Almost everyone has seen the famous pictures on the internet of 25 or 30-pound housecats.
Although fat cats can be adorable and cuddly, their extra body weight poses a significant threat to their health and their potential for a long life.
Obesity in cats can occur due to a number of reasons.
The cat may live in a small area that has little room for running and playing, or perhaps the cat used to be a stray and as a result eats anything that is given to it or left out.
The cat may also be understimulated and not feel the need or drive to play.
To ensure that your cat is overeating, check with your veterinarian as to the daily recommended amount of food for the age and build of your cat.
Then, taper down the amount your cat currently eats to what it should be eating.
For instance, if your cat should be eating 1.
5 cups of food a day and is eating 6 cups of food a day, do not immediately drop down to 1.
5 cups of food.
Your cat may panic, become aggressive, and distrust you.
Instead, over the course of a couple weeks, work your way down to 1.
5 cups in small intervals.
If your cat loses too much weight or becomes lethargic, you may need to adjust the amount of food it is receiving.
If you live in a small area with little room for roughhousing or playing, make the most of your space.
Your cat may enjoy a "cat gym", which goes vertically rather than horizontally, or smaller toys placed throughout the apartment or house.
Be sure to keep your living space clean and free of clutter so your cat is as unrestrained as possible.
If your cat is understimulated or bored, simply increase the amount of toys in its living space.
You don't even need to spend money for this-cats can make toys out of just about anything.
An old ball of tinfoil, some paper towel, or a stuffed animal can be enough to satisfy a cat.
In all cases, it is a great idea to keep in touch with your veterinarian to ensure a proper weight for your cat and the continued health and happiness of your pet.
Although fat cats can be adorable and cuddly, their extra body weight poses a significant threat to their health and their potential for a long life.
Obesity in cats can occur due to a number of reasons.
The cat may live in a small area that has little room for running and playing, or perhaps the cat used to be a stray and as a result eats anything that is given to it or left out.
The cat may also be understimulated and not feel the need or drive to play.
To ensure that your cat is overeating, check with your veterinarian as to the daily recommended amount of food for the age and build of your cat.
Then, taper down the amount your cat currently eats to what it should be eating.
For instance, if your cat should be eating 1.
5 cups of food a day and is eating 6 cups of food a day, do not immediately drop down to 1.
5 cups of food.
Your cat may panic, become aggressive, and distrust you.
Instead, over the course of a couple weeks, work your way down to 1.
5 cups in small intervals.
If your cat loses too much weight or becomes lethargic, you may need to adjust the amount of food it is receiving.
If you live in a small area with little room for roughhousing or playing, make the most of your space.
Your cat may enjoy a "cat gym", which goes vertically rather than horizontally, or smaller toys placed throughout the apartment or house.
Be sure to keep your living space clean and free of clutter so your cat is as unrestrained as possible.
If your cat is understimulated or bored, simply increase the amount of toys in its living space.
You don't even need to spend money for this-cats can make toys out of just about anything.
An old ball of tinfoil, some paper towel, or a stuffed animal can be enough to satisfy a cat.
In all cases, it is a great idea to keep in touch with your veterinarian to ensure a proper weight for your cat and the continued health and happiness of your pet.