When you see a well- fed cat, you tend to think, " That cat certainly doesn't look like it's lacking love! " After all, eating well can be a sign of good health.
But be careful: with cats ( as with humans ), there's a difference between eating well and overeating. And by the same token, there's a difference between a healthy cat and an obese cat.
In France, many cats are overweight or obese. While this can be due to diseases such as hyperthyroidism or hypersomatotropism , in most cases it is simply due to poor diet and lack of physical exercise.
So, how can you tell if your cat is obese? And if so, how should you react? We'll explain everything you need to know.
Is my cat obese: how can I tell?
You don't need to go to a vet to know if your cat is obese. You can observe it yourself: you just need to know where to look and what to compare !
1 – What is his ideal weight?
The first thing to do to find out if your cat is obese is to weigh it. You can use a scale for this, or simply hold it in your arms to get an estimate.
Of course, a cat's ideal weight varies depending on its breed , age , and build . Generally speaking, a medium-sized cat should weigh between 3 and 6 kg.
For a large breed cat ( like a Maine Coon ), the ideal weight is generally between 6 and 10 kg. It's not an exact science, but if your cat is 10 to 20% overweight , it can be considered overweight.
If you are not convinced by the weight issue, you can also observe your pet's silhouette.
2 – Observe its silhouette from above, then from the side
To determine if your cat is overweight, start by observing its silhouette from above.
Normally, you should see that its waist is defined . Not too much, of course. But the shape of its waist should be visible when you look at it from above. If your cat's waist is wider than its hips , it probably means it's overweight.
Next, look at your cat from the side. If your cat is of normal weight, you should be able to see what is called the abdominal fold . This is the small area located just behind the sides: it should have a diameter smaller than that of your cat's chest.
If you have difficulty seeing your cat's abdominal fold, it may mean that he is overweight.
😸 BFPetfood's tip:
When you look at your cat from the side, you'll probably see its little belly hanging down. Know that in most cases, this is normal: this area is called the panniculus adipose , and is not necessarily an indication of being overweight.
If you have any doubt, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice on whether your cat is obese!
3 – Feel its sides
Once you've observed your cat's silhouette, take the time to feel its ribs along its flanks. Normally, you should be able to feel its ribs, hips, withers , and spine without needing to press, simply by stroking it (even if your cat has thick fur !).
If you need to press, it may mean that your cat has too high a concentration of fat in these strategic areas.
Furthermore, by running your hands over his body, you can feel if a layer of fat covers his ribs, which indicates that he is probably overweight.
😸 BFPetfood's tip:
Remember that some cat breeds are rounder than others: before embarking on a drastic diet , always ask your veterinarian for advice! These criteria, although common, do not necessarily apply to all cats.
4 – Analyze his eating habits
Besides the physical aspect, the way your cat eats can also be very revealing of its relationship with food.
A cat that eats excessively , gorging itself and spending most of its time sleeping or lounging is at increased risk of weight gain. Eating without stopping can be a symptom of a problem with its relationship to food. If this is the case with your cat, you can ask your veterinarian for advice or invest in a LickMat : this small, playful mat forces your cat to search for its kibble before eating it. It's a great way to encourage your cat to slow down while eating !
What are the risks of obesity in cats?
Obesity in cats is not just an aesthetic problem: it poses serious health risks.
Being overweight puts extra pressure on the joints , which can lead to pain, even arthritis , and limit your pet's mobility.
Furthermore, excess weight disrupts metabolism and can lead to insulin resistance, thus increasing the risk of feline diabetes .
To go even further, a cat's obesity can put a severe strain on its heart, forcing it to work harder to ensure efficient blood circulation, and thus promoting hypertension and heart disease.
Finally, as you might expect, digestive problems are also common in cases of obesity. Excess fat can cause constipation or even liver complications. To put it bluntly, in the long run, obesity can reduce your cat's lifespan and deteriorate its quality of life.
So if your cat is obese, don't wait to take action!
😸 BFPetfood's tip:
To know if your cat is healthy, pay attention to its cues! Our pets often tell us how they're feeling. You simply need to learn to recognize and understand your cat's meows to make the right choices.
What to do if your cat is overweight?
If you notice that your cat is obese or overweight , you can start by making an appointment with your veterinarian to get their opinion and receive appropriate advice.
Apart from your vet's advice , you can take several steps.
Adjust his diet
The first thing to do is to adjust your cat's diet. Indeed, weight problems often stem from what felines eat.
Start by investing in low-fat kibble, for example , kibble made for neutered cats . Often less rich , it prevents excessive fat storage in neutered or spayed cats , who are often less active than unneutered cats.
Controlling portions is also essential: you must precisely measure the amount of food you give him/her, and divide meals into several small portions throughout the day to avoid overconsumption.
Therefore, it is preferable to divide meals into small, regular portions, rather than putting in a lot of kibble at once, at the risk of your cat devouring it.
As you might expect, it is also advisable to limit high-calorie treats and opt for healthier alternatives, such as small pieces of lean meat or treats designed for cats on a diet.
😸 BFPetfood's tip:
To help regulate your cat's weight, improve their digestion! Cats need a little bit of greenery to feel good. If you live in an apartment, offer them natural herbs : it's good for regulating their bowel movements.
Increase his physical activity
Beyond diet, also consider your cat's physical activity. If it's overweight, it might be because it's not getting enough exercise.
If you have a garden, encourage him to go outside more. For example, you can buy outdoor games and take him out to stimulate him.
In an apartment, invest in a fishing rod to help him reconnect with his hunting instincts. Play with him for about 15 minutes, twice a day, to get him moving again. You'll see that he quickly picks up the habit: the more he plays, the more he'll want to play!
You can also set up an obstacle course in your home by placing boxes , tunnels or platforms that will allow him to climb and explore his environment.
Follow its progress
Finally, just like with humans, weight loss doesn't happen in a week. It's about changing your cat's habits ( and yours) over time . So monitor their progress , adjusting their diet and trying different games to see which ones they enjoy most.
It is always better to make small, lasting changes, rather than drastic, temporary modifications.
Mistakes to avoid when trying to help your cat lose weight
Even with the best intentions, it's easy to make certain mistakes that could slow down your cat's weight loss.
One of the most common pitfalls, as we just mentioned, is to implement overly drastic regimes.
A sudden and drastic change in diet can be dangerous for your cat. Its nutritional needs may no longer be met, and this feeling of deprivation can encourage it to overeat when you offer it food .
Similarly, you shouldn't fall into the trap of completely depriving your cat of treats. While they should be limited, eliminating them entirely can negatively impact your cat's mood and make the diet difficult to maintain. It's better to opt for healthy alternatives in moderate quantities!
Finally, don't neglect the emotional aspect of food. Just like in humans, being overweight can be linked to anxious behaviors or stress that leads the cat to seek refuge in food.
Give him time, attention and playtime to help him feel loved and safe: this will greatly facilitate his transition to a healthier life .
Obesity in cats: get back into good habits!
Obesity in cats is a real problem that can be dangerous for them. If your cat is overweight, ask yourself the right questions: what aspects of your behavior are not recommended for your cat to maintain a healthy weight?
Or, to put it another way: what could you do better to encourage your cat to be more active?
As the owner, you know your cat and its needs best. Pay attention to it and get back into good habits to keep it healthy !
