WATCHING WAISTLINES

By: Dr Jennifer Hennessey, Animal ER of Northwest Houston, AnimalERNWH.com

Cats are known to be creatures of habit, however, many are more likely to enjoy their cat naps than follow any daily “fitness” routine. Studies show that more than 50% of the household cats in the United States are found to be overweight. Being slim and trim isn’t about eye appeal; an ideal body weight is important for maintaining your cat’s health and happiness.

How do you know if your feline friend is overweight?

Obesity, which is a state of having excess body fat, is a classification for cats that are greater than 20% above their ideal weight, whereas “overweight” is the category for an animal that is 10-19% over their ideal body weight. A healthy feline figure can be best determined upon a veterinarian’s physical examination, though in general a cat should have a waistline when observed from above or by their side profile. Also, upon assessment and observation an ideal body condition for a cat includes having spine and ribs be palpable, though not seen.

Why does obesity in cats create concern?

While each feline friend is unique in breed, color, and size, common contributors of feline obesity include lack of regular exercise or an inactive lifestyle, gender, genetics, age, and overeating. Cats who are overweight are at higher risk of medical conditions and health issues which may be avoided with proper weight control. Obesity can increase the chances of the development of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver disease such as lipidosis, and overall increase the risk of a shorter life span.

What can you do if your feline is more than “fluffy”?

A visit with your veterinarian is a great way to start off on the right feline wellness plan. Abrupt restrictions in food or daily calories can lead to more health issues, so professional guidance on an individualized dietary program is the safest way to determine ideal food and meal portions. Additionally, rather than interacting with treats as rewards, “treat” your kitty to daily activity or play time. Cats are instinctive hunters which gives pet owners plenty of opportunity to creatively encourage play, and combat cat boredom, with toys such as toy mice or interactive feather wands. Games and toy time are not only great ways to encourage exercise, they also offer the benefit of great enrichment and bonding time for you and your kitty cat. Keep in mind that cats tend to be more frisky at dawn and dusk, so aim for these ideal times when targeting some feline fun. Encouraging even just 10-15 minutes of activity per day has been shown to be benefi- cial in helping with Fluffy’s health and weight management.

Regardless if your cats are ten, fifteen or twenty-pounders, schedule an evaluation with your veterinarian to determine how best to find a healthy routine for more fit felines. Preventing feline obesity and establishing a healthy lifestyle for a less “fluffy” Fluffy is truly the “cat’s meow!”