Helping your cat lose weight

Is my cat overweight?

Not only people are getting fat, but also animals. The number of overweight cats is no laughing matter: 50% of them suffer from this problem.

“Obesity in cats is similar to obesity in humans: eating too much and not moving enough,” says Karin Collier, chief veterinarian at the St. Francis Veterinary Animal Physical Therapy Center in Woolwich Township, New Jersey. 

“We humans enjoy food and want the same for our cats. We kill them with our kindness. If cats don’t pounce on food, we add gravy, some chicken or beef, just to eat. And the cat may not be hungry yet.”

There is nothing funny about a cat being overweight. Extra pounds can lead to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and a host of other ailments.

Luckily, changing your cat’s diet and lifestyle can help her lose some weight. Our advice:

1. Turn to scientific methods.

Estimate your pet’s weight using the Healthy Weight Calculator. With this scientific method, you will be able to determine your cat’s ideal weight. The veterinarian will measure the animal by four parameters, on the basis of which a computer program will determine the percentage of fat in his body. A veterinarian will tell you exactly how many extra pounds your fluffy beauty has and what weight will be optimal for her.

2. Ask your veterinarian.

At your next annual checkup, ask your veterinarian to check your cat’s body parameters to see if she is overweight.

You can also use online tools to get useful pictures of your pet’s appearance and ideal physical condition.

3. Look and touch.

Check your pet yourself. “A cat’s ribs should be easy to feel and free of excess fat,” says Dr. Collier. “You should be able to count them.”

If you look at the cat from above, its chest should be wider compared to the pelvis, the waist is noticeable. If you look at the cat from the side, then the transition area from the chest to the stomach should be taut, not sag.

“If you have difficulty finding the ribs and have to press, the cat will get fat,” says Dr. Collier. “If the waistline and tautness of the abdomen are gone, the cat is overweight.”