The Importance of Keeping Your Cat
at a Healthy Weight
Like humans, it’s not unusual for your cat to put on a few extra pounds over the years. This extra weight can have serious implications to her overall health. That’s why it’s important to identify what the ideal weight is for your cat and help her maintain it with a healthy diet and proper exercise. This is the best way she can live a long, full and happy life.
A study by The College of Veterinary Medicine,
Cornell University produced these startling findings:
-
Overweight cats are 4.5 times more likely to develop diabetes,
compared to optimal weight cats. -
Obese cats are 7 times more likely to require veterinary care for
lameness, caused by joint diseases such as arthritis or muscle injuries. -
Obese cats are 3 times more likely to visit veterinarians for non-allergic
skin conditions. -
Obese cats are twice as likely to die in middle age, which for cats is 6 to 12
years of age.
Determining if Your Cat is at a Healthy Weight
- Is it difficult to feel her ribs or spine?
- Is it difficult to see your cat’s waist?
- Is her abdomen sagging?
-
Does her face look round with larger
cheeks?
- Often appear tired and lazy?
- Hesitate when jumping onto furniture?
- Have difficulty grooming properly?
- Have matted hair on the back or tail area?
- Resist playing games?
When is a Cat Considered Obese?
- If your cat weighs 15% or more than her ideal weight, she is considered overweight.
- If your cat weighs 30% or more than her ideal weight, she is considered obese.
Ideal Cat Weight Ranges
What You Can Do
To keep your cat at an ideal weight, you need to balance how much she eats with her activity level. The following diet and exercise guidelines will help keep your cat at an appropriate weight and healthy.
Sensible Nutrition
Providing your furry friend with a diet that includes nutrient-rich ingredients with a low caloric density—like the ones she can enjoy with BLUE Longevity™ cat food—is most important.
Exercise
A cat that gets little exercise and spends most or all of her time indoors is more likely to gain weight. Try to include more playtime with her during the week.
Love
When cats initiate contact, pet parents often assume that they are hungry and are asking for food when they are not. If food is provided at such times the cat soon learns that initiating contact results in a food reward. So scratch and play with your cat—remember food is not a substitute for affection.
Healthy Rewards
We all like to reward our cats, but treats that are high in calories and loaded with sugars or fillers aren’t the way to go. Look for treats with only natural, healthy ingredients.
Hydration
Keep her water bowl full. Hydration is important for good digestion and overall health.
Weigh-ins
Make sure that your cat gets periodic weigh-ins. As you probably know all too well, it’s easier to keep weight off than try to take it off.
Check Ups
It’s important your cat sees the vet at least once a year—to assess her overall health and monitor any weight gain that may have occurred in the previous year.