Blog

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder we see in cats in Australia with up to 35% of our feline population being overweight or obese. Just like in humans, obesity is associated with a number of increased health risks and has been proven to shorten life expectancy.

Normal body weight

So what is a normal body weight for your cat? At Perth Cat Hospital we give every patient a body condition score as part of their physical examination. This is an internationally standardised measure to gauge whether your kitty is the correct body weight. You can do this yourself at home with the following chart.

Diseases associated with obesity in cats

• Disorders which have an increased risk in obese cats
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Lower urinary tract disease (e.g. feline interstitial cystitis)
  • Joint disease and exacerbation of arthritis
  • Skin disease such as inflammation between skin folds, difficulty grooming etc.
  • Hepatic lipidosis
  • Lethargy and weakness
• Possible complications seen with obese cats
  • Increased risk under general anaesthetic
  • Decreased immune system function
  • Breathing problems

Simulate normal feeding behaviour

Cats in the wild typically eat 10 to 20 small meals throughout the day and night, with hours of foraging time each day.  By simulating this natural feeding behaviour we ensure our cats receive exercise and prevent behavioural problems associated with lack of problem solving activity. This can contribute immensely to preventing obesity. Ways to mimic hunting behaviour in the home environment include:

• Provide cats with puzzle feeders, interactive toys and food balls that dispense food as the cat rolls it around. We stock a number of these for purchase.
• Make homemade puzzle feeders by cutting holes into a cardboard box or a 2 litre plastic jug so that the cat paws the food out. An empty egg carton can also be used.
• Hide food around the house in different places, in and around objects for them to “hunt”.
• Toss kibbles and let your cat chase after the food, as they would chase prey.
• If you are unable to do multiple feedings each day, feed a minimum of twice daily and try to hide food in creative hiding places.
• Ensure to allocate time every day to encourage playing and interacting with your cat. Toys like “Da Bird” can stimulate hunting drive and provide your cat with excellent exercise.
• For indoor housed cats, invest in a cat enclosure so your kitty can go outdoors safely without access to outside dangers, cats and wildlife. Companies in Perth that can build these include Catmax, Catruns Perth, Kitty Kingdom and Secure-a-Kat. Alternatively you can train your cat to walk on a harness.

Ask one of our veterinary nurses or vets for advice on the type and amount of food to feed your cat. The recommended feeding quantities on pet food containers are often overestimated.

We stock a number of prescription diets suitable for management of obesity in cats including Royal Canin Obesity Management. It is important that your cat is examined by one of our vets before changing the diet to screen for underlying illnesses.

If treats are used to train or reward behaviour, make sure that the calorie content is part of the total measured daily ration. It’s best to use a portion of the regular diet for treats, if extra titbits are used then limit the amount to less than 10% of the total diet. Involve all members of the family so that duplication of rewards does not occur.

If your cat begs, feed the largest meal when you will be present to prevent begging. If your cat wakes you at night to be fed, feed the largest meal prior to bedtime.

Seek veterinary attention if your cat has not eaten in 24 hrs or more. Overweight cats are at increased risk of hepatic lipidosis if they do not eat for more than 24 hours.