Do I have an overweight cat? This is the question that comes to many people’s minds just by looking at the fluffy fellow.
The size of the cat determines whether the cat is healthy or unnecessarily fat. A chubby cat is adorable, but the increasing digit of a cat’s weight gives rise to multiple health issues.
Obesity is a growing concern not only in humans but in pets too. Let’s have a look at some of the reasons and tips to avoid plumpness in the sweet feline.
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How Do I Get To Know That I Have An Overweight Cat?
It is not as hard as we assume to find out whether the kitty is just a fluffy or overweight cat.
A simple trick to check the difference between an overweight cat and a healthy cat is rib testing. So, if you can count the ribs of a cat effortlessly, it means the cat has no weight issue.
On the other hand, if it requires more pressure to find the ribs, it means you have an overweight cat.
Reasons For Overweight In Cats
Some people believe that excessive eating results in a plump pet. Consequently, they start feeding the cat low-energy diets. However, this is not always the case.
Numerous reasons result in obesity. Possible reasons behind an overweight cat are an affliction, bulge, diabetes, or pregnancy.
Similarly, different health issues can also lead a pet to become fat. A cat suffering from hypothyroidism is also vulnerable to gaining weight.
To clarify, in hypothyroidism, the ejection of hormones from thyroid glands results in pet laziness and enhances appetite. So the cat eats unconditionally and eventually gains weight.
Feline hyperadrenocorticism is another disease that results in obesity. This disorder is also called Cushing’s disease.
In this disease, the number of corticosteroids increases in the body. The corticosteroids are used to overcome swelling, itching, and allergic reactions.
But the excess amount of corticosteroids could transform a normal-weight cat into an overweight cat.
Also, a surprising number of cats are suffering from diabetes. This disease is more common in overweight cats.
Besides, a cat might be expecting a fur baby, so it is gaining weight and turning into an overweight cat.
The Ideal Weight of A Cat
The size of the cat does matter in terms of monitoring its weight. Weight demonstrates the fitness of the cat. That is to say, weight and size are comparable to determine the ideal health of a cat.
The perfect weight for a cat is about 20 to 15 pounds. But you should keep the difference between a healthy and skinny cat in mind before going for their weight comparison.
A healthy and big-breed cat has a different weight than a tinny-breed cat. As a result, the ideal size values are also distinct.
However, if the physique of the cat is about 25 pounds, then the hairy feline is an overweight cat.
Overweight Cat: The Cure?
To find a cure for any disease, we must be familiar with the reasons behind it. Fitness and medication go hand in hand. Firstly, check the pet’s tummy.
If you feel that the belly of the cat is bulging from neck to tail, the cat might be pregnant.
On the other hand, if the cat is getting fat from all around her body, even from her legs, then there is the possibility that it is becoming an overweight cat. Lack of exercise routine also makes a cat plumpy.
Make your cat exercise by giving it treats after short workouts. It boosts the energy level and notably reduces fat. Also, it excites the cat to engage in healthy activities in return for a delicious treat.
A fair and nutritious meal helps a lot. Give an average amount of calories to the cat to consume. It will keep it healthier and stronger.
Another essential factor is a regular examination of health, like blood tests, MRIs, CT scans, and anti-disease vaccinations.
These vaccinations bypass the disease and save the pet from turning into an overweight cat.
Last but not least, if the cat is getting fat, consult the vet immediately. Feed the cat according to the diet chart provided by the vet.
Besides, daily exercises offer a great deal of help in weight loss. It helps the pet burn calories.