Obesity in pets is on the rise. About 40% of cats are obese and that number is steadily rising. Too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing for your cat! Obesity is defined as an excess amount of body weight of 20% or more. Some underlying factors that contribute to obesity include: genetics, diet and environment (indoor cats are more prone to obesity). Before starting your cat on a weight loss program, it is important to fist see if there are any underlying medical causes for obesity. A physical exam by a veterinarian recommended prior to starting a weight loss diet.
Obesity can lead to a wide variety of problems including:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Lower urinary tract disease
- Heart disease
- Hepatic lipidosis (severe form of liver disease)
- Increased cancer occurrence
- High blood pressure
- Joint problems
Reducing weight is a challenge, more so in cats than dogs. 15-20% reduction in body weight is usually an obtainable goal for your cat instead of setting a goal of what the cat should be. Weight should be lost slowly, the more slowly the better chance the cat has of keeping the weight off. Rapid weight loss needs to be avoided and can lead to health problems such as hepatic lipidosis (a type of liver disease) which is often very serious.
There are some excellent prescription foods, available from your veterinary office, to help with weight loss (don’t be fooled by commercial “lite” diets). Prescription weight loss diets are lower in fat and high in fibre. It is recommended to feed small meals 3 to four times per day (if possible) rather than one or two meals daily. Once your cat is on the weight loss diet, other treats and people food should be avoided. Keep fresh water available at all times for your pet. Try to encourage activity and play time with your cat, especially indoor cats. Aim for at least two, fifteen-minute play times daily (throwing toys, laser light, a pole with a dangly toy on the end are some suggestions).
Once your pet is on the desired weight loss program they need to come in regularly (usually once every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the animal) to be weighed. The veterinary staff can help make suggestions and provide advice regarding adjustments to amount fed as your cat loses weight. Try to schedule your pets weigh ins (like people) should be done around the same time of the day.
Once the desired weight loss goal has been reached, your pet can then go from a reducing diet to a maintenance diet. This is done to ensure the pet does not lose too much weight. Regular checks for the first year need to be done to ensure the animal is not re-gaining the weight.
