Overweight Cats Articles | Cats

By: Matthew Hick

The most common nutritional disease among cats is obesity. Like humans, cats can indulge too much in their favorite foods and treats, leaving them overweight and at risk for heart disease, arthritis, and a series of other health problems. Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight can help him live longer and enjoy life more.

What is the best weight for your cat? That depends on their age, breed, size, sex, and more. Here are a few factors to consider:

Breed.
Larger cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon, can easily (and healthily), reach 18 pounds without being overweight, while smaller breeds such as the Singapura, need to maintain a weight under 6 lbs. for optimal health. The average cat should weight between 8 and 12 pounds.

Sex.
Like humans, male cats often weight more than their female counterparts. This difference can be as much as 2-4 pounds for most breeds.

It is true that neutered cats require about 1/3 fewer calories on a daily basis; they should not be allowed to gain weight because of the procedure.

Assessing Your Cat's Weight.
How can you tell for sure that your cat is overweight? Run your hands along the sides of its body and gently try to feel the ribs. If you can easily count her ribs, then her weight is fine, but if the rib cage is covered in a layer of fat making it hard to feel each one individually, than your cat may have a weight problem. Keep in mind that obesity in cats can also be a sign of more serious problems, and should consult your vet, especially if your cat seems to be suddenly gaining weight for no apparent reason.

Losing Cat Pounds.
If your cat is overweight, it’s time to see your veterinarian for a weight loss program designed for your individual pet’s needs. The first step, of course, will be t change your cat’s food to a lower calories formula and setting up more exercise/play time for both of you to Some cat owners have gone as far as to bring home a new kitten or puppy to help keep their current pet more active. This, however, can have other drawbacks. Your vet will be able to help you better decide what weight loss strategy will work best for both you and your cat.

Remember, kittens should never be put on a diet unless specifically advised to by your veterinarian for health reasons. Like small children, kittens need more nutrients, and fats than older animals in order to grow and thrive into healthy adult felines.