I love big cats; they can be the softest cuddle buddies out there. But under all that fur, there’s a potential problem. Cat obesity is an issue and it’s usually hard to see in really fluffy breeds. If it remains unchecked, it can potentially be a bigger problem.
When cats are obese they are at risk of getting diabetes, or liver or heart disease. Most of them are also lethargic and may find it difficult to exercise. This means the best way to handle obesity is through prevention.
HOW TO PREVENT MY CAT FROM BEING OBESE
Preventing obesity is a lot like how we prevent ourselves from being obese. It involves being mindful of what they eat, how much, and how often. This includes everything they consume in a day: meals, treats, and sometimes the snacks we give them when they demand food or act really cute so we give in to them.
Monitor their food intake
Some cats are able to monitor their food intake on their own and would leave their bowl when they’re full. But, they can also eat due to boredom or just because they want to. The easiest way to monitor is to measure the food that you put in their bowls based on the recommended weight of food is according to their age and size. The breed can also be a factor because of the difference in the size of the larger breeds to the smaller ones. Adult Maine coon cats can weigh 12 kgs and small Persians can weigh around 3 to 4 kgs.
If you’re unsure about how much they should eat and how often, you can always consult a veterinarian and monitor their eating habits. Monitoring the food in their bowls ensures that the cat doesn’t overeat. This also guarantees that they only ingest what they can digest during the period until they eat again. From time to time, you can still give snacks and treats, but don’t do it regularly, and make sure to deduct the calories from the food you’ll give them during mealtime.
Regular exercise and catifying the home
Cats are hunters and are really active during the few hours that they’re awake. Due to this, they require regular exercise. Although it’s not common to take cats out for a walk, there are some who are comfortable with a leash. This isn’t advisable for long-haired breeds though as dust and dirt will stick to their skin and they might ingest them when they groom themselves.
A more common alternative is through play. Cats don’t really require a large space to live in but enough space to run around in. Having enough space and furniture for them to jump around on, hide in, and explore would be the best. This encourages them to play and move around the space on their own even when they don’t get to exercise outside.
Toys will also encourage exercise a lot more because they love playing. Using teasers and lasers simulate how they would hunt for prey and really get them moving. It’s important to be consistent with this. Even if they aren’t very receptive to your invitations to play, just entice them and keep trying to get them to play. If they haven’t played in a long time, it’s important to be patient with the process and celebrate the small wins. Surely, not all cats will jump at any toy right away. Don’t give up!
