Feline obesity is a growing problem that affects a large number of domestic cats.
This problem not only decreases the quality of life of our pets, but can also lead to serious health complications such as diabetes, fatty liver and osteoarthritis due to joint overload. Nowadays, a good diet is essential to help your cat lose weight in a healthy way. Discover everything about this silent disease in our blog today.
How do you know if a cat is obese?
Obesity is the most common form of malnutrition among pets. It is estimated that between 25% and 30% of cats suffer from obesity. A cat is considered obese when its weight exceeds its ideal weight by 20% due to excessive fat accumulation. For example, in a “normal” European cat weighing about 4kg, if it weighed 4.8kg it would already fall into the obese category.
The ideal weight that a cat should have will depend on its age, sex and breed. A cat at its ideal weight will have a visible waist when viewed from above, in addition to being able to feel the ribs on the sides by touch without them being visible.
If the ribs and spine are visible to the naked eye, the cat is in poor body condition and should be checked by a veterinarian. However, if you can’t easily feel the ribs due to a layer of fat and there is no visible waist, your cat is likely overweight.
Why do cats get fat?
Ideally, cats should receive an amount of food that keeps their weight in a healthy range. Obesity in cats can be caused by multiple factors, including:
- Inadequate diet : Foods high in calories and low in dietary fiber.
- Lack of exercise : Domestic cats tend to be less active.
- Genetic factors : Some breeds are more likely to gain weight.
- Overfeeding : Overfeeding, especially with treats and treats.
Dangers of Feline Obesity
Obesity in cats can cause several serious diseases such as:
Diabetes
Excess weight increases the risk of cats developing diabetes mellitus. This disease is characterized by a deficiency in insulin production or an inadequate response to insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels.
Fatty Liver (Hepatic Lipidosis)
Hepatic lipidosis is a serious condition that occurs when the liver becomes overloaded with fat, which can lead to liver failure. Obese cats are particularly susceptible to this disease, especially if they lose weight quickly.
Osteoarthritis
Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, which can lead to osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease causes pain and decreased mobility, significantly affecting cats’ quality of life. Furthermore, by reducing the level of exercise due to pain, it also feeds back to weight gain, worsening the disease.
How to make a cat lose weight?
Adequate Diet
A balanced and adequate diet is essential to help your cat lose weight:
- Low-calorie foods : Opt for foods specifically formulated for overweight cats. There is light feed, light wet food…
- Controlled portions : Avoid overfeeding, limit a maximum amount of food per day.
- Foods rich in protein : They help maintain muscle mass while losing fat.
- Fibers : They help maintain the feeling of satiety and regulate intestinal transit.
Exercise
Increasing your cat’s physical activity is crucial for weight loss. Play with your cat using interactive toys, and encourage the use of cat trees and scratching posts to keep him active.
Nutritional supplements: Glyco by Dr+Vet
Glyco from Dr+Vet is a supplement for dogs and cats specially formulated to help in the weight loss process that contains active ingredients that promote weight loss safely and effectively:
L -Carnitine is an amino acid that helps increase the body’s energy consumption, promoting fat burning. In addition, Glyco is formulated with several hypoglycemic substances that can help obese animals in their goal of reaching their ideal weight.
How long does it take for a cat to lose weight?
Weight loss in cats should be gradual to avoid health problems. A cat can safely lose 1-2% of its body weight per week. This loss must also be controlled by your trusted veterinarian, since the pet’s evolution must be closely monitored.
Conclusion
Feline obesity is a serious problem that requires proper attention. Combining a balanced diet with exercise and supplements like Glyco from Dr+Vet can make a big difference in your cat’s health and quality of life. Always remember to consult with your veterinarian to create the most appropriate weight loss plan for your pet.
