Table of Contents
How long can an obese cat live?
While a fat cat may look cute and cuddly, the results of feline obesity can be drastic. Statistics show that an obese cat will have an average life expectancy of 5 to 10 years. This is because obesity puts a cat at risk of developing heart and respiratory problems, as well as diabetes.
Does obesity shorten a cat’s life?
What are the risks with obesity? Obesity shortens a cat’s life and makes them more likely to develop disease. Even being moderately overweight reduces a cat’s life expectancy. In cats, a 2.8-fold increase in mortality has been shown in obese cats (8-12 years old) compared to lean cats.
Is 18 pounds too heavy for a cat?
Ideal Weight for Cats Most domestic cats should weigh about 10 pounds, though that can vary by breed and frame. A Siamese cat may weigh as few as 5 pounds, while a Maine Coon can be 25 pounds and healthy.
What weight is morbidly obese for a cat?
Any cat that has a score above 6.5 or 7 would be classified as overweight, and a score of 8 or above would mean that the animal is severely overweight or obese.
How do you treat an obese cat?
Cutting down on snacks and/or treats is the first step to reducing energy intake. When your cat begs, you should respond by petting, exercising or playing. If you do feed treats, be sure to use them sparingly. When treats are used, reduce your cat’s regular meals to compensate for the extra calories.
How can I help my obese cat?
How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight
- Visit the Veterinarian.
- Reduce the Amount You Feed Your Cat.
- Start Your Cat on a Weight-management Diet.
- Change Your Cat’s Diet Gradually.
- Encourage Your Cat to Play.
- Practice Patience.
Are overweight cats bad?
Fat cats are cute and adorable. The truth is, it’s also dangerously unhealthy for your cat to be overweight. Fat cats are much more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and more. Your fat cat will absolutely have a shorter lifespan than a healthy weight cat.
Why is my cat obese?
Pets become overweight when they consume more calories than they use. These excess calories are stored in the body as fat. The number of fat cells a cat has is determined when he/she is a kitten. Each individual cell can become larger or smaller, depending upon the amount of fat that is stored within the cell.
Why is my cat morbidly obese?
These include early-onset obesity, old age, overweight owners, a sedentary lifestyle (especially common for indoor cats), competition for food and a free-fed diet (as opposed to meal-fed). Females are typically more prone to obesity than males and genetics can also be a factor.
Is it possible for a cat to be obese?
Obesity in cats is an increasing issue, just as it is in the human population. It can have serious, lifelong impacts on a cat, affecting their health, quality of life and bodily functions. Are some cats predisposed to obesity? There are certain factors which may make your cat more likely to struggle with weight gain and obesity:
How do I know if my cat is overweight?
Body weight is easy to measure when assessing if a cat is overweight or obese – easier than trying to measure body fat. Using body weight as a guide, cats are considered to be overweight when they weigh 10-20% above their ideal body weight. They’re considered obese when they weigh 20% or more above their ideal body weight.
How do you get an obese cat to eat less food?
Cats may have lost their need to hunt for food, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring it back. Take your obese cat’s food, and divide it up into a few portions. Then, hide it in various places around the house. Don’t make it too difficult for them to start with, but continue to challenge them to find it. 8
What is the didiagnosis for obesity in cats?
Diagnosis. If your cat is diagnosed with obesity, it will be because it has an excess of body weight measuring approximately 10 to 15 percent. In the nine-point scoring system, cats which have a body condition score greater than seven are considered to be obese.