Obesity

What is Obesity?

Feline obesity is excess body fat causing health risks. Over 50% of cats are overweight. Causes include overfeeding, free-feeding, high-carb diet, lack of exercise, and neutering. Risks include diabetes (4x higher), arthritis, urinary problems, and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Signs include inability to feel ribs, no waist, difficulty grooming, and reduced activity. Weight loss requires measured portions of high-protein low-carb food, scheduled feeding (no free-feeding), play sessions for exercise, and slow reduction (max 1-2% body weight per week). Too-rapid weight loss is dangerous for cats.