https://piggytube.piggy-server.org/videos/watch/cd6053a3-86e6-4a3f-ac5e-ec7e0377cea2 Around 61% of cats in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese (According to a 2022 Survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention). 28% of cat owners thought that their cat's body condition was "normal" when their vet classified it as overweight to obese, with "obese" meaning 30% above ideal weight. You might be thinking .. Well, my cat seems fine, It doesn't matter if she is a few extra pounds overweight, right? No, let me tell you why you should care: The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention states that "As little as two pounds above your cat’s ideal weight can put it at risk of developing some serious medical conditions" For example, a cat with obesity is at least three times more likely to develop diabetes than a cat at a healthy weight. Serious medical conditions that have been linked to obesity in cats are: Diabetes, Arthritis, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Respiratory disease, Kidney disease, Cancer, and a lot more. A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that overweight cats typically live a shorter life than normal-weight cats, with a lower quality of life. Obese cats are less likely to interact with their families and engage in playful activities, which can lead to anxiety or depression. As a responsible cat owner, you must take your cat's physical and mental health very seriously. Obesity can significantly shorten your feline's life and have a serious negative impact on their well-being. So, How can you tell if your cat is overweight? There is a test you can do right now to get an idea about your cat's weight situation. However, it's important to note that it's not easy to tell if your cat is overweight on your own. Factors like your cat's specific breed, age, and fur length can make it very tricky for an inexperienced person to tell. Here's what you're going to do: Bring your cat and Look at her from above, A healthy cat should have a waistline that is visible when viewed from above. If your cat's sides are bulging, they are likely overweight. On the other hand, if their waistline is very obvious, they are likely underweight. In addition to the visual assessment, Your cat's ribs, spine, and hip bones should be easily felt without being clearly visible. You should be able to feel your cat's ribs without having to press too hard. If you can't feel their ribs, they are likely overweight. If you can see their ribs easily, they are likely underweight. Even with that test, it's not recommended to trust your own assessment. The best way to determine if your cat needs to lose weight is to ask your vet. And if you're wondering why your vet didn't tell you that your cat was overweight when you last visited? Well, there's a reason for that. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, around half of vets don't discuss a cat's ideal or healthy weight with cat owners who come to visit for routine check-ups. Why? Some vets note that pet owners will often be embarrassed or even angry if told their pet has obesity or needs to lose weight. Now, if you're suspecting that your cat is overweight, what's the next step? The best thing to do is take your cat to the vet for a customized plan to help them lose weight safely. Don't try to take any strict measures on your own, like limiting their food or switching their diet too quickly. These sudden changes can lead to serious health problems. One of the many things a vet can do that you can't is rule out potential underlying medical causes for obesity before beginning any weight loss program. With that said, there are some general tips that will benefit all cats reach and maintain a healthy weight. But again, these tips are not a substitute for a vet visit. #1. Avoid free-feeding. Free-feeding means leaving food out for your cat all day long. This can lead to overeating and weight gain. Instead, establish a regular feeding schedule. Aim to feed your cat two or three times a day at the same times each day. Please note that kittens need more meals per day, around 3 to 4 meals or more depending on portion size and the kitten's age and weight. We can't give generalized advice, so please consult with your vet for your cat's or kitten's diet. #2. Exercise your cat: Cats need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Try to play with your cat twice a day for a period of 15 minutes each. Use toys that make your cat run and move around more, like feather toys, cat-specific laser pointers, balls, or any toy your cat finds interesting to chase and play with. Just make sure not to use very small items that can be a choking hazard. #3. Limit treats: Treats can be high in calories, so it's important to limit them. You can give your cat small treats as rewards for good behavior, but don't make them a regular part of their diet. #4. Give them something to climb: Buy a cat tree to give your cat some climbing activity to do throughout the day. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:48:01 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://piggytube.piggy-server.org https://piggytube.piggy-server.org/lazy-static/avatars/92ad7bdd-6440-4318-8535-27765d598515.png https://piggytube.piggy-server.org/videos/watch/cd6053a3-86e6-4a3f-ac5e-ec7e0377cea2 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://piggytube.piggy-server.org/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.