The Fat Cat

I usually like to use a picture that best describes the title of my blog. But don't have a fat cat so used this cute photo instead. Now on with The Fat Cat.

Obesity is becoming an increasingly serious problem for our pet cats. Many cats are kept indoors and have markedly reduced activity levels. This combined with a readily available food source (delivered with minimal nagging by a kind, loving owner) often leads to a weight issue. Cats are particularly predisposed to many weight related diseases. Obesity causes insulin resistance resulting in diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). In addition, fat cats commonly suffer from arthritis and skin conditions.

Care must be taken when dieting a fat cat, as severe calorie restriction can result in a liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. Your vet will be able to recommend a suitable diet and the correct quantity to be fed each day. Use a smaller food bowl so that psychologically you are not quite so aware of the reduced amount the cat receives. This also reduces the damage when you are tempted to fill the bowl! Have a cup measure with the correct amount of food marked so that there is no guesswork with meal size. Any 'snacks' or 'treats' fed throughout the day need to come from this alloted quantity of food.

Encourage your cat to exercise. Tie feathers to string and pull these across the floor. Use laser pointers (carefully) to dance a little light up and down the wall for the cat to chase. Invest in catnip stuffed pillows, jingly toys, windup mice - whatever it takes to get your cat off the sofa and trotting around.

Finally, stick with the program. Weight loss needs to be a slow, gradual affair. Use your vet's weighing scales regularly to check your cat's progress and adjust his diet accordingly.