Cat Obesity: Big Problem for Cat Owners

We all love our cats. To some of us, cats are our children, companions, buddies, best friends, or maybe they are just the one creature that waits for you when you come home. Cats mean so much to us that it is no wonder that we want to spoil them. To substitute for not being home all day you might give your cat an extra can of cat food, a piece of tuna fish or a hand full of cat treats. Any of these by themselves, and once in a while, is fine. However, you might be starting your cat down the wrong health path if you give then too much of a “good thing”. Cat obesity big problem for cat owners.

Cat Obesity is a growing epidemic among cats. According to a 2012 Banfield State of Pet Health study, in the past 5 years there has been a steady increase in cats found to have Arthritis. The cats found to have arthritis up 67%. The same study also found that 73% of cat owners do not realize that there is a link between weight gain in cats and arthritis. In fact, the study concluded that the overall extra body weight in cats has increased by 90% in the last 5 years. Sadly, 69% of cat owners think that their cat is currently at the “right weight”.

Obesity can lead to many common and some very serious health issues in cats. For example, cats who are overweight are more subject to getting diabetes than cats that are a healthy weight. Also, overweight kitties tend to develop skin problems due to not being able to reach all of the areas that need cleaning.

Basically, being an overweight kitty is not fun. They might appear to be fat and happy but they are not. It is cat’s instinct to want to run and play. Being obese prevents cats from being cats.

So how do you know if your cat is overweight? You should always consult with your veterinarian to determine if your cat is obese, overweight, slightly overweight, or ideal. Your veterinarian will also be able to guide you in the appropriate direction to help your kitty lose those extra pounds.

Take a look at this chart to give yourself an idea of where your kitty might fit. Remember, obesity leads to health problems which leads to unhappy cats. Make your cat a happy cat by making sure that he is an ideal weight.