Tutorial: All About Feline Obesity

Tutorial: All About Feline Obesity Photo © DX – Fotolia.com

We found a great article all about feline obesity. The link follows after our introduction to the topic.

Obesity in cats is as dangerous as it is in humans. Just like in humans, feline obesity may also result from the intake of calories in amount that is more than what is needed by the body. Normally, excessive calorie intake is caused by overfeeding, reproductive status, and inactivity. The condition may also be triggered by genetics, age, environment, insufficient exercise, and body type. ^[1]

Cats are normally adorable and lovable, but when they’re obese they are in trouble. More than just a physical appearance, obesity is linked to a number of serious diseases which may reduce feline’s life span. These illnesses include arthritis, fatty liver disease, fatigue, heart disease, and diabetes. ^[2] As you may have realized, obese people are also prone to suffer from these serious conditions. According to research, obesity is more likely to prevail in older and less active cats. ^[3]

Additional weight usually creates a burden to load-bearing joints which may result in painful arthritis. This eventually leads to pain every time the cat walks or jumps. In effect, your pet becomes more sedentary, resulting to fewer calories burnt, thus, obesity worsens. The condition can get worse and worse as long as the cat doesn’t change its eating habits.^[4]

Sending your felines to veterinary clinic is considered as one of the most effective ways in addressing obesity, provided that vet instructions are strictly followed. A vet’s advice is highly encouraged because not all cases of feline obesity are caused by overfeeding or improper choice of foods for your pet. It can be that the cat is suffering from physical or metabolic dysfunctions. ^[5]

At home, you can also help in diminishing or preventing obesity in your cat. You can try to feed them with high protein and low carbohydrate canned food. Exercise is also a key. Spend time to play with your cats at least 20 minutes each day to encourage movement and burning of calories. ^[6]

Want to know more about feline obesity? Check this site http://www.catnutrition.org/obesity.html to understand more on this topic and how it can affect your pet.

References:

[1] http://www.iams.com/pet-health/cat-article/feline-obesity
[2] http://cats.about.com/od/healthconcerns/a/Fat-Cats.htm
[3] http://baycityanimalhospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/CareGuide_FelineObesity.pdf
[4] http://cats.about.com/od/healthconcerns/a/Fat-Cats.htm
[5] http://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/evr_ct_obesity_in_cats_and_what_to_do_about_an_overweight_cat?page=show
[6] http://www.halopets.com/pet-education/pet-articles/feline-obesity-fun-facts.html

Image For Pinterest:

Tutorial - All About Feline Obesity
Graphic – lovable-cats.com. Image © DX – fotolia.com (under license)