Obese or Overweight Cat: Is It Normal?

Feline obesity is a growing problem that affects a large number of domestic cats. This issue not only reduces our pets’ quality of life, but can also lead to serious health complications such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and osteoarthritis due to joint overload. Today, a proper diet is essential to help your cat lose weight in a healthy way. Discover everything about this silent disease in today’s blog.

How can you tell if a cat is obese?

Obesity is the most common form of malnutrition among pets. It is estimated that between 25% and 30% of cats suffer from obesity. A cat is considered obese when its weight exceeds its ideal weight by 20% due to excessive fat accumulation. For example, a “normal” European cat weighing around 4 kg would already be considered obese if it reached 4.8 kg.

A cat’s ideal weight depends on its age, sex, and breed. A cat at its ideal weight will have a visible waist when viewed from above, and its ribs can be felt on the sides without being visible.

If the ribs and spine are visible to the naked eye, the cat is in poor body condition and should be examined by a veterinarian. On the other hand, if you cannot easily feel the ribs due to a layer of fat and there is no visible waist, your cat is likely overweight.

Why do cats gain weight?

Ideally, cats should receive an amount of food that keeps their weight within a healthy range. Obesity in cats can be caused by multiple factors, including:

• Inappropriate diet: High-calorie foods that are low in dietary fiber.
• Lack of exercise: Domestic cats tend to be less active.
• Genetic factors: Some breeds are more prone to weight gain.
• Overfeeding: Excessive feeding, especially treats and snacks.

Dangers of Feline Obesity

Obesity in cats can lead to several serious diseases such as:

Diabetes

Excess weight increases the risk of cats developing diabetes mellitus, a disease characterized by insufficient insulin production or an inadequate response to insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels.

Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis)

Hepatic lipidosis is a serious condition that occurs when the liver becomes overloaded with fat, potentially leading to liver failure. Obese cats are particularly susceptible, especially if they lose weight too quickly.

Osteoarthritis

Excess weight places additional stress on the joints, which can lead to osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease causes pain and reduced mobility, significantly affecting a cat’s quality of life. Reduced activity due to pain further contributes to weight gain, worsening the condition.

How can you help a cat lose weight?

Proper Diet

A balanced and appropriate diet is essential to help your cat lose weight:

• Low-calorie foods: Choose foods specifically formulated for overweight cats.
• Controlled portions: Avoid overfeeding and set a daily food limit.
• High-protein foods: Help maintain muscle mass while losing fat.
• Fiber: Helps maintain satiety and regulate intestinal transit.

Exercise

Increasing your cat’s physical activity is crucial for weight loss. Play with your cat using interactive toys and encourage the use of cat trees and scratching posts to keep them active.

Nutritional Supplements: Glyco by Dr+Vet

Glyco by Dr+Vet is a supplement for dogs and cats specially formulated to support the weight loss process, containing active ingredients that promote safe and effective weight reduction.

L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps increase the body’s energy expenditure, promoting fat burning. In addition, Glyco is formulated with several hypoglycemic substances that can help obese animals reach their ideal weight.

How long does it take for a cat to lose weight?

Weight loss in cats should be gradual to avoid health problems. A cat can safely lose between 1–2% of its body weight per week. This process should be monitored by a trusted veterinarian to closely track the pet’s progress.

Conclusion

Feline obesity is a serious issue that requires proper attention. Combining a balanced diet with exercise and supplements such as Glyco by Dr+Vet can make a significant difference in your cat’s health and quality of life. Always consult your veterinarian to create the most appropriate weight loss plan for your pet.