Cuddly Cats!!

Dr Jules Wilson MRCVS of the Maunu Rd branch of the Northland Veterinary Group HAS THIS SAY...

As a vet nurse I get to see (and cuddle) many cats every day of all ages, shapes and sizes, most of these cats are well loved and part of a family. An important part of my role is talking to people about their pets. I encourage people with new kittens to think about what and how they are going to feed. Later when we see kittens as young adults for desexing it is another opportunity to discuss diet, watching weight gain now they are reaching adulthood and the benefits of a fit slim pet. Preventing weight gain is easier than having to reduce weight at a later stage.

Preventing weight gain
o Feed a complete and balanced diet suitable for your cat’s stage of life.
o Feed two or three small meals a day rather than leaving a bowl of food available for free feeding.
o No kitchen scraps or treats from the table!
o Don’t give in to begging – you wouldn’t give your children a lolly or treat every time they ask! If a cat begs and gets a treat they will learn to beg twice as hard for the next treat. When the cat begs give them a cuddle or encourage them to play with a toy. If you are busy in the kitchen put the cat in another room or outside.
o Exercise, encourage your cat to take walks around the garden with you and have toys to interact with your cat.
o Make access to food more challenging – in the wild cats have to work for their food, hide some dry food in a cardboard box or tube so they have to use their paws to hook it out! Use a treat ball (available at vet clinics) which is filled with the cat’s ration of biscuits – they have to roll it on the floor to make the biscuits fall out slowly.

Quite a few cats we see are overweight and some cats are obese. In New Zealand I think there has always been the perception that a “fat” cat is a “happy” cat but the reality for a cat that is overweight or obese, there is a good chance its life expectancy will be reduced.

The most common cause for a cat to be putting on weight is eating too much! Weight is also going to increase in a cat that is not very active and as a cat ages. A medical problem may also cause a cat to put on excess weight.

How can you tell if your cat is overweight?
Cats vary a great deal in size and ideal weight. You need to feel your cat and compare your cat to others!
Ideal - Feel your cat, slide your hands over the ribs, the ribs should be felt quite easily under the skin. Look down over your cat as he is standing, his body should appear quite streamlined and in a very short haired cat a slight tuck at the waist would be noticeable or you could slide your hands over the cats sides and feel a slight tuck beyond the ribs.
Overweight – Excess fat covers the ribs but the ribs can still be felt. Looking down on your cat would show more rounding over the ribs and a waist tuck would not be seen. A small fatty “handbag” maybe felt under the cat’s tummy.
Obese – A heavy fat layer is covering the ribs and the ribs would be difficult to feel. Looking down on obese cat the body would be very rotund. The tummy often appears saggy and the cat may appear to have short legs and a small head. These cats are may be awkward to pick up due to their size! Unsure? Phone your local vet clinic, most clinics are happy to make an appointment with a nurse (at no charge) to weigh your cat and assess body condition.

Weight loss in the overweight cat
o Weigh your cat every 3 or 4 weeks and keep a record of the weight. Weight loss needs to be a slow process, we expect a gradual reduction over a period of weeks or months.
o Follow all the advice in the Preventing weight gain list.
o Use a complete and balanced diet suitable for cats that are inclined to put on weight such as a “Light” diet or an “Indoor” diet. Use the guide on the pack for how much to feed.
o At the beginning of each day measure out into a separate jar the amount that your cat is allowed to eat each day. Use this volume for the 2 or 3 meals given through the day and only use this food to give treats from through out the day.
o Alternatively use the food you already feed but each time you serve it up remove a quarter of what you were about to give!
o Get cooperation from the whole family, often one family member is feeding a weight loss food and another family member is discretely feeding numerous treats!
o If you would like help and support make an appointment with you local vet clinic nurse. Nurses are trained to assist with weight loss and management, often these appointments are free.

Weight loss in the obese cat
o It is vital an appointment is made with your veterinarian to establish whether the cause of the obesity