Kitty Obesity

Did you know that more than half of our feline friends are obese? Fluffy may still be adorable if she is, well, not just fluffy, but she will be much healthier if she stays at or near her ideal weight. A Brampton, ON discusses kitty obesity in this article.

Health Dangers

Obese cats face some very serious health problems. If Fluffy is overweight, she’ll be at risk of developing some very serious health problems, such as heart disease, liver and kidney issues, bone/joint problems, and diabetes. Your furball will also have elevated odds of developing skin problems and having trouble reproducing, and may have complications after surgery. She’ll even be at higher risk of developing certain cancers. Those extra pounds can even shorten her life expectancy!

Food

As one might expect, diet plays a huge role in your kitty’s overall weight. Many of our furry patients are extremely good at manipulating their humans into filling their bowls on demand. Fluffy’s theatrics can be both cute and convincing. However, if your furry buddy is getting pudgy, you’re not doing her any favors by giving in! Portion control is another thing to consider: even overfeeding your pet by just a small amount each day can cause her to pack on extra pounds. The quality of your furball’s food is also just as important as the quantity. Many lower-quality brands contain lots of fillers, which are often filled with carbs. Boredom snacking is also a problem with some cats. Make sure Fluffy has lots of toys and a good window view.

Exercise

Kittens are basically tiny, furry little balls of zoom… at least when they are awake. As your frisky pet ages, however, she’ll slow down, and gradually become more interested in napping than in playing. Keep your furball active by playing with her regularly. Use toys you can control to make playtime more fun and interesting for her.

Diets

Is your kitty turning into a butterball? Consult your vet before making any changes to Fluffy’s diet. Your feline pal needs to lose weight slowly and steadily in order to slim down without compromising her health. Sudden drops in caloric intake can really do a number on your cat’s metabolism, and could make her quite sick!

As your local Brampton, ON pet hospital, we are happy to serve all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. Call us today!