Are fat cats healthy?

Fat cats are undeniably adorable, but they can sadly experience a lot of health problems related to being overweight.

Let’s face it, fat cats are cute. I must admit, my own cat Theo (quite appropriately named after the chipmunk) is a chunky fella himself. Who can resist the tantalizing lure of a tubby kitty – there’s just more of them to love!

(picture: my cat, Theo)

Despite my, and many others, abundant love for them, the truth is fat cats aren’t the healthiest. Feline obesity is associated with various health issues and concerning symptoms, none of which any cat owner would wish upon their gorgeous pet (I certainly wouldn’t!)

So, without further ado, let’s get into some health issues faced by fat cats!

Health issues for fat cats

Like i said before, fat cats can experience a wide array of health issues. These include (but are not limited to) urinary bladder stones, diabetes and even a few kinds of cancer! I don’t know about you, but when i found this out i was horrified!

A cat is considered overweight when it weighs in at 10-20% more than its ideal body weight. For reference, the ideal weight for your average domestic cat is about 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). Now of course, that number varies from breed to breed. For example, Maine coons are a gigantic breed that weighs on average about 20 pounds (9 kilograms). On the other hand Singapuras are the lightest breed, weighing in at a mere 5 pounds (2.25 kilograms).

You can do a simple test on your own cat to check whether they’re overweight or not. If you feel around their shoulder blades and are unable to feel their ribs, they are likely overweight. If you find that they are then don’t feel bad; we’re both guilty of having fat cats!

How can my cat lose weight?

Before i begin, let me preface this by saying that you should first consult your vet. If you ever have any health concerns regarding you pets then please seek advice from a trained veterinarian. The following information is merely guidance on what a vet may recommend; but each cat is different and may require different treatment. Anyway now that we’ve gone through that; let’s get on with it!

One common method is a diet of calorie-restricted foods. Foods that are low-carbohydrate and low-fat as well as high protein and insoluble fiber are ideal for feeling full while staying a healthy weight. Another diet related method is to switch to wet foods as opposed to dry foods (or even use a mixture) to ensure a great range of nutrients in your fat cats diet.

Ensuring your cat gets a good amount of exercise is another great way to promote a healthy feline lifestyle. It may also be useful to use several smaller meals as oppose to only a couple larger ones.

You may also want to buy puzzle bowls or feeders that only allow a cat to eat a small amount at a time. This ensures that they are not over feeding or binge eating. As a result, they are less likely to gain unhealthy levels of excess weight.