Obesity in Cats and Health Issues
Obesity in cats leads to a number of illnesses, some of which are severe. Overweight cats are more exposed to diabetes and liver and kidney disease. In addition, obese cats can develop a heart condition, due to increased heart activity, and this leads to a shorter and poorer quality of life.
Due to the additional weight, obese cats have higher incidences of arthritis, which is a painful condition.
Cats with extra weight can develop skin diseases and dermatitis because they are not able to groom properly. Grooming is important for a cat as he cleans himself and spreads the essential oils on his coat and skin, keeping it clean, shiny and healthy.
Overweight cats have less energy and are less playful.
Wet Food
In a weight loss program you should opt for wet food. Dry food has more calories, flour and sugar than canned wet food; flour and sugar in high amounts are not recommended during a diet.
In addition, wet food contains a high percentage of water, which makes the cat feel full with a lower calorie intake.
Protein Based Diet
Cats are carnivores and they should consume meats and meals that are rich in protein and fat. A cat should get at least 30% of protein in his diet and at least 18% fat.
Cats don't need carbohydrates as too many carbs may lead to diabetes.
Antioxidants such as selenium or vitamin E are helpful in a weight loss program.
Don't forget the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids; these are recommended for a healthy weight loss and will also benefit the cat's coat and skin.
Light Cat Food Formula
You will be able to find a "light" version of cat food in almost all pet stores. These contain less calories and help in your cat's weight loss.
You may also try to prepare low-calorie homemade food for you cat, but make sure you talk to a vet first, so that you include all the needed nutrients.
Free Choice Feeding Leads to Obesity
Free choice feeding means leaving food out at all times; your cat will eat when he wants food. However, this method may easily lead to obesity. So, free choice feeding is not recommended in a diet or if you want to prevent additional weight gain.
Don't leave food out for your cat; this way your cat won't be tempted to have a snack when seeing the food. However, don't forget to leave a fresh water bowl, as this is calorie-free.
An obese cat is not a healthy cat; dieting combined with exercise can reduce your cat's fat deposits. Radical diets are not healthy, so stay away from those. Make sure to include some exercise in your cat's daily program; a cat won't jog with you, but you may find a lot of interactive activities that your pet enjoys.