Feline obesity is a common nutritional disorder that can lead to serious health issues for cats:
Weight
A cat is considered obese when it weighs 20% or more above its ideal body weight.
Health risks
Obesity can lead to a weakened immune system, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, and other metabolic and endocrine disorders. It can also increase the risk of certain cancers.
Lifespan
Obese cats tend to live shorter lives than cats that are not overweight.
Quality of life
Obesity can make it difficult for cats to be physically active and enjoy their normal lives.
Some signs that your cat may be overweight include:
Bulging sides
No waistline or difficulty finding a slight indent above your cat's hips
Here are some tips to help your cat maintain a healthy weight:
Exercise
Most cats need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, broken up into short play sessions. You can try using interactive toys, taking your cat for a walk with a harness, or letting your cat chase a ball or laser pointer.
Diet
Make sure you're feeding your cat the right amount of food. Overfeeding is common, even among responsible pet owners.
Body composition assessment
A veterinarian can help you assess your cat's body composition to recognize early signs of obesity.
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