for interactive indoor games that will put your cat in motion.