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Obesity is a common problem in cats. Identifying the cause and following a total weight management program (which includes evaluating your cat and modifying her behaviors) can help with weight control and maintenance.
Obesity
DEFINITION OF OBESITY
Obesity is an increase in body weight beyond skeletal and physical capability resulting from excess body fat.
CAUSE OF OBESITY
Obesity happens when the calories a cat takes in exceeds how much she uses. This simply means that a cat eats more energy (calories) than she uses and stores the excess energy.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OBESITY
- Overfeeding
- Inactivity
- Breed
- Age
- Sex
- Spay/neuter status
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperadrenocorticism
- Hypothyroidism
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Important Nutrients
FAT AND CARBOHYDRATES
Cats use fat as their primary energy source. An overweight cat stores fat more easily if the calories are consumed as fat rather than carbohydrates. Such a cat should be fed a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet to restrict calories.
FIBER AND FATTY ACIDS
A normal fiber level, provided in a moderately-fermentable fiber source, helps create and maintain a healthy gut. This is especially important to weight reduction. Some weight-loss products for cats dilute calories with high levels of fiber. High-fiber foods may reduce the digestibility and absorption of many nutrients, including fat. They reduce weight by basically providing poor-quality nutrition and can result in large, frequent stools and suboptimal skin and coat condition. Diets that provide an optimal balance of fatty acids help maintain your cat's skin and coat despite lowered fat levels.
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Gradual Weight Loss
The goal of a good weight management program should be gradual weight loss. This is especially important in cats. Severe nutrient restriction can result in hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). This is one reason why you should involve your cat’s veterinarian in the weight loss effort.
Per week, cats should lose 1% to 1.5% of their initial weight. A good way to begin a weight-loss program in cats is to reduce caloric intake by 30% of their personal maintenance intake, then decrease intake by 10% increments every 2 – 3 weeks until a 1% weight loss per week is achieved. Your veterinarian can help you figure out how much to feed your cat to lose weight, or follow the weight loss recommendations on the package. Cats who do not respond quickly should see their veterinarian for a special weight-loss program.
A total weight management program can lead to successful weight reduction in an obese cat. A complete evaluation by your cat’s veterinarian is always recommended. Remember, your help is essential to your cat’s success.
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