Recently, Harbie had what appears to be a heart murmur and was sent for an echocardiogram of the heart. Turns out, she's just packing some erm.. additional layers..
If your cat is overweight, it's important to take steps to help them achieve a healthier weight. Let's discuss 6 things to do if your cat is overweight.
1. Consult a veterinarian to rule out health issues:
Schedule a visit with your vet to assess your cat's overall health & determine the ideal weight range for their breed, age & size. You should also rule out any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to weight gain.
2. Adjust the diet:
It is important for your cat to have a complete & balanced diet for your cat. Your vet may recommend a specific type of cat food e.g. prescription diet, that is formulated for weight management. Ensure you measure your cat's food portions, cut down or completely avoid feeding treats.
3. Monitor calorie intake:
Establish a regular feeding schedule & avoid free-feeding, i.e. free flow buffet of kibbles available all day. Controlled portions & scheduled meal times can help regulate calorie intake. If you are feeding a commercially available diet, refer to the guideline at the back of kibbles bag on how much to feed according to your cat's weight. If you have multiple cats, you may need to have separate feeding areas / timings / use a microchip feeder to prevent overeating or stealing of food.
Ensure your cat's diet consists of high-quality, nutritionally balanced cat food. Avoid excessive carbohydrates or fillers, & feed for their life stage (e.g. senior diet for an older cat).
4. Encourage exercise & playtime:
Use interactive toys, such as feather wands or electronic toys, to stimulate natural hunting instincts & get moving. Set aside dedicated playtime each day to keep your cat active & burn calories. Slow down if your cat displays breathing difficulties, and break up the play sessions with short breaks.
5. Provide environmental enrichment:
Offer a stimulating environment with scratching posts, cat trees & interactive toys to keep your cat mentally & physically engaged. This can help prevent boredom, which can lead to overeating.
6. Monitor weight loss progress:
Keep track of your cat's weight & body condition regularly. Your cat should be losing weight gradually & not suddenly drop a lot of weight or be placed on a sudden, strict diet that may shock their system or cause them to be constantly hungry.
(You can refer to this link to read more about your cat's body condition score: https://www.royalcanin.com/us/cats/health-and-wellbeing/using-a-cat-body-condition-score)
Remember, weight loss should be gradual and controlled to ensure your cat's overall health & well-being. Maintaining a healthy weight is important towards their health & decrease the risk of health issues.
You can find a downloadable infographic below, as well as on Instagram @thecatwhispereresg
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