Is your cat getting a bit pudgy? If Fluffy is, well, not just fluffy, she’s certainly not alone. In fact, well over half of our feline friends are obese. Read on as a Holly Springs, MS vet talks about chubby cats.

Risks

We know, pudgy pets are cute. However, they also face some very serious health risks. Heart disease, diabetes, liver and kidney issues, respiratory problems, arthritis, reproductive issues, skin trouble, and even certain cancers are all more prevalent in overweight pets. Obese kitties are also at higher risk of having complications from surgery or anesthesia. Those extra pounds can even decrease Fluffy’s life expectancy. Spoil your feline buddy with catnip, toys, and attention, instead of with food.

Activity

Fluffy is a little bundle of mischief during kittenhood, but she slows down—sometimes way down—as she grows older. You probably won’t have much luck getting your furball to run laps around the kitchen. Instead, keep your cat active by playing with her every day. You’ll also want to get her some pieces of furniture that encourage her to climb and jump. Cat towers are ‘purrfect’ for this!

Food

A proper diet is crucial to your cat’s health. Portion control is very important here. Just overfeeding  your furball by ten calories a day can cause her to gain a pound a year. That’s a lot for a cat! Of course, some kitties have their humans wrapped around their paws. If Fluffy has you trained to fill her bowl every time she meows, you’ll be facing an uphill battle. Ask your vet for recommendations, including portion sizes and suitable treats. Let professional advice—not your pet’s adorable meows—guide you.

Veterinary Care

Although food and activity are the two biggest factors in determining Fluffy’s weight, they aren’t the only ones. Sometimes medical issues can cause pets to pack on pounds. Age can also be a factor. Just like people, kitties slow down as they age. If you aren’t sure why your pet is gaining weight, bring her in for an examination.

Putting Fluffy On A Diet

Do you have a furry little butterball on your hands? Consult your vet before changing Fluffy’s menu. Never put a cat on a crash diet. That can wreak havoc on their metabolism!

Please contact us, your Holly Springs, MS vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!