Chubby cats are often the subjects of cartoons and social media posts. They’re seen as cute, cuddly animals that look like they could be pillows or blankets for someone who needs some extra warmth on their lap! But what many people don’t know is that fat cat has an interesting back story.
According to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of all cats in America are obese. That means if you’re one of those 55 million owners who are been bragging about how healthy their fat cat is, you should know this:
1. Skin issues
Cats are much more likely to have skin issues if they’re overweight, so chunky cats need extra care. Their size makes it tough for these pets to groom themselves properly. Acne and dry skin are common in chunky cats.
2. At the risk of developing arthritis as they age
The weight of your fat cat can be a huge challenge and cause many problems for them in the long term. Their joints will suffer from all that extra pressure, which leads to arthritis later on down the line.
3. More likely to develop diabetes
Cats are just like humans in that they can get diabetes. If left untreated, it is a life-threatening condition for your feline friend. Cats’ blood sugar becomes too high or low due to an absence of insulin production by the pancreas – symptoms include extreme dehydration, depression/lethargy, and decreased motor function.
4. They should drink more water
Drinking plenty of water will help burn calories and suppress your cat’s appetite according to health experts. Make sure that their drinking bowls always stay full.
5. They like wet food
Dry cat food is great for preventing plaque from building up on your pet’s teeth, but it only has a 5-15% water content. Wet food, however? is 85% water. Canned foods can help cats stay hydrated without being forced to drink. It also provides them with animal protein, which is great for their health.
6. A direct result of lack of exercise
For the majority of cats, life indoors is a much more luxurious experience. They don’t have to hunt for their food and can spend hours snoozing in front of the fire without any concern about being cold or hot. The main reason why so many pet cats are overweight is that they lead a sedentary lifestyle. To combat this, you should invest in toys that force your cat to move and spend time encouraging activities that will help them maintain their weight under control.
7. Your cat looks to you to keep her healthy
When you brought home your new kitten or rescue cat, it was clear that this animal meant so much more than just a pet. You made the conscious decision to take on responsibility for their care and wellness. If you want to keep your feline friend healthy and happy, it’s important that she stays at a proper weight. If you’re noticing that your tabby is overweight, talk to the vet about dieting. Make gradual changes and include more exercise in their life for an enjoyable journey of healthy living.
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