Watching your Cats Weight
Every time there are more obese cats. Even cats that are well fed have “supper outside”, (pretending to be starving stray cats and begging for food from neighbors), the majority of them eat reasonably well. In most cases, we as owners, are responsible for these fat cats. If we insist on offering them irresistible treats between foods, what kind of cat that respects you will reject your offer? We may just be killing them in a nice way, because cats that are obese tend to develop diabetes, respiratory and cardiac problems, gall stones and arthritis.
If you are not able to feel the ribs on your cat while petting it or if it has a ball of grease that moves between its back legs when it walks, consult with your veterinarian to verify that there are no risks of underlying health problems, like for example thyroids in a early stage. If not, it is still time for a diet. Your veterinarian will prescribe a diet for your cat to lose weight, which includes all the nutrients that your cat needs to stay healthy while reducing the amount of calories. Present the new type of food in a gradual manner, mixing it with normal cat food.
Have Patience. An obese cat burns less energy, so it needs less food to stay obese than a thin cat needs to stay thin. It may take a while for it to lose weight and it’s very easy to give way when you see its big, imploring eyes. Of course, it is always easier to prevent than to cure. If you start off, teaching it good nutrition habits from an early age and making it exercise frequently, your cat will stay thin and in good shape.
|
