Understanding Your Cat's Weight Management
You might have been surprised to be told your cat is overweight but around one third of adult cats are overweight. Just like in humans, an increased bodyweight can reduce lifespan and increase the risk of serious diseases such as diabetes and urinary conditions.
Be reassured that you can help your cat reach and maintain an ideal bodyweight by following an effective diet and increasing the amount of exercise.
How Can I Tell If My Cat is Overweight
You should be able to feel your cat's ribs, see an obvious waistline when looking from above and the tummy should be tucked up when viewed from the side. Weight gain is often gradual and subtle but your cat's weight can be checked every time you visit the vet. Your practise can also show you how to monitor your cat's body condition score – ideally this should be four or five on a nine-point scale.
Why is My Cat Overweight
Some of the risk factors for obesity include overfeeding and overeating, lack of exercise or being confined indoors, being neutered and being middle-aged.
Diet is Important
Weight management diets such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline OM St/Ox Obesity Management are formulated to ensure your cat gets all the nutrients they need and help your cat to feel full whilst reducing their calorie intake. Feline OM St/Ox Obesity Management is highly palatable with high protein levels and added fibre to promote effective weight loss whilst maintaining satiety.
The aim is for your cat to lose weight gradually (around 1 per cent bodyweight per week) as this is safer for your cat and more likely to result in long-lasting weight loss. Your vet will advise on a suitable weight loss regime for your cat.
Once your cat has reached their target weight, you can continue to feed Feline OM St/Ox Obesity Management (according to Maintenance feeding guidelines) to help keep the weight off or switch to a weight control maintenance diet such as Purina Pro Plan Light.