As a loving cat owner, you want nothing more than a long, happy, and healthy life for your feline. Keeping your kitty trim and fit—a vitally important facet of comprehensive pet care—will safeguard their well-being. Find out more about obesity in cats below.

Why Does a Cat’s Weight Matter?

If they’re obese, cats can endure harmful consequences, including diabetes, heart disease, joint degeneration, and cancer. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), excess weight can reduce an animal's life expectancy by more than two years. 

Cats are more likely to struggle with weight management after they've reached two years of age. Growing kittens use up more energy, even when passive. They also tend to be more active than full-grown cats.

What to Do If Your Cat Is Obese

Vets don’t deem cats to be overweight based only on the numbers on the scale. Muscle mass and overall body size make a difference. The AVMA publishes a healthy body composition chart with images of cat body types, ranging from very thin to obese.

Check with a pet care professional to determine if your cat needs to lose weight, and have their weight monitored with regular checkups. Most veterinary clinics use a numbered scale from 1 to 5 to assess a cat's weight, with 3 being normal.

Cats gain weight when they consume more calories than they use up. Shedding extra pounds requires changes in diet and exercise. Get your cat moving by playing with them every day, and give them plenty of toys to stimulate engagement and activity. Also, talk to your veterinarian about a diet cat food to help your pet shed weight.

If you're worried about your cat's weight, pay a visit to Pearson Animal Clinic in Russellville, AR. This full-service pet hospital has been serving the area for over 50 years, providing everything from digital X-rays to in-house blood testing, neutering, and spaying at their state-of-the-art facility. Their caring staff provides each pet with top-quality personalized care. To view a list of their services online. For a pet care appointment, call (479) 968-3535.