Obesity in cats - when to seek professional help.
Obesity has become a large problem in our pet community. According to the 2022 Pet Obesity Survey, 61% of all cats in the US are estimated to be overweight or suffer from obesity.
Let’s start by defining what overweight means. Is my cat heavily overweight, or do I just need to cut back on a treat or two? And how do I know?
In addition to weighing your cat, Veterinarians and animal nutritionists use a method called Body Score (BCS). Weight and BCS go hand in hand. Some cats have a perfect BCS at 15 lbs; others are overweight at 10 lbs.
There are 5 or 9 score tables available. My preference is the 9-score WSAVA method as it is a bit more refined. WSAVA is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. This is a link to their website for further information.
https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Body-Condition-Score-cat-updated-August-2020.pdf
Look at your animal from the top. When you have a long-haired cat, it is VERY important to palpate the chest and ribs of your cat. Then, determine the current BCS to your best knowledge. If you are unsure discuss it with your veterinarian or look at the last visit report. Weight and BCS should be mentioned.
Once you have figured out your dog’s or cat’s BCS it is easy to determine if your animal needs more calories or less.
If the animal falls in the range of BCS 1-3 it is underweight, and the caloric intake per day needs to be increased. If your cat falls in the category of 4-5 you are doing a great job keeping your animal healthy. If you have determined a BCS 6 and above, you want to look at the calories you are feeding your cat every day and decrease their daily caloric intake. Don’t forget the treats!
Feeding guidelines range from 20-35 kcal per lb per day. The variance accounts for the activity level and caloric needs of your cat. Still, every cat is unique, and feeding guidelines should be adjusted if your cat has put on a pound too much. Cutting back the caloric intake by feeding less amount of the same food is not always a good option. You are not just cutting back calories by cutting back the amount of food, you are also cutting essential vitamins and minerals.
This is the reason many veterinarians recommend a prescription weight management or weight loss diet. These diets have a lower caloric density and still meet the minimum requirements for essential vitamins and minerals. The amount of fat is usually lower in these diets, and this is one of the reasons cats tend to dislike the RX weight diets as much. Fat contributes to taste, and a diet containing less fat is less tasty.
Obesity is a dangerous condition and is the number one risk factor for other serious diseases like diabetes, hormonal issues, heart diseases, urinary tract infections, and orthopedic disorders.
All these diseases may lead to a shorter life span for your beloved cat and can lead to expensive vet bills.
In cases of slightly overweight cats, a simple reduction in food intake is recommended. If your cat is heavily overweight or obese, seek the help of a professional to have a customized weight management plan developed. This customized plan will help you stay on track and should be adjusted as needed.
Wishing you and your feline friends a peaceful and joyful holiday season!