Obesity in cats: signs, methods of treatment

 



No matter how plump cats look in photographs and live, being overweight is not a cause for delight, but rather a cause for concern. Let's clarify right away what is overweight and obesityin cats. Obesity - when the normal weight of a cat, for example, 10 kilograms, and he weighs more than 12 (that is, more than 20% excess).

Obesity at first glance seems to be the least dangerous among diseases. However, veterinarians have the opposite opinion. Excessive excess weight provokes the following changes:

  • the animal's appetite changes,
  • he becomes lazy and inactive,
  • does not want to waste energy once again,
  • in general, the quality of life of the cat deteriorates

Why is the cat gaining weight?

The first and most important reason is that there is always a mountain of food in the animal's bowl, regardless of the recommended serving size of dry granules according to the age of the cat. Or, if this is a natural food, the owners constantly put something tasty in the bowl during the day. The cat may not want to eat, but when the food is in front of his eyes and there is nothing special to do or no one is at home, the animal will most likely take up lunch.

Cats can seem eternally hungry and get used to the fact that we react to plaintive eyes and generously give a double dose of goodies. But the eyes want, and the stomach is not always ready to digest too much dose. Even if it is the best food or an elite fish.

Such obesity in cats is dangerous, the consequences of which are manifested by diseases. They can be diagnosed by a timely visit to the veterinarian. Asthma, diabetes, diseases of the urinary system, hypertension, hepatopathy, heart failure.

Obesity is caused by one of these reasons, or two at once. In any case, if your friend no longer fits in your lap, and after you lift him, your back hurts, it is better to take him to the vet.



What is the danger of overeating and, as a result, obesity?

Diseases that go hand in hand with obesity are slowly but steadily weakening a cat's health. Excessive weight in a cat forces the heart to take on a double load, for which it is not ready. Insulin, which is produced by a healthy body, is responsible for regulating the amount of sugar in the blood. Diabetes reduces this ability, which can lead to serious and even death.

Fat cats move little, so their muscles do not receive a normal load. This leads to problems with mobility, spine and legs. Problems with the liver and urinary tract also cannot be left to chance.

What if the cat is already fat?

A visit to the veterinarian will allow you to exclude dangerous diseases as causes, or to start urgent treatment and prevent the problem at an early stage. The second item is the diet for cats. If the cat just ate a lot, diet becomes the first item.

You should not risk the health of the cat and make him starve in order to quickly lose the gained pounds. A sharp decrease in body weight will not give anything good, except for stress for the body and the nervous system. And health disorders can only get worse.

Safe ways to treat obesity are that it is better to reduce or change the food gradually so that the cat does not worry about what the punishment is for and why there is no longer as much food in the bowl as he used to. Losing weight slowly is a safe return to normal. You can check weighing every week to adjust the process.

How to prevent obesity in cats?

Cats, like humans, need abalanced diet and physical activity. How much to feed your pet is easy to calculate, because on each pack of feed the dose for the animal is prescribed, depending on age and health.

You can also conduct a preliminary diagnosis and determine the first signs of obesity at home: the cat's ribs should be felt if you run your palm over the chest on both sides. The belly should not hang. The waist is visible. If this is not the case, do not worry, together with the veterinarian you will select a low-calorie food for cats with obesity and help your friend lose weight comfortably and return to an active life. And although this will take more than one day, it is better longer and safer!

 

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