Preventing Obesity
Holly Frisby, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Preventing your cat from becoming overweight is easier than taking off the excess weight once it is there. To prevent excess weight, we must feed our cats according to their activity level and age. In general, younger cats will need more calories per pound of body weight than older cats whose metabolisms have slowed. To maintain optimum weight we need to:
Provide exercise
Exercise has many benefits. It not only helps to burn calories but it also:
- Strengthens respiratory and circulatory systems
- Helps get oxygen to tissue cells
- Keeps muscles toned and joints flexible
- Releases energy, relieves boredom, and keeps mind active
- Aids in digestion
Play with your cat using interactive toys; fishing pole-type toys are often a favorite. One of the 'cat' videos with chirping birds or rustling mice may get a couch potato cat off the sofa and pawing at the TV.
Choose the correct type and amount of food
Cats need different types and amounts of food during their life stages. Younger animals require more energy, protein, and minerals than older cats. Cats who are outside in cooler weather would also have greater energy needs. Pregnant or nursing cats require increased protein, minerals, and energy. 'Couch potato' cats, however, have much lower energy needs. Older cats, even if they remain active, may require fewer calories than when they were younger.
Some cats regulate their intake well, others eat anything in sight. In general, it is best to provide food as 'meals' rather than having a food bowl filled with food available at all times (free choice, ad. lib.). This way it is easier to monitor intake and food will not become stale. In a multiple pet household, providing food as meals also helps to ensure the pet is eating the food appropriate for him.
Regularly monitor the cat's weight
It is easy for us to put on a couple of pounds and not notice it until we try wearing something we have not worn for a while. It is even harder to notice small weight gains in cats. By routinely weighing your cat (at the same time of day, on the same scale) you will be able to notice a slight weight increase (or decrease) before it becomes a serious problem.
Regulate the weight of young cats
Cats who are overweight when young have a greater risk of becoming obese as they grow older.
Cats who are overweight while growing have a greater risk of becoming overweight as adults. We need to make sure growing animals have adequate nutrition, but we do not want to feed too much. In addition to contributing to weight problems as the animal ages, excess weight when young can contribute to other problems such as joint disease.
Limit or eliminate treats and table scraps
The extra calories and decreased nutritional value of treats and table scraps are often the biggest offenders when it comes to weight control. Treats are generally better than table scraps, and have their use, as when training cats to 'come' (yes, you can teach them to come). But giving too many treats can have serious consequences. Most cats, when it comes right down to it, would rather have your attention than a treat. Spending extra time playing or grooming your cat will probably give you both much more satisfaction than the treat, which is gobbled up in three seconds and then forgotten.
Treat any contributing factors or diseases
Although most weight gain in cats is simply due to feeding too much or exercising too little, there are medical conditions which can contribute to obesity. Many of these conditions can be treated. If your cat has an unexplained increase in appetite or weight, have your cat examined by your veterinarian to be sure there is not a disease process causing the problem.
