Overweight Cat Help

Is your cat lazy? Does your cat fill up more of its bed than it used to? Have you noticed your cat is constantly begging for food? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then you likely have a cat on the road to becoming overweight. Obesity is an epidemic in the human world and it is being mirrored in the animal kingdom. High fat treats, decreased activity and decreased stimulation to hunt has led to the development of fat cats.

How do I know if my cat is overweight?

A cat is considered to be overweight when they have developed fat pads over their spine and ribs and they lose their abdominal tuck – this is also known as being “over-conditioned”. We use body condition scoring as a way of identifying whether a cat is overweight – a score over 4.5 means they are too heavy.

How can I help my cat lose weight?

We at Seneca Animal Clinic are happy to have a conversation with you about how you can help your cat lose weight. Changes in your family pet’s routine including decreasing food, reducing or removing treats, and increasing prey drive will all help to make your pet a better weight. Your veterinarian may prescribe a special diet for your cat that will help it lose weight in a safe and healthy way.

What is offered during a nutritional consultation?

During a nutritional consultation, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam including body condition scoring and muscle condition scoring. You will discuss the foods and treats that your pet is given in a day and work together to formulate an appropriate feeding plan.