For some reason, companion cats are prone to becoming fat. In fact, statistics show that about 40% of domestic cats are obese. Feline obesity is almost always caused by overfeeding. Healthy cats should have a layer of fat covering their ribs, which provides padding and insulation. This fat layer should not be too thick, but the ribs should not be prominent. An owner should be able to feel her cat’s ribs when rubbing her hands down the cat’s side. Viewed from above, cats should have a defined waist at their flank area, just in front of their hips and just behind their rib cage. Once a cat becomes overweight, it is an uphill battle to help it take the pounds off. Fortunately, well-balanced commercial weight-loss diets are increasingly available at pet supply stores. Cats have very particular nutritional requirements, and it is difficult to create a home-cooked diet which supports all of a cat’s unique nutritional needs.
The obesity epidemic in North America has spread to domestic pets – especially to cats. Obesity is almost always caused by overfeeding. Like obese people, overweight cats have an increased risk of developing serious health problems, including arthritis, heart problems, hormonal abnormalities, bone and joint disorders and type 2 diabetes, among many others. They also are predisposed to hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects their liver. Owners of fat cats have several options
Unfortunately, obesity is a common and potentially dangerous condition in companion cats. Thankfully, high quality, well-balanced, calorie-restricted cat foods are becoming increasingly available, both from veterinarians and from large and small retail pet supply stores. Premium weight-loss diets have been rigorously studied by nutritionists and other researchers and have been specifically formulated to help cats lose weight actively yet gradually, while still maintaining a proper nutritional balance. Special weight-loss cat foods tend to be more