Obesity is the Number One
Nutritional Disorder Reported in Cats
It is estimated that more than 40% of pet cats in the United States are currently overweight or obese. (Experts define obesity is as being 20% or more over ideal body weight). The cause is quite simple - obesity develops when your cat consistently consumes more calories than he needs. This typically occurs when cats are fed too much of an appealing food while at the same time experiencing low activity levels. Obesity is serious - In cats, being overweight is a risk factor for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, and arthritis. An overweight cat is also less flexible and athletic and may have difficulty self-grooming.
Knowing your cat’s optimal adult weight can help you determine if he has gained excess weight during his life. Keep your cats’ weight records with his health records and monitor his weight frequently. You can also use body condition assessments to determine if your cat is overweight. While holding your cat gently in your lap, run the flat of your hands along his ribs. If your cat is in optimal body condition, you should be able to feel each individual rib and follow it up to his spine. If you cannot feel your cat's ribs without pressing through a layer of fat, your cat is overweight. Over time, obese cats lose their “waist” and develop a pendulous abdomen. Finally, when lying prone, an overweight cat’s back appears broad and flat compared with a cat who is at his optimal weight.
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