Obesity in cats is a condition caused by poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles. It is also associated with an increase in the number of fat cells or an increase in their size. The growth of fat cells is particularly noticeable when the pet is growing actively, but fullness even at an early age already signals a predisposition for obesity. As the pet grows older, its obesity is motivated by an increase in the size of the fat cells.
Factors that cause a pet’s weight to increase to abnormal levels are as follows:
- Overeating;
- Hormonal imbalances;
- castration;
- Genetic predisposition;
- low physical activity.
The effect of castration on an animal’s body weight can be explained by its expenditure of less energy. Sex hormones that suppress appetite also contribute to weight gain. But the cat’s owner can counteract the tendency toward obesity by controlling caloric intake and increasing physical activity.
Signs of obesity in cats
The clinical manifestations of obesity are determined by its degree and are expressed as:
- saggy abdomen;
- leisurely gait;
- fatty deposits on the sides;
- lethargy;
- indifference to the surrounding world;
- difficulty in jumping.
Methods to combat obesity in cats
Getting rid of the cat’s obesity problem is achieved by reducing caloric foods and by increasing exercise. Exercise will burn excess calories in the cat’s body, improve cardiovascular function and strengthen the muscles.
If exercise does not help, it should be supplemented by diet. Reducing the caloric content of food results in a lower metabolic rate, and the body seeks to store energy.
Combat obesity in cats can be done in different ways. But the simplest and most effective are the following measures:
- increasing energy expenditure;
- Eliminating fatty foods from the diet;
- Reducing portions;
- Reducing carbohydrate foods.
Diet against obesity in cats
The diet involves the consumption of non-fatty, fiber-rich foods by the animal. By reducing the amount of fat it is possible to achieve a reduction in the caloric content of food. The effect of fiber on the body is to increase stool volume and prolong the feeling of fullness.
In order to restrict the cat’s food intake it is necessary to reduce it to about 80% of the calories needed to maintain the cat’s optimum weight. How to achieve this? First, you need to know your cat’s optimal weight and calculate the calories from her usual diet. Since many pet owners are unfamiliar with the intricacies of keeping a pet, it is not recommended that they develop a weight loss program on their own. It is best to leave the problem of cat obesity to your veterinarian.