Your cat’s body shape
From the image you selected, your cat may be overweight.
Cats need to be at a healthy weight to live their best lives, so it is essential that owners keep a close eye on their pet’s shape and weight. That way, if your cat suddenly loses a lot of weight or they pile on the pounds, you can help get them back on track.
Being overweight will negatively impact your cats quality of life. It can cause your cat health problems such as diabetes, cystitis and arthritis. They can also get old before their time as symptoms of underlying health conditions worsen, leading to pain, discomfort and potentially a shorter lifespan.
Overweight cats are at risk of:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Bladder problems
- Liver disease
- Breathing problems (especially in flat-faced breeds such as Persians)
- Cancer
How to help your overweight cat
Don’t worry, there’s plenty of things you can do to help your feline friend get back to their happy and healthy shape:
- Firstly, visit your vet. They’ll be able to give your pet a health check, as well as providing advice and support to help your cat lose weight.
- Weigh your cat, so you have a starting point for their weight loss journey.
- Aim for your cat to lose weight gradually. 1% of your pet’s starting weight each week is a good target.
- If your cat is a little overweight, feeding a bit less and avoiding high calorie treats or switching to a lower-calorie food may be all that’s needed. Very overweight cats may need a special diet as well as support from your vet. Reducing their food too much can mean they don’t get all the nutrients they need, and rapid weight loss can also put them at risk of liver problems.
Click on the cards below for our expert advice on feeding your cat treats, diets, exercise, and Body Condition Scoring (BCS).
Treats
We all love to make our cats feel special. And for many of us, that means spoiling them with a yummy treat. Read our do’s and don’ts on treating your feline friend.
Exercise
Playing with your cat is a great way to ensure they’re getting enough exercise while strengthening your bond. Discover our kitty exercise advice.
Diet
Cats come in many shapes and sizes. The type and amount of food they need depends on their individual needs. Read our advice on feeding your cat the correct diet.
Body Condition Scoring
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) helps owners and vets assess a pet’s body shape to check if they’re healthy. Read about how to check if your four-legged friend is in shape.