Do you have a cat that may be a bit overweight? Are you unsure if your cat is simply fluffy, or has put on some extra pounds? Implications of obesity in cats can have serious side effects. If undetected, conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and much more can become evident. The most basic assessment you can do at home to check if your cat is overweight is by simply squeezing the sides of your cat’s rib cage gently. If it is difficult to feel your cat’s ribs, then your furry little friend needs a proper diet. But, don’t worry – we are here to help you learn how you can take care of your overweight cat to make sure they stay healthy and happy for years to come.
The Dangers of Obesity in Cats
An average domestic cat should weigh between 8 and 10 pounds and it is extremely important that it does not take in more calories than it burns. If your cat is overweight, that problem may be a sign of some illness that can seriously endanger your cat’s life if it is not treated as soon as possible. Obesity in cats can lead to diabetes, hypothyroidism, skin disorders and a disorder of the pituitary gland, as well as ligament problems that can cause arthritis. It can also lead to a shorter lifespan. As you can see, health risks in overweight cats are extremely dangerous and need to be taken seriously.
How Can You Solve the Problem of Your Cat’s Obesity?
The first step to maintain your cat’s weight includes a proper diet. This diet should consist of low-calorie foods, specifically designed for cats that are overweight, and it should not include dry foods in order to cut down on carbohydrates. The most important thing is that you don’t leave food out during the day, but schedule your cat’s mealtimes, preferably one in the morning and one in the evening. It goes without saying that your cat’s water bowl needs to be full at all times. Apart from the diet, your cat needs to be active, so you should engage in some playtime with your furry friend and stimulate this activity. Always provide her with exciting toys, such as balls, yarns, empty boxes and every cat’s favorite – scratching posts. The combination of exercise and a proper diet will definitely do the trick for your cat and help it lose weight.
Monitor Your Cat’s Health at Home
If you want to check your cat’s health regularly, but don’t have the time to go to the vet, we have a perfect solution for you. You can monitor your cat’s health with the help of CheckUp – an at home wellness test for cats. The CheckUp kit tests your cat’s urine for glucose levels, blood in urine, urinary tract infection, kidney failure, which in turn, encompasses their general wellness. It is the ideal solution for your cat, since it is natural, stress-free, non-invasive, non-toxic, very easy to use, and it provides results in just 60 seconds.
You are your cat’s best friend and you are the one who can provide him/her with the life it deserves, so make sure you do everything in your power to make it a long and healthy one. After all, your cat is a part of your family, so treat it in the most loving way possible and remember – a healthy cat is a happy cat.
