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Obesity Care of obese cats The optimum treatment of a obese cat consists of two main components:
Diet Obviously, diet is a primary reason cats become obese, and a primary means of combating it. Research now indicates that the high-fiber low-calorie “Lite” foods are not as effective at treating obesity as high-protein low-carbohydrate wet diets. Studies showed cats lost more weight, maintained more muscle mass, and kept weight off better on a low-carbohydrate canned diet than a “lite” one. The low-carbohydrate dry foods are not effective, as they are very high in calories. Studies of low-carbohydrate dry foods indicated they were not effective at promoting weight loss. A typical 3 oz can of cat food contains about 100 calories. By contrast, a typical adult dry food contains 150 to 250 calories per half cup, contains less protein and is less filling. Portion Control Portions may need to be limited in order to facilitate weight loss. If your cat is currently eating some dry or Lite food, eliminate that first. If weight loss does not occur, portion sizes may need to be limited. Most cats need 6 to 8 ounces of canned or raw food daily. The amount may vary by the size, age, and activity level of the cat. Never let your cat go without eating more than 24 hours. Fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) can occur if a cat does not consume it’s daily requirement of protein, and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Obese cats are especially at risk for fatty liver disease. One rule of thumb targets weight loss of 1% to 1.5% total weight lost per week. Weight loss may occur more quickly at first, especially if previously on a dry food diet, but ensuring your cat eats enough food to meet its daily protein requirements is imperative. Exercise Try to play with your cat for several minutes each day. Interactive toys, such as “wand toys” are a good way to get your cat moving. Finally There have been many advancements in understanding the epidemic of obesity in our cats today. Where once the only recommendation for helping our cats lose weight was to limit their portions and resist their pleas for more, we now know the type of food can be as important or more important than how much we feed. Often, the best thing we can do for our chubby kitty is to eliminate all dry kibble from their diet. Download PDF Brochure (printable version)
For futher information, visit: Diabetes and Obesity: The preventable epidemics by Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, Esq. Feline Obesity: An Epidemic of Fat Cats by Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM Obesity by Anne at CatNutrition.org Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition by Dr. Lisa Pierson, DVM Obesity in Cats: how to get a cat to lose weight Weight Loss and Diet in Cats by Winn Feline Foundation Date last updated: 10/20/2009 The content contained herein is protected by copyright, and may not be copied or altered without express permission of Feline Outreach. We encourage individuals, groups, and business to distribute the brochures as written and/or link to this information for personal and educational use, with credit for the content given to Feline Outreach. A lot of time and effort has gone into their preparation, and a donation to Feline Outreach in acknowledgment of our efforts is appreciated. |
