Something That Causes a lot of Pain and Disability in Cats
This is the second article in a series of "things you can do to extend the life of your cat". Check out this previous article to find out what is number 1 on the list.
When I go to the vet for my cats' yearly check-up, I am sad to see pets in ill-health waiting in line to get treatment or medication. What is particularly depressing is that the root cause of the vast majority of these health problems is easily preventable. What is it?
Obesity.
I see relatively young cats and dogs having difficulty moving because of their weight and often with their bellies dragging on the ground. They have diabetes. They have joint pain. They have heart disease. They have kidney disease. You name it. They have it. It is a tragedy that they will live a shortened and sometimes very expensive life burdened by disease and pain.
Favre is a big cat but not overweight. 17 years old and going strong.
There are decades of studies in humans and cats demonstrating a clear correlation between obesity and disease. Almost every age-related disease is accelerated by carrying around too much extra weight.
I know you have probably heard it before and might be rolling your eyes, but here are a few articles to drive the point home.
Does obesity accelerate aging?
It is hard to be healthy and be overweight.
Obesity and food choices for cats.
More health info about obesity in cats.
Heavy cats are almost 3 times more likely to die when they are in the 8 to 12 year-old range.
I know it is a touchy subject to write about but if you want your pet to be healthier, live a lot longer, to not be in pain, and not have to take medication, provide them a healthy diet that helps them maintain a leaner body. It is tough bit it is worth it. Take the advice of a local humane society I help support. This is a sign in their building.
Cat owners are somewhat fortunate that many cats do not overeat. Their dish can be kept full and they only eat what is necessary. However, this is not all cats. Many will eat until they can't move. So what can you do?
1. Only feed them the recommended amount of food.
2. Limit treats.
3. Use "diet" or weight-control food.
4. Distract or play with them.
Here is a great list of some other strategies. Using food “toys” to make your cat work for their food (and have a little fun) is a new option that has arrived upon the scene recently.
Number 4 on the list is the one I find the most effective. My cats can get annoying in-between mealtime. They would eat treats almost any time of day. They will beg, but not too obnoxiously. If I take some time (just a few minutes) to pet them, give them some attention, or play with them, they seem to forget about food for a while.
We feed our cats a small amount of food 3 times a day, approximately every 8 hours. We also give them a treat once in a while, but not every day. Don't think that you are starving or hurting your cat by not feeding them for several hours. Wild cats sometimes eat several small meals a day, or when they catch large prey, they might eat one day and then go a couple of days without eating. Like most animals, they have evolved to live with inconsistent amounts of food.
Thankfully we live in a time with increasingly better methods to help keep our cats lean and healthy. For those cats who need extra help, RejuveCat is developing treatments that will be able to reverse many of the problems caused by excessive eating. Stay tuned!
How often do you feed your cat or dog? What have you found is the best way to prevent obesity in your pet? Leave a comment below.