obesity is the most common health problem for cats. A cat is considered obese if they weigh 20% more than the optimal weight and if the extra weight is the result of an accumulation of fat. When a cat is anywhere from 1 to 19 % heavier than the ideal body weight, then it is considered overweight and not obese. In order for a cat, good health and a long and happy life, the cat must maintain a healthy weight.

Determine whether a cat is overweight or obese

There are no magic weight that applies to all cats. The breed, general size and age of the cat all have a role in how much they should weigh. To determine the optimal weight of a particular cat, it is best to a veterinarian to consult. But usually, a cat whose ribs are difficult to feel because they are covered with a layer of fat is overweight or obese, depending on how thick the layer of fat is.

A cat is also known as obese if they have a moderate or thick fat layer, all of their bony areas. Some obese cats a bulge under the abdomen, sometimes known as "Rock". "If the cat is not noticeable when the waist and back appears broad when it is from above, the cat is obese.

How obesity affects

If a cat is either overweight or obese, there is a risk of developing a variety of health disorders such as aggravation of osteoarthritis, decreased endurance, diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis - the fat deposited in the liver, joint stress, lower urinary tract disease, and non-allergic skin diseases.

An overweight or obese cat could also respiratory problems, a decrease in immune function, and also the difficulty of birth.

Before determining words for overweight

Some cats are more often overweight or obese than others. Normally, but cats are like humans. If a cat eats more calories than it uses, it is by weight. The surplus energy it gains from the calories as fat is stored.

Purebred cats, but less likely obese than mixed breeds. In addition, cats, neutered have a tendency to gain weight more easily than those who do not, probably due in part to the fact that non-neutered cats have the tendency to roam in search of a mate. In addition, the metabolic rate of a neutered cat decreases by about 20%. Therefore, a neutered cat needs less food to maintain its ideal body weight.

Cats under two years are less likely to be overweight or obese than cats, aged two to ten. This is because cats between those ages, require less energy. On the other hand, geriatric cats that are older than ten, have a tendency to be underweight. In addition, certain medications can have a cat more weight, because some medications will cause an increase in appetite and other drugs to a decrease in metabolism. Some medications, which tend to weight gain in cats are cortisosteroids, cyperoheptidine and amytripyline.

Treatment of obesity in the CAT

It is not healthy for the overweight or obese cat to lose weight too quickly. In fact, rapid weight loss a cat increases the likelihood of developing hepatic lipidosis, which is a serious liver disease that causes fat to be deposited in the liver. Instead, a cat is overweight or obese should lose weight steadily and gradually. In fact, it may take up to one year for an extremely overweight cat on its ideal body weight in a healthy manner.

If you try, your cat lose weight, it is best, a veterinarian who can help you plan a healthy diet. The veterinarian makes sure that your cat is still enough protein. Since cats are carnivores, it could be fatal to your cat out of meat cutting. You need a lot of protein and carbohydrates are not very many. If you feed your cat the same food, your cat will be able to lose weight without lean muscle mass.

To be overweight or obese cat lose weight, he should also be encouraged to move a lot. This is especially true for older cats with slower metabolism, neutered cats, indoor cats with restricted activity, and cats on medication, the weight. Pet owners can exercise by playing with the cat frequently. For more direct perception, a cat can use to buy in order to walk the cat around the house or stairs to the top and bottom. Feeding bowls can also be used in areas that are more on foot and, of course, reduced to eating the parts of an overweight cat receives.

Weight Maintenance

To your cat healthy and in an ideal weight, you can purchase special "light" or low-calorie foods. The food will still taste good, and keep your cat happy, but also help lower weight, since it specifically for cats, the metabolism is slower or less active.

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