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Obesity in cats is a serious problem. According to estimates, between 40 to 50 percent of cats are obese. Obese cats have reduced life expectancy and are prone to other diseases like osteoarthritis and diabetes. Moreover, obesity in cats impacts functions of other body organs. Cats are considered overweight when they gain more than 10 to 20 percent of their ideal body weight and obese if a cat weighs above 20 percent of desired body weight. Obesity is more common in middle-aged cats between 3-11 years old. Overfed and indoor cats are more prone to obesity problems. Signs of Obesity in Cats Obese cats will show different physical, behavioral, and health-related signs. Here are a few signs observed in fatty cats: Excessive body fat Difficulty Feeling the Ribs No Visible Waist Reduced Activity Shortness of Breath Reluctance to Move Joint Stiffness If you observe any of the above signs in your cat and you suspect your cat is obese, visit your vet to devise a weight management plan for your cat. Causes of Obesity in Cats Cats become obese when their calorie intake is well above their calorie consumption. This excessive calorie deposit in cats as fats thus cats become either overweight or obese. Here are major causes of obesity in cats: 1-Overfeeding Giving free access to food for cats can results in excessive calories intake. Therefore, feed a balanced diet to your cat. Also, avoid giving human food and excessive treats. 2-Poor Diet High-carb, low-protein diets (like dry kibble) can lead to fat accumulation. In addition, avoid low quality feed with fillers and artificial additives because they promote weight gain. 3-Lack of Exercise Indoor cats are considered more at risk of obesity due to their sedentary lifestyle. As a result they didn’t get adequate exercise. Thus, low-calorie consumption. 4- Age Older cats have slower metabolisms and may gain weight more easily. 5-Neutering/Spaying Hormonal changes after sterilisation can lead to reduced energy needs and increased appetite. 6-Medical Conditions Certain diseases like hypothyroidism (which reduces metabolism), arthritis (due to restricted movements), and diabetes mellitus can result in weight gain in cats. 7- Genetic Factors Some breeds are more prone to obesity due to their genetic makeup, like: British Shorthair Persian Birman Scottish Fold Ragdoll 8- Stress Cats can gain weight due to stress, anxiety, and boredom, especially in multi-cat households. Health Risks Associated with Obesity Obesity in cats results in various health problems that can impact quality of life and longevity. Diabetes mellitus Overweight cats are at risk of developing insulin resistance leading to diabetes. They are at least four times at increased risk of diabetes than healthy cats. Symptoms of diabetes include polydipsia (increased thrust) and polyuria (increased urination). In addition, cat may lose weight despite good appetite. Arthritis and Joint Problems Obese cats can develop arthritis due to excessive weight. Extra weight put pressure on joints, exacerbating the condition. Furthermore, it also restricts their movement, leading to further weight gain. Heart Disease Extra fat increases the workload of the heart, resulting in different cardiovascular diseases. It also increases the chances of blood clot formation. In addition, excessive fat will be deposited around the heart, hindering the normal contraction of heart and thus decreasing its function. Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis) Hepatic lipidosis is a fatal disease, and obese cats are at higher risk of this disease. When obese cats suddenly stop eating, fat rapidly accumulates around the liver, resulting in severe consequences. Urinary Tract Diseases Obese cats can develop feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and bladder stones. They may experience painful urination, blood in the urine, or urinary blockages. Impaired Immune System Obesity increases inflammation in cats, impairing the ability of cats to fight infections. As a result, obese cats become more prone to illnesses like dental diseases, skin infections, or eye diseases. Diagnosing Obesity in Cats Obesity in cats can be diagnosed by simply taking the weight or body condition scoring. Cats weighing greater than 20 percent of their ideal weight are considered fat. Another method is body condition assessment. BCS scale is 9 point scoring system for cats. BCS 1 shows an emaciated cat, while BCS 9 expresses a very obese cat. Generally, cats above BCS 7 are considered obese. Preventing and Managing Obesity Prevention and management focus on diet control, exercise, and regular monitoring. Here are some strategies to prevent obesity in cats. Feed your cat measured portions. Also, avoid free feeding your cat. Provide a high-quality diet, rich in proteins and low in carbs, to maintain muscle mass. Encourage physical activity by providing interactive toys. Moreover, climbing with cat trees or shelves. Monitor weight regularly by weighing your cat monthly. Also track changes in Body Condition Score (BCS). Neutered cats have slow metabolism, so adjust their diet accordingly. Obese Cats Life Expectancy Obesity can significantly reduce life expectancy in cats. On average, fat cats live 2-5 years shorter than cats with normal weight. Obesity affects life span by increasing the risk of diseases, reducing mobility, and weakening the immune system. However, if obesity is managed early, a cat can still live a full lifespan. How quickly can cats lose weight? Weight loss can be achieved by a combination of reduced calorie intake and increased consumption through exercise and play. But it is a long-term commitment, as a cat can take 3-6 months to achieve target weight. Is obesity in cats life threatening? Obesity in cats can cause death if not managed properly. Although it doesn’t cause immediate death, it significantly increases the risk of serious health issues that can shorten a cat’s lifespan. What to feed an overweight cat? Overweight cats should be given a vet-prescribed diet to reduce weight. Treats and snacks should be avoided. In addition, a multi-cat household should separate an obese cat. Provide wet feed to the cat over dry kibble because it has low calories and keeps the cat full. Moreover, fibre-rich foods (like pumpkin or prescription weight-loss diets) help with satiety. Conclusion Obesity in cats is a serious and very prevalent problem. As a cat owner, you should know how to manage this problem. If your cat is overweight, consult a pet health professional to create a safe and effective weight-loss plan. If you are planning to buy new cat than here is guide for you. Related: 7 most common cat diseases

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