Identifying Feline Obesity: Key Symptoms & Solutions

The primary causes of obesity in humans are overeating and insufficient exercise. When the calories consumed exceed the energy burned, the excess energy is stored as fat. Even a 1% increase in calorie intake can lead to a 25% weight gain by middle age.

Many cat owners are unaware that their pets are overweight until they visit a veterinarian for another reason and are informed that their cat is suffering from obesity.

Overweight cats may experience difficulty breathing or walking, and they might also struggle with heat or exercise tolerance.

Cat Obesity Diagnosis

Veterinarians conduct a variety of diagnostic tests to assess the cat's overall health and provide weight loss recommendations. These tests may include:

1. A comprehensive veterinary examination, which includes precise weight measurement and an assessment of the cat's physical condition. A review of the cat's weight history can often help identify the cause of weight gain and may assist in pinpointing specific events or environmental changes that contribute to weight increase.

2. Routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count, serum tests, and urine analysis, which can determine if the cat has underlying diseases. If these tests reveal issues, the veterinarian may conduct additional tests to more accurately identify the condition before starting a weight loss plan.

3. The veterinarian evaluates the cat's current daily food intake, treats, leftovers, and exercise routine, and then develops a suitable weight loss plan based on the assessment. It is clear that if the calculated calorie intake exceeds the energy needs of the cat at an ideal weight, excessive calorie intake is the cause of obesity.

Cat Obesity Treatment

It is recommended that cat owners treat any underlying diseases that contribute to obesity promptly. The following therapies are available:

1. Reduce the cat's daily calorie intake by changing the type of cat food (opting for weight loss formulas available on the market) or adjusting the amount fed daily.

2. Increasing fiber or water intake may sometimes be necessary.

3. Increase physical exercise activities. There are various leashes and toys available to help cats exercise more.

Family Care

Weight loss is not just the cat's responsibility; it's also yours. All family members must take responsibility for helping the cat slim down. Closely monitoring the cat's food intake and weight can be very helpful. It's best if one person is responsible for feeding the cat. Additionally, all members should help it exercise or exercise with it.

To achieve significant weight loss, the cat's food must be switched to a specialized therapeutic diet designed for weight loss. Simply reducing the cat's daily food amount is often not enough to succeed in weight loss. As the cat's owner, you must accurately measure food portions and minimize food rewards. If necessary, you can also provide some lowcalorie snacks, such as vegetables like carrots.

Since feeding plans often need to be adjusted, it is recommended to bring the cat for a followup visit every 46 weeks to monitor weight loss. When the cat is nearing its ideal weight, further reduction in calorie intake is necessary to maintain continued weight loss.

Most cats typically require an 812 month weight loss plan to reach an ideal weight. When owners and family members commit to improving the pet's health, most cats can achieve an ideal or nearly ideal weight. Afterward, most cat owners choose to continue feeding their cats weight loss food but at a higher dosage to maintain their pet's ideal weight.

Specific recommendations depend on the underlying cause. The following are potential causes and corresponding measures:

1. Excessive calorie intake. Even if the cat reaches its ideal weight, it should continue to eat lowcalorie food, minimize snacks, and exercise more.

2. Diabetes. Regular followups are necessary to monitor insulin dosage and effectiveness, as well as changes in weight.

3. Blood thyroid levels should also be checked regularly, especially if the cat's weight is rapidly decreasing.