Really Fat Cats

Dustin Cannon asked:


Is your cat a snacker? Hungry all the time and ready to devour any treat you put in front of her? Maybe she has gained a few pounds, doesn’t seem to get much exercise in and is also growing older. So, what should you do about the cat treats?

One thing you should avoid is giving your cat a treat because you don’t have the time for the interaction and attention he craves. It may be easier to toss a cat treat in the direction of kitty and think that you are doing him a favor when what you really need to do is spend a little one-on-one time with him.

Many cats are receiving three or more treats a day. This is not a good idea because in most cases this pattern will eventually lead to obesity. This can then result in a myriad of health problems.

If you read labels and are careful which treats you choose for your cat you can actually find snacks that are healthy and will complete a nutritionally sound diet plan. The key here is substitution and not just addition. There are cat treats that fight tartar, help joints function properly, strengthen gums, and reduce the chance of hairballs.

Cats may also be more likely to show signs of behavior modification when treats are a part of their lives. Remember that the way you give the snack is more important than the snack itself. The treat may not taste any different than the food your cat is used to eating but when it is given in a special way it becomes a real treat.

Many cats will enjoy a yummy treat of lean meats. This is a good choice because lean meats are high in protein and low in fat. Liver is a snack that is relished by many kitties and liver has a high concentration of amino and nucleic acids. Chicken is another flavor craved by cats and it has lots of protein.

There are other cat treats that are not meat-based. These are special treats that many cats seem to appreciate. Catnip is a member of the mint family and while some cats do not care as much about it as others it can be given every day without problems. It may be better to space out the catnip offerings for maximum enjoyment. Catnip has many benefits such as the ability to aid mobility and normalize digestion.

Cat grass is another cat treat that many cats love. Plant fiber is an essential part of a healthy cat’s diet and when they don’t get it they may try eating other things that remind them of fiber such as shoelaces, or strings. You may need to experiment with different kinds of cat grasses to find one that your cat likes.

Visit with your vet about cat treats and choose the ones that are the most beneficial and safe for your cat.

Jenny Jackson asked:


Fatter cats may be cuddlier, but they don’t live as long as average weight cats. Sad but true. Fat cats are twice as likely to die in middle age. They are also 4.5 times more likely to develop diabetes, seven times more likely to become lame from arthritis and three times more likely to have skin problems.

About 20-30 percent of domestic cats are obese, particularly older females.

It is important to recognize if your cat has a weight problem. To do this you need to be prepared to admit that you have played a role in this, however unwittingly. Nobody sets out to make their cat overweight…it can just sneak up on you.

How to tell if your cat is overweight

Cats at a healthy weight have a waist. If you have difficulty feeling your cat’s ribs when applying a small amount of pressure, you have a problem. When you look down at your cat, if you see a bulge around his stomach, he is overweight. An average weight cat’s sides will look pretty straight.

If you prefer to have numbers, you can weigh your cat and compare that to published weights on specific breeds. Your vet can tell you how much your non-pedigree should weigh.

To weigh your cat, you need to weigh yourself alone, then weigh yourself holding the cat. The difference is your cat’s weight.

Why your cat is overweight

Unfortunately the most likely reason is that it eats more than it needs. As they get older, cats become less active and don’t need as many calories. Overeating can be attributed to boredom, excess leftovers and treats and possibly the introduction of another pet. Your overweight cat may eat your other cat’s food if they are fed together.

Food changes

If you are still feeding your cat the same amount as when he was young and spritely, try reducing the amount in each meal a little, and feeding smaller amounts more frequently if you can. If your cat is seriously overweight, you can talk to your vet about lower calorie foods. You’ll need to cut down any snacks or leftovers you’re giving as well. Play with your cat instead of giving treats. You may need to feed multiple cats separately to ensure that they only get the portion you’ve given them.

Cat playout

Indoor cats may not get enough exercise. Play with your cat more. You can use home made toys to encourage active play, as simple as a feather or ball of yarn. Another great way to activate your cat is to shine a torch on a wall and let your cat chase it. Punch some holes in a box and let your cat play inside it, or in a paper bag.

Once you see the problem, you can do something about it. You have a lot of control over your cat’s food and environment, and your efforts will be rewarded with a healthier cat who will be with you for many years to come.