Obesity in Cats

Believe it or not around 40% of cats are overweight. Obesity is defined as being 20% or more over the ideal body weight. You can do a simple test to check if your cat is obese by feeling its ribs. Your cat's ribs shouldn't protrude, but should be easily felt under the skin up to the spine including a small layer of fat. If you can't feel them, then your cat is overweight.

There are a number of medical risks such as cardiovascular disease, liver disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease associated with obesity. Also there is a greater risk if your cat needs surgery, due to the need to administer anaesthetic. your cat's joints will also suffer due to excess weight.

If your cat is not overeating, and is getting enough exercise it could have a hormone imbalance, so the best course of action is to take it to the vet for a diagnosis. If your cat is obese due to overeating or under exercising, it is time for a diet! But don't forget to consult your vet before beginning any diet program.

It's better that you do not allow your cat to get obese in the first place! 

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