The Fat Cat Epidemic | Larger Stats About Larger Cats
Just like us, our pets need to exercise and eat clean, species-specific diets. Otherwise, major health complications can develop, such as obesity, digestive issues and other problems. Statistics in 2016 show obesity in our pets is on the rise and that there are more overweight cats than dogs. Almost 60 percent of our cat population is overweight or obese.
It's important that you weigh your cat regularly, just so you know if your cat is gaining (or losing) weight. Our pets need to live an active and healthy lifestyle, because overweight pets can suffer with issues in addition to obesity, such as digestive issues, osteoarthritis, insulin resistance which leads to Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, ligament injuries, kidney disease and a decreased life expectancy by 2.5 years. You can also expect to pay higher vet bills if you have an overweight pet.
The Truth about our Tubby Tabbies
Physical and environmental causes are often the root of this debilitating epidemic and we could be part of the problem as well. Think about it. We are the ones who choose the type of food and treats to feed our cats; we provide the toys, food puzzles and play time - or not. That's up to us to monitor and do correctly.
Outdoor cats usually remain at an appropriate weight because they get their needed exercise by hunting for their food 10-12 times per day, unless they are being fed a supplemental diet of calorically-dense dry food on the porches of well-meaning cat lovers. Less expensive dry food usually contains lots of fillers, which include by-products, corn, wheat and soy. Since our cats are obligate carnivores, you will not ever see them running through a corn field looking for corn. They are looking for mice! They don't dig up potatoes or carrots or look for peas either. Please read your cat food and treat labels very carefully.
Optimum Feline Feeding - Think 'Catkins' Diet
When you provide your favorite feline a portion-controlled high-protein, high-fat, low-carb diet, their weight will normalize and they will shed 50% less, especially when you feed your cat mostly wet, or canned, food twice a day. Cats need the moisture in canned food to stay properly hydrated. Unfortunately, dry food tends to dehydrate cats and is high in calories. Balanced raw food works great too, if done right. Your cat will also experience less dental problems and have more energy for playtime when they eat a species-specific diet. They just feel better too! What could be better than living with a happy, healthy and loving purr box?
Presentation Please!
Since cat whiskers are extremely delicate and sensitive, please use whisker-friendly (very shallow) ceramic or stainless steel bowls - NO plastic bowls for food or water. Your cat bowls should never be deep or narrow because cats don't have snouts like most dogs. If you ever feed any dry food, NEVER mix the dry and wet foods. Offer your cats a variety of proteins in their diet. After all, cats don't usually eat the same rabbit, bird, lizard or mouse every day!
Feline Fun Burns Calories
I often hear frustrated cat owners complain about their cats being bored and not playing with any of their numerous cat toys. This may be because we often forget that our cats are hunters until they physically can't hunt anymore. They live to hunt and hunt to live.
The best and most popular cat toys are made of natural materials because cats are hard-wired to hunt/play with toys that are more like the prey they hunt. Also, every home with a cat should have at least one tall, sturdy cat tree. It is almost as important as a litterbox. Cat trees provide exercise and a place to be safe, which is essential to our feline family members.
Just like dogs need to be walked daily, cats must hunt/play each day, preferably twice a day. Since cats are most active at dawn and dusk, it is a good idea to have at least one playtime per day, preferably during their most active times of the day. Remember, cats hunt and then eat, so always offer your cat a healthy treat or a meal (if it is mealtime) after playtime with your cat.
Keeping your cats at a healthy weight is a lot like what we need to do to stay healthy—eat proper portions of nutritious food and exercise - but it just seems easier and more fun to do for our feline friends than for us!