Your cats may look all cute with a little added fluff, but they can’t tell you if this extra weight is already affecting their day-to-day activities. What many pet owners see as harmless excess fat accumulation can be real health risks in cats.
According to the Pet Food Industry Association Australia, 41% of dogs and 32% of cats in Australia are either overweight or obese. Obesity poses health and lifespan threats to pets. Here’s how to determine if your cat is overweight and how to turn this situation around.
Why is cat obesity a growing problem in Australia?
While it’s biologically untrue that cats have nine lives, this myth has persisted over the years due to their undeniable agility and ability to survive dangerous situations. Cats only have one life, but they are considered naturally fit creatures, as they are naturally flexible, precise, and fast.
Excess weight becomes a more serious issue in cats, because it affects their mobility due to added pressure on their joints. Obesity can also cause respiratory and immune system issues in cats, collectively reducing their lifespan.
Is my cat overweight?
In general, an overweight cat has no visible waist and a sagging belly, almost like a sausage-shaped body. This might look all cute and fluffy, but it could be a cause of concern.
💡If you can’t feel your cat’s ribs and you can feel a thick layer of fat, that usually means your cat is overweight.
Checking your cat’s Body Condition Score at home is a great tool to monitor your pet’s weight and overall health. The BCS is a tool used by veterinarians to determine the weight scale of your pets. You can use this to know if your cat is overweight – but check with your veterinarian if you are unsure.
What are common causes of weight gain in cats?
Weight gain in cats can be caused by overfeeding, lack of exercise, and various medical factors.
To avoid weight gain in cats, limit their calorie intake as much as possible. You can also limit their treats or just trade these for healthier snacks.
Neutered cats may have a lower metabolic rate and a higher tendency to gain weight, requiring adjustments in diet. Middle-aged cats (8–12 years old) are at higher risk as their metabolism slows down, requiring fewer calories than when they were younger.
It’s best for your cats to visit the vet to monitor their weight and evaluate if there are other underlying medical conditions.
Why does weight management matter in cats?
Obesity in cats can be a result of poor diet and an inactive lifestyle. That’s why, like other animals, your feline friends need a plan that can cater to their unique needs.
Consulting a vet ensures that your cat can still get the rest and nutrition it needs despite a new diet and lifestyle. Knowing their dietary requirements helps reduce the risks of major illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Without excess fats, they can easily move with ease, comfort, and freedom. Overall, better weight management could help improve your cat’s mobility and energy.
In the long run, having a healthy cat can save you from possible long-term vet costs.
How to build a healthy weight-loss plan
It can be easy to miss obesity in cats when the weight gain is gradual. This is where a vet-approved weight-loss plan comes in, helping your pet lose excess weight sustainably.
1. Nutrition First
You can feed your cats smaller meals, as long as their overall diet remains sufficient for their nutritional needs.
- Measure portions of meals – to avoid overfeeding, use available tools to measure meals following food guidelines applicable to your cat’s weight.
- Give healthy treats – replace high-calorie, processed rewards with healthier options, and offer them strategically to reinforce positive behavior with your cats.
- Choose the right cat food – your cat’s diet should be appropriate to their activity level, age, and other nutritional needs.
2. Safe, Sustainable Exercise
Safe and sustainable exercise for cats should be consistent, low-impact, and tailored to their specific breed, age, and health.
- Avoid high-intensity bursts of exercise – if your cat is overweight, they specifically need to start with slow activities, like daily walks and playtime, to avoid injuries
- Gradually increase activity level – build endurance without causing exhaustion through gradually increasing the duration and intensity of their activities
3. Work with your vet
Partnering with your trusted vet can help ensure a safe, effective, and sustainable weight management plan for your cat. They can share their expertise and recommendations depending on your cat’s unique needs.
4. Weekly Monitoring
At home, it is best to monitor your cat’s health weekly for consistent progress. However, if you’re trying to identify habits that contribute to weight loss or gain, daily weigh-ins are advised – it can be tricky to weigh cats, so chat to your veterinarian if you are unsure how to do this.
5. Setting a Healthy Weight Target
You can use the BCS in determining whether your cat is overweight, but you would need some help from your vet to set their ideal body weight. This target can be based on your cat’s age, body structure, and medical history.
6. Personalised Nutrition Guidance
Your vet can help interpret feeding guidelines, adjust meal portions if needed, and recommend the most fitting type and amount of food based on a professional assessment of your cat’s individual needs.
Tips for every cat-loving parent
Caring for your pets’ health can be just as complex as your own, and your support plays a vital role in their weight-loss journey.
Having a reliable pet insurance policy like Knose can make that journey feel far less daunting. We are a trusted cat insurance provider in Australia that provides simple and straightforward insurance and pet care plans, offering financial support when unexpected costs of caring for your pets arise.
With obesity rates in pets on the rise, choosing a pet insurance policy can not only help ease your stress, it’s also an investment in protecting your cat’s long-term health.
Disclaimer: Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) at knose.com.au. Distributor – Knose.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 70 680 822 986, AR 1311940), AFSL holder – ThePetInsuranceCompany.com.au Pty Ltd (ABN 38 620 795 735, AFSL 536651). Insurer – Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921). Any advice is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs.
