The Dangers of Obesity in Cats: More Than Just Weight Gain
Obesity is one of the most common health issues affecting cats today. While some extra pudge may seem harmless, carrying excess weight can have serious consequences for your cat's health and quality of life. Being overweight puts cats at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and more. This article explores the many dangers of obesity in cats and why maintaining a healthy weight is so crucial for their wellbeing.
Defining Obesity in Cats
The term obesity refers to excessive or abnormal fat accumulation that impairs health. A cat is considered obese when they are over 30% above their ideal body weight. Obesity typically corresponds to a body condition score of 8-9 on a 9 point scale. At this level, fat deposits are abundant and easily visible and palpable over the abdomen, spine, tail base and limbs.
While being slightly overweight at a BCS of 6-7 may not have immediate consequences, allowing weight to tip into obesity sets off a cascade of health repercussions.
Health Risks of Obesity
Carrying excess weight puts strain on all of the body's vital organs. Fat cats experience systemic inflammation and are at higher risk for the following conditions:
Diabetes
Obesity is strongly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes in cats. The excessive fat tissue releases hormones and molecules that directly interfere with insulin's ability to transport glucose from the blood into cells.
Obese cats have a much higher rate of developing diabetes than cats at optimal weights. Diabetes requires lifelong insulin injections and medical management.
Osteoarthritis
The extra weight on overweight cat's joints causes abnormal wear and tear, especially to the hips and elbows. This degenerative joint disease leads to reduced mobility, stiffness, and chronic pain. Arthritis can severely impact quality of life.
Heart Disease
Excess fat puts strain on the heart, which has to work harder to pump blood through the body. Weight induced high blood pressure is also taxing to the cardiovascular system. Obesity dramatically raises the risk of heart failure and heart attacks.
Respiratory Disorders
Abdominal fat and fat within the chest cavity constrict the lungs. This makes breathing more difficult for overweight cats. Conditions like asthma can be exacerbated.
Decreased Life Expectancy
The cumulative damage from obesity-associated conditions means obese cats live on average 2-3 years less than optimal weight cats. Taking precautions to prevent obesity is crucial for longevity.
Heat Intolerance
Fat is an insulator that inhibits heat exchange. Obese cats readily overheat and struggle to maintain normal temperatures in warm weather. This makes them prone to heatstroke.
Skin Problems
Excess skin folds from fat deposits lead to chafing, moisture buildup and secondary skin infections. Obese cats have difficulty grooming to clean these areas.
Liver Disease
Carrying excess fat puts stress on the liver. Weight-related hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) may develop.
Kidney Disease
The kidneys have to work overtime filtering the byproducts of fat metabolism. Obesity wears down kidney function over time.
Cancer Risk
Research shows that obese cats have higher rates of various cancers. Excess fat leads to systemic inflammation that promotes cancer progression.
Decreased Quality of Life
Between pain, reduced mobility, high blood pressure, and respiratory struggles, everyday activities become much more difficult for overweight cats. Allowing cats to tip into obesity robs them of their vitality and diminishes their quality of life.
Root Causes of Obesity
Obesity in cats stems from an imbalance between the calories consumed from food vs. the calories expended through metabolism and activity. Typical drivers of obesity include:
- Overfeeding- Free choice feeding leads to overconsumption. Even scheduled feedings may provide excess portions.
- Low activity - Sedentary indoor cats need portion control to avoid weight gain.
- High calorie diets - Some prescription or premium foods are very high in fats and calories.
- Medical conditions - Problems like hypothyroidism or injuries can predispose cats to obesity.
- Medications - Some drugs like steroids or anti-seizure meds increase appetite.
- Improper transition to new food - Abrupt food switches or addition of treats and people food introduces excess calories.
- Undiagnosed pain - Cats experiencing pain from arthritis for example move less and become prone to weight gain.
- Stress, anxiety, or boredom - Like humans, some cats eat to cope with negative emotions and environmental stressors.
