Has your feline buddy been getting a bit chunky lately? If so, Fluffy is in good company. Well over half of our furry friends are obese. We know, chubby cats are adorable. Cats are also very, very good at training us to feed them on demand. However, those extra pounds are very bad for your pet’s health. A Carmel Valley, CA vet discusses kitty obesity in this article.
Food
Unsurprisingly, Fluffy’s diet plays a huge role in her overall weight. It’s very easy to overfeed a cat … especially when she keeps meowing for you to fill her bowl … again. Pay close attention to your feline friend’s portion sizes. Even giving your kitty a few calories too many each day can cause her to pack on pounds. It’s also worth noting that some lower-quality cat foods are high in fillers, like carbs, that can contribute to weight gain. Ask your vet for advice, including tips on portion control and choosing a good brand.
Exercise
Just like with people, your furry pal’s activity level will also come into play here. Kitties tend to be very active when they’re little, but they slow down–way down–as they age. Keep Fluffy active by playing with her regularly. It will also help to give her things to climb and explore, like cat towers, newspaper tunnels, and bags. You can even get Fluffy a kitty exercise wheel to run on. (Your pet may decide to nap on it instead, but that’s just purr for the course.) Making your home fun and exciting for your cat will also help prevent boredom snacking.
Treats
Some kitties get very, very excited over treats. It’s fine to give Fluffy snacks, but don’t go overboard. One or two a day is plenty. And meow, a word about catnip – while it’s not a treat per se, it can be a fun way to encourage your cat to play and exercise.
Slimming Your Pet Down
Do you have a furry little butterball on your hands? Take Fluffy to the vet for a thorough exam. You’ll need to make sure that there isn’t an underlying health issue causing the weight gain. You’ll also want to get some specific advice on trimming your pet down safely. Never put your feline pal on a crash diet. This is very bad for cats’ metabolism, and could make your little buddy very sick! Our veterinary services include comprehensive exams and nutritional counseling to help keep your cat healthy and at a proper weight.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if ever we can be of assistance. We are your Carmel Valley, CA veterinary clinic and we are always here to assist you with your pet’s needs.
