Pet Obesity: A Growing Health Crisis
Obesity is a major health crisis, not just for humans, but for our furry companions as well. According to recent surveys, over half of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. These alarming rates have remained steady over the past several years, indicating that the problem of pet obesity is not improving (source). Excess weight puts cats at risk for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and even a shortened lifespan. As caretakers, it’s our responsibility to ensure our cats maintain a healthy weight. Understanding proper nutrition and portion sizes is key.
How Much Should Cats Eat?
The amount of food cats should eat per day depends on several factors including their weight, age, and activity level. Here are some general guidelines from veterinarians and experts:
For adult cats, the recommended amount is between 240-320 calories per day. This typically equates to 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of dry food or 5-8 ounces of wet food split into 2-3 meals.
Kittens require more food for growth and development. The general rule is to offer kittens food at least 3 times a day and let them eat as much as they want in a 20 minute period.
For less active adult cats, sticking to the lower end of the calorie range is best to prevent obesity. More active cats that go outdoors may need the higher calorie amount.
Senior cats tend to be less active and have slower metabolisms. Reduce portions for seniors to prevent weight gain. Consult your vet for exact amounts.
Always follow feeding guidelines on the cat food label based on your cat’s weight and adjust as needed. Track their weight and body condition for any changes.
Risks of Overfeeding
Overfeeding cats can lead to obesity, which carries many health risks. According to the Greencross Vets website, obese cats are more likely to develop diseases like diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer [1]. The extra weight puts more strain on joints and internal organs.
Additionally, overweight cats tend to be less active and mobile. They are more prone to breathing difficulties and joint pain from carrying excess weight. According to Meowbox, obesity shortens cats’ lifespan by over 2 years on average [2]. Keeping cats at a healthy weight can prevent many of these issues and allow them to be more active and playful.
Diabetes is another major concern with obese cats. The insulin resistance caused by excess weight makes diabetes much more likely to develop. Once diabetes occurs, it requires close management with diet and medication. Preventing obesity through proper feeding portions is crucial for reducing diabetes risk.
Recognizing Overweight Cats
When determining if your cat is overweight, look for the following signs:
Body Condition Scoring – Vets use a scale of 1-5 to score a cat’s body condition, with 3 being ideal. Cats scored 4-5 are considered overweight or obese (source).
Protruding Belly – An overweight cat’s belly will hang low and protrude outwards. The waistline behind the ribs will not be visible (source).
Inactivity – Overweight cats tend to be less active and playful. They may have difficulty jumping up to high places and can seem lethargic or unwilling to move around much (source).
Portioning Tips
When it comes to feeding cats, measuring out portions is better than free-feeding, where food is available at all times. This allows you to control how much your cat eats each day. The ASPCA recommends feeding cats twice daily and using the portion control method.1
To portion your cat’s food properly, first check the calorie content on your cat’s food packaging. Then use an online calculator or chart to determine how many calories your cat needs based on their age, weight, and activity level. Divide this total by the calories per cup in their food to see how much they need per day. Split that amount into two meals fed 12 hours apart.2
It’s also helpful to invest in a good food scale to precisely weigh portions. Scale back if your cat starts gaining excess weight. Puzzle feeders and food balls make cats “hunt” for meals, promoting activity.3 Splitting one meal into multiple small meals keeps cats satisfied and prevents begging.
Choosing the Right Food
When choosing a cat food for weight loss, look for options higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. According to veterinarians, high-protein, low-carb diets can help cats feel fuller while consuming fewer calories. Protein sources like chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs are healthy options.
Avoid cat foods with fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products. These nutrient-poor ingredients can lead to weight gain. Instead, look for whole meat as the first ingredient. Meat meals can be acceptable too as long as they specify the type of meat like chicken meal or salmon meal.
Some great ingredients to look for include:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Eggs
According to veterinarian recommended cat foods like Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, aim for at least 25% protein and under 10% carbohydrates.
Exercise & Play
Regular exercise and playtime are crucial for cats’ physical and mental health. Playtime provides cats an outlet to expend energy, satisfy their prey drive through stalking toys, and prevent boredom or anxiety from lack of stimulation. For cats struggling to maintain a healthy weight, daily play sessions are especially important.
According to the ASPCA, “Regular exercise can help your overweight cat lose weight and improve body condition.” (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/obesity-cats)
Interactive play energizes cats to run, jump, pounce, and chase, burning more calories than sedentary activities. Try engaging your cat for at least 15 minutes twice a day with wand toys, balls, laser pointers, and other enticing toys. Make playtime varied and challenging to keep your cat interested and active.
According to Chewy, “An interactive cat toy that inspires bounding, climbing, scratching and swatting is an excellent way to get your cat moving and burning calories.” (https://be.chewy.com/health-pet-fitness-20-ways-to-exercise-your-cat/)
With regular play and activity, your cat can maintain a healthy weight and receive important mental stimulation.
When to Seek Vet Help
If your cat’s weight does not improve after 6 months of diet and exercise, there may be an underlying medical issue causing the obesity. According to VCA Hospitals, obesity can sometimes be a symptom of conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and insulin resistance. These conditions can make weight loss difficult despite diet and exercise efforts.
Signs that your cat may have a medical issue contributing to obesity include lethargy, increased appetite, and a swollen abdomen. If your cat exhibits these symptoms along with continued weight gain, schedule a veterinarian appointment right away.
The vet will run tests to check your cat’s thyroid hormone levels, glucose levels, and screen for other diseases. If an underlying condition is found, the vet can provide medication and treatment to help manage it. Getting any medical issues under control will make it easier for your cat to lose weight through diet and exercise.
Don’t give up on weight loss for your cat. Seek veterinary help to determine if a health problem is at the root of your cat’s obesity. Addressing medical issues and following your vet’s tailored weight loss plan will get your cat back to a healthy size.
Cats Fed Correctly
When cats are fed the proper portion sizes for their age, breed, and activity level, many can go on to lose weight and lead healthier lives. There are numerous success stories of overweight cats who lost weight with portion control and a nutritious diet.
For example, Tabby was a 23 pound cat who was having trouble moving around and playing due to her excess weight according to her owner Diana (source: https://www.newportharborvets.com/services/cats/blog/tabbys-weight-loss-story). After being put on a strict diet by her veterinarian, Tabby lost nearly half her body weight and is now much more active and energetic. Diana reports that Tabby can jump up on beds and play with toys, activities she struggled with before her weight loss.
Patches, a viral internet cat sensation, once weighed 42 pounds according to his owner Kay Ford (source: https://www.wate.com/news/watercooler/patches-the-cat-who-once-weighed-42-pounds-continues-weight-loss-journey/). With portion control and nutritional food, Patches lost over 15 pounds and continues to slim down. Patches now has much more energy and mobility.
These inspiring feline weight loss journeys show that with proper feeding techniques, even overweight cats can achieve a healthy size and quality of life.
The Takeaway
When it comes to feeding our feline friends, moderation is key. Overfeeding cats can lead to obesity and other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Look for signs of overweight like bulging belly and inability to groom hindquarters. A good rule of thumb is to feed one 5.5 ounce can or half a cup of dry food for an average adult cat split into two meals per day. Adjust amounts based on age, activity level, and breed size. Choose quality, meat-first cat foods to provide balanced nutrition. Make sure your cat stays active through play and exercise. And don’t hesitate to ask your vet for help creating a healthy feeding plan. Feeding cats appropriately helps ensure longer, healthier, and happier lives.
