“Oh, how cute!” “More to love” ? – most people have these words on their lips when they see a chubby kitty. Do you have them too? ?
No wonder, these cats looks really cute after all. However, obesity, just like for people, is simply unhealthy and dangerous. ?
Every conscious caregiver puts the health and safety of their pet above everything else, right? We know this perfectly. After all, we have two kitties at home. They are as important to us as any other family member.
Therefore, information such as this scares us:
? Scientific research confirms that up to 40% of domestic cats have a problem with being overweight. ?
Few, however, are aware of how serious its effects can be. Especially for older cats, i.e. those who are more than 6 years old.
Kitties with an excess of kilograms are exposed to:
? diabetes – more than 90% of obese cats suffer from it
? joint overload and its associated inflammation and degeneration
? urinary tract diseases
? skin problems (caused by the fact that an obese kitty is simply harder to wash thoroughly)
? Nervousness and increased susceptibility to stress
There is so much more to it! ? We do not want to scare you, but help you. That is why we will now move on to how to recognize an overweight cat. ?
? Ribs:
✅ In a cat with normal body weight, the ribs are clearly noticeable, covered with a small layer of fat. You should be able to count them easily.
❌ It’s hard to feel the ribs in a cat, there is no way to calculate them exactly.
? Tummy:
✅ The situation is perfect when the cat’s stomach looks drawn. There is a clear indentation under the rib line.
❌ If your pet has a rounded tummy, with a small fold – this is already a warning sign!
? Waist
✅ When you observe the cat from above do you see a clear waistline behind the ribs? Perfectly!
❌ If you do not see a clear indentation – the cat is overweight.
? Spine
✅ Whilst stroking a cat with the correct body weight, you can feel the spine. It is covered with a layer of fat so that it does not protrude visibly from under the skin.
❌ If you not only don’t see the spine, but also you can’t feel it in a sitting cat, then it is a sign that it is worth going to the vet.
Did you do these small tests and found that your puss has a little bit too much body? If so, go to the vet with them. ?⚕Together with your doctor you will choose the right weight loss plan.
If your cat has passed all 6 tests, well done! This means that you are a conscientious carer. ?
Keep it up and remember about proper diet and activity.
This is especially important for non-outgoing cats.
It is worth providing them with a space to play – jumping, climbing, hunting. But also of course to rest.
In the picture we present our suggestions for cat playgrounds. Fun and taking care of your cat’s shape all rolled into one. ?