Read About Overweight Cat

Your vet just told you that your cat is overweight. You´ve watched him for awhile, and he hardly eats anything at all, much less enough to make him so fat. Could it be a physical problem?

I´m guessing your pet is an indoor cat and probably neutered. This combination can make for a very fat cat.

To tell if your cat is overweight, look at him from the topside down as he stands. He should have a little "waist" between his tummy and hips. Obese cats have no waist, and look like a large oval from the top! And they have pendulous tummies. My sister once rushed her cat to see me, hysterical that her cat had tumors -- the tumors were large fat deposits in her groin!

The reason neutered cats get fat is because, unfortunately, their metabolism slows down after surgery once most of the hormones, estrogen and testosterone, are gone. Usually, their thyroid levels, if measured, are normal. To prevent obesity, feed your cat a good quality diet meant to help keep them lean. Waltham has several neutered cat diets to help them maintain weight through different life stages. There are many reduced calorie diets meant to help reduce your cat´s weight as well.

The main thing to do, however, when you have an overweight is to his reduce calories and increase exercise. Cats can become boredom eaters as well with nothing else to do. Check the feeding recommendations for weight loss on packages. Then divide the total day´s calories into two to three feedings for the day. No more "free" feeding or filling the bowl when it is empty. If after a few weeks, you cat is not loosing weight at the recommended feeding level, take away 1⁄4 of the day´s ration and again, split up the feedings, or you will have one agitated cat at night when you get home.

However, never, ever drastically reduce your cat´s food. Cats have a particular malady called hepatic lipidosis, which can be brought on by severe decrease of food intake for several days and is life threatening.

So how do you get Fluffy off the couch? There are many play toys for cats – wands, feathers, laser lights, moving toys. Most require interaction with you, so devote time at least twice a day to get your kitty up and playing. Climbing towers are also amusing for cats and can get them moving. There are harnesses and cats can actually be trained to stroll on a leash, it takes patience!

The health risks of a fat cat are many – from inability to groom themselves which leads to unsanitary areas, infections and matted hair to diabetes. So get Fluffy up and running!

Sharon E. Anderson, DVM

Sharon E. Anderson, DVM, answers medically-related questions, but will not attempt to diagnose or recommend specific treatments. Her advice is not meant to replace professional care. If your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian immediately.