The Cat Health Care Threat of Obesity
Amongst the most serious cat health care problems in the UK is obesity. There are more obese pet cats than ever before and the result is that serious cat health care problems are becoming more prevalent. Sadly, obesity amongst cats can be regarded as a vicious circle: an obese cat is significantly less likely to be physically active, meaning that they are more likely to remain obese.
This common cat health care problem is easier to spot than most others: all it takes is a careful look at the cat. If it is a healthy weight, a cat will have a clearly visible waist when viewed from above, just in front of its back legs and if it is a short hair breed its ribs should be easily felt but not seen.
A vet will diagnose obesity by weighing the cat and will be able to advise on the best way for your cat to lose weight. Cat health care problems such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and breathing difficulties are likely to follow if the obesity is not treated. Obesity really could kill a cat.
Owners can buy special, low calorie cat food from pet shops and their vet’s practice. It’s important that we remember that any cat treats we give still count towards to overall daily intake of calories for the cat, so meals should be reduced accordingly. Similarly, it is important to remember that titbits and human food leftovers could seriously upset the delicate balance of your pet’s diet. Some cats may be being fed by well meaning neighbours. A polite request that neighbours do not feed your cat might make all the difference.
It is an important part of an owner’s responsibility for cat health care to ensure that their cat exercises and is physically active, but this is more difficult with cats than it is with dogs. Try and ensure your cat spends some time strolling outside everyday. Indoors you could also try playing with your cat. Getting the cat to chase toys such as balls will keep the weight off.
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