While a tendency towards obesity can be inherited, the home environment and care practices have the biggest impact on keeping cats lean and fit.
Preventing Feline Obesity
Stopping weight gain before cats tip into obesity is ideal. Here are proactive steps cat owners can take:
- Weigh cats routinely - Monthly weight checks allow you to catch gains early before they become excessive.
- Learn ideal weight - Ask your vet what weight range your cat should be in based on their body frame and structure.
- Portion control - Feed measured meals rather than free choice feeding to prevent overeating.
- Provide puzzle feeders - These make cats "hunt" and work for their food, which slows intake.
- Use cat-safe leashes - Take your cat for walks to increase their activity levels.
- Use cat furniture - Cat trees, shelves and climbing spaces encourage movement and exercise.
- Schedule playtime- Make high intensity play and chasing toys part of your cat's routine.
- Enrich their environment - Rotate low calorie treats and toys to prevent boredom and stress eating.
- Avoid high calorie people food - People food is typically very high fat and carbohydrate.
- Visit your vet routinely - Get your cat's weight assessed and have any conditions leading to obesity diagnosed early.
With proactive prevention and monitoring of body condition, cats can happily maintain a trim, fit figure throughout their lives.
Helping Obese Cats Lose Weight
If your cat is already obese, take action to help them shed the excess weight safely under veterinary supervision. Crash dieting is dangerous for cats, so aim for gradual loss through the following protocols:
- Visit your vet - Make sure any underlying conditions are under control. Have your vet outline a customized weight loss plan.
- Transition to wet food - The high protein, low carb content keeps cats satisfied on fewer calories.
- Stick to scheduled feedings - Feed measured quantities rather than free choice feeding.
- Incorporate cat exercise - Increase playtime and access to climbing cat towers or window perches.
- Try food puzzles/dispensing toys - These make cats "hunt" for food and slow down intake.
- Eliminate unhealthy treats - Stick to low calorie veggies and lean proteins for treats rather than commercial pet treats.
- Monitor progress- Weigh your cat weekly to ensure consistent weight loss without crashes.
- Be patient - Steady loss of 2-3% starting body weight per month is safer than rapid loss.
With veterinary support, obese cats can successfully get back down to a healthy target weight. Their risk for obesity-associated conditions will be dramatically reduced.
Providing Optimal Nutrition
Diet is central to maintaining or achieving a healthy weight and peak body condition. Follow these diet tips:
- Wet food - Pick high protein, low carb canned or raw foods to optimize satiety.
- Read Labels - Avoid fillers in favor of meat-based foods with omega fatty acids from marine sources to limit fat.
- Senior diets - Feed age-appropriate food that supports lean muscle mass for older cats.
- Portion control - Stick to the daily recommended calorie intake per your vet's instructions. Use cat-safe puzzle feeders that make cats "hunt" for food.
- Avoid free choice feeding - Letting cats graze predisposes them to overeating.
- Hydration - Provide unlimited access to fresh water. Flavoring water with low sodium broths or feeding wet food increases hydration.
- Treats- Limit treat quantity and calories. Try single ingredient healthy snacks like pieces of cooked chicken, tuna or carrots rather than fatty commercial treats.
- Customize as needed - Your vet may tailor nutrition recommendations based on your cat's health needs and activity level. Diets like Hills c/d help prevent struvite crystals associated with obesity.
Following your vet's nutritional guidelines tailored to your individual cat supports maintaining optimal body condition long term.
The Takeaway
Allowing your cat to become obese threatens their health in many ways well beyond just the number on the scale. But armed with information on assessing their body condition score, drivers of obesity, and proactive prevention methods, cat owners have the power to ensure your cat maintains a healthy fitness level. Support your cat in reaching and maintaining their ideal weight. Small adjustments to their care routine, diet and activity levels make a profound difference in the quality of life for overweight cats.