Overweight cats are nothing new to those of us at Creature Comforts of Charlotte Pet Sitting. Do you have a fat cat or do you know one? Feline Obesity is a big problem with cats today…
It is true; our indoor cats live longer, and are safer from many things: such as passing cars, fights with other cats which can lead to infectious disease, dogs and other predatory animals, poisons, whether it is intentional or accidental. However, indoor cats that do not receive enough stimulation often become overweight and end up spending a lot of their time sleeping. This sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity and a shorter life span, even for the indoor cat.
Cats are hunters by nature, they will hunt and chase and play with their prey/food first before eating it. When they have digested their food, they will fast, and when they get hungry again, they hunt, chase, and play again before eating. However, many domestic cats are kept inside our homes and instead of hunting for their food; they just waddle over to a well filled bowl. Many people feed their cats by leaving dry kibble out at all times; when the bowl gets low or empty, it gets refilled. Contrary to popular belief; cats are not self-regulating animals, they will keep eating and eating, and eventually become obese.
Cats that are overweight are at a higher risk for many of the illnesses we humans have. They have more heart and breathing problems, and can have higher rates of fatty liver disease; they are more likely to have joint and tendon problems, as well as arthritis. Obese cats are more likely to get diabetes, which can lead to expensive insulin control, including daily injections and can be fatal.
If you want your cat to live longer you need to feed it appropriately. Just like us humans, cats should only eat a certain amount of calories per day. If they eat too much they will get fat, sound familiar? Your vet can help you figure out if your cat is overweight, and how much it should be eating, depending on its age, activity level and health. They might even recommend a low fat food.
However a good place to start is to measure your cats’ daily intake. If you “Free Feed” STOP! Feed measured portions and then decide how much your cat is really eating each day. If your cat is fat, lower the amount your cat is getting. Feed two to four small portions per day, depending on your cat.
Read the label on your food, what is the first ingredient? How much protein is in it? Cats are carnivores, true meat eaters; the first ingredient should be meat. How much fat is in it? How much grain; corn, corn meal, corn gluten meal, rice, oatmeal, etc. is in your cat’s food. Remember the first ingredient should be protein, not grain. Also take note of how many treats you feed your cat, and read that label too. Are you giving them a treat (candy fix) every time you turn around?
The other thing you can do is make sure your cat is getting plenty of exercise. Give them things to climb on, perches to sit by the window, fun toys to play with. Catnip filled toys are fun for my cats, and they love a good game of jump and chase with one of those wands with feathers on the end of it. Small balls are also a favorite.
So, if your cat is fat remember, to feed an appropriate portion of a healthy food, and make sure they get plenty of exercise; slowly they should get back to a healthy weight, and live longer.
Matthew Scott
Creature Comforts of Charlotte Pet Sitting
http://www.creaturecomfortscharlotte.com
704-960-9751