We all know obesity is an epidemic in our society today, and our cats are no exception to this rule. Roughly 70% of the cats I see in my practice are obese. The cause is generally human in nature. Leaving the cat food dish out all the time, poor diet or too many calories in and not enough calories out (no active exercise). However, obesity is much more concerning than just having a little extra fat hanging around. Obesity puts cats at a higher risk of getting other diseases, such as diabetes.
Identifying Weight Issues in Cats
If you can feel a little fat pad in your kitty’s inguinal region (part of the abdomen between their back legs) when they are standing up, they qualify as obese.
In the wild, cats are predators and roam large territories seeking and capturing prey. This provides them with two necessary components to stay thin and in shape- exercise and a limited food supply.
Now that they are domesticated and kept indoors to keep them from getting hit by cars or attacked by other animals, our cats have very limited exercise opportunities. Most of them manage to convince us they need an unlimited food supply.
Obesity Can Lead to Diabetes
In cats, diabetes results when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin to support glucose metabolism. Signs of diabetes include an increased water consumption and increased amounts of urine produced. Increased appetite with accompanying weight loss can also be noted.
Diabetes is a treatable condition, and cats can sometimes go into remission. Initially, cats will need insulin injections given twice daily and will need to have their glucose levels monitored.
Treating diabetes is a labor intensive and expensive proposition, especially if you end up having the veterinarian do regular glucose curves.
It is relatively easy to learn to do glucose curves at home, and your veterinarian can provide you with the necessary equipment to do so.
Another advantage of doing glucose curves at home is that cats are less stressed out, and their glucose readings are more reliable.
There are several good sources on the internet that can help you understand diabetes. It is important to become well educated on this disease if your cat is diagnosed with diabetes. One good reference is: www.felinediabetes.com.
Preventing Obesity and Diabetes in Cats
The best “cure” for diabetes in cats is prevention. The good news is that nutrition options for cats are getting better and better. Cats are strictly carnivores and do best on an all-meat diet. A low carbohydrate, high protein diet is the best choice for cats.
Canned or raw food approved by a veterinary nutritionist is often a better choice because it is lower in carbohydrates than dried food.
Prevention also requires measuring out an amount of food every day rather than providing a never-ending supply of dry food.
Another good option is the raw diets that are now available. There is a lot of controversy surrounding raw diets. But as long as they come from a reliable manufacturer and are handled with the same care we handle our own food, they are safe for cats.
It’s best to start kittens out on a high-quality diet so that they don’t become “addicted to junk food”.
Keep Your Cat Moving
Preventing obesity in cats also requires activity. There are wonderful new feeding toys that dispense the food slowly in response to playing with the toys.
Hiding the food in different parts of the house and letting the cat find it helps satisfy their predatory instinct.
Exercise wheels for cats are a wonderful way for them to get lots of exercise and make for your hysterical viewing pleasure.
Many people are now allowing their kitties outside on leashes, and they LOVE it! There are precautions you need to take- go to areas without dogs or cars or anything that might startle them and start slowly:
To train your cat to walk on a leash, you can use a harness, start slowly, and use positive reinforcement. Churro is a liquid food that is a great treat for cats.
Equipment
- Buy a cat harness that is supportive without being too confined.
- Make sure the harness fits snugly, with one or two fingers between the harness and your cat.
- Attach the leash to the back of the harness, not the neck.
Training
- Let your cat get used to wearing the harness indoors.
- Attach the leash to the harness and let your cat drag it around the house.
- Start slowly and work with your cat to feel comfortable wearing the harness and walking on a leash.
- Use positive reinforcement and never punish your cat.
- Never jerk on the leash.
Safety
- Never tie your cat up, especially outdoors.
- Never walk your cat on a leash where there are predators.
- Watch your cat’s body language carefully. If your cat does not want to move, they may not be ready to walk outside on a leash.
There are loving owners who take their cats with them everywhere. Cats need stimulation and exploration, and this helps.
