Is My Cat Overweight?
As we humans get larger, our cats do too. And the figures are nothing to scoff at: 50 percent of today’s kitties are overweight .
“Obesity in cats is mirroring obesity in people and it’s due to too much food and not enough exercise,” says Dr. Karyn Collier, DVM, chief medical officer at Saint Francis Veterinary Center for Animal Physical Therapy in Woolwich Township, N.J.
“We humans enjoy food so we want to see the same with our cats. We’re killing them with kindness. If cats don’t dive in [to their food] we add things like gravy or some chicken or beef just to see our cat eat. It may be that that cat is just not hungry right then.”
An overweight cat is no laughing matter. Too many pounds can cause problems ranging from heart disease to diabetes and arthritis.
Fortunately, making a few simple changes to your cat’s food and lifestyle can allow her to shed some pounds. Read on for some suggestions…
1. Turn to Scientific Methods
Check out the tips for weight assessment using tools such as the Healthy Weight Protocol. This is a scientific method for determining a cat’s ideal weight. Your vet will take four measurements of your cat, which are then used to assess her body fat index through a computer program. Your vet can then tell you exactly how overweight your cat is and her ideal weight.
Tasty Tips
2. Ask Your Vet
When you take your cat for her annual checkup, ask your veterinarian to do a body condition score so you know how your cat is doing and how much weight she needs to lose, if any.
You can also search for online tools that often provide you with handy pictures of how your cat looks and what her ideal body looks like.
3. Use Your Eyes — and Hands
Check out your cat yourself: “You should be able to feel her ribs without an excessive amount of fat on them,” says Dr. Collier. “You should be able to count them.”
Looking from above, your cat’s chest should be wider and the flank — the area between, the ribs and the pelvis — should be indented. If you are standing to the side of the cat, the chest should tuck up as it goes into the abdomen.
“If you have a hard time finding the ribs and you really have to press, the cat is getting heavy,” says Dr. Collier. “If you’re starting to lose the indentation on the waist and the tuck up to the abdomen, the cat is overweight.”
Related products
Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Sterilised Cat Dry Food with Salmon is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition, tailored to meet the needs of sterilised cats, to help keep sthem lean & healthy.
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
CULINARY CREATIONS ADULT CAT FOOD
Hill's Science Plan CULINARY CREATIONS Adult cat food with Salmon & Carrots was formulated to provide a great-tasting experience to cats. Its delicious flavour and texture are combine with essential nutrients to support cats' optimal health during the prime time of their life. Specially formulated with high-quality salmon protein, essential taurine for heart health & balanced minerals to support kidneys & bladder.
Related articles
Why Is My Cat Itching And Licking So Much?
Discover why your cat may be itching and licking excessively, and what it could mean. Get expert advice on feline healthcare at Hill's Pet.
Cat Allergic Dermatitis: Causes & Treatments
Learn about the causes of cat dermatitis, how to spot the symptoms and the best treatment options. Visit Hill's Pet for detailed guidance and tips.
What causes weight gain? | Hill's Pet
Being overweight puts a cat at risk of developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.
Is your cat putting on weight?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of cat obesity and weight management in cats and the conditions that affect on your cat.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.