Feb
23
How To Treat Cat Obesity.
Posted by Carol Johnston at 19:57 | Filed In Cat Health Care
Cat obesity is a life threatening disorder which can lead to Arthritis, Diabetes, Cancer, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Lower Urinary Tract Disease as well as skin disorders. Also it can take an overweight cat longer to recover from anesthsesia after surgery when these drugs are being absorbed by the fat in his body. On top of everything having a fatty liver makes it harder for the liver to filter these drugs from the system. That is why it is best to treat cat obesity before it becomes fatal.
Some of the underlying causes of weight gain in cats can occur when:
The body functions are slowed down by 20 to 25 when male and female cats are neutured.
Breed and Genetics can also affect body weight. Mixed breed cats are more susceptible to weight gain problems then Pure Breeds.
Decreased levels of Thyroid Hormone can be a result of obesity in cats.
The cat could be eating excessive amounts of calories and not getting enough exercise.
If you find your cat is putting on weight then consult your veterinarian first to find out if your cat has a health problem causing this. Your veterinarian can suggest a diet for weight loss or management.
Cat owners need to reduce the calorie intake, increase exercise, plus regularly monitor their cat’s progress to ensure successful weight loss.
A diet high in protein like chicken, turkey, beef, or liver should consist of 50 percent of this diet to avoid a loss in lean body tissue. The protein levels should be over 50% in order to stimulate the metabolism and increase weight loss.
Fiber has bulk in it which will satisfy cats appetites making it easier for them to lose weight. If you increase your cat’s intake of fiber by up to 15-20 percent, do it under your veterinarians care.Too much fiber can tamper with the absorption of minerals and cause other nutritional problems.
Get your cat to exercise. If he doesn’t mind a walking harness, take him out for short walks once or twice a day to get him moving. As your cat’s strength increases then you can slowly work up to longer walks Another thing you can do is have play sessions with him 4 times a day with him. These sessions can be for five to ten minutes of chasing a string, running after a ball or batting around a crumpled piece of paper. This will get him to burn more calories.
Also try some Cat Nip, which is an herb that makes your cat feel good and gets him in a playful mood. Best of all Cat Nip is harmless and won’t hurt your cat.
Cat health weight loss should be done slowly. Crash diets are just as unhealthy for cats as well as humans. Carefully monitor your cat’s progress and make sure he doesn’t lose too much weight. Keep in contact with your vet throughout your cat’s weight loss and don’t hesitate to ask them any questions you may have. It is important for your cat to be at his ideal weight in order for your cat to be healthy and disease free, and happier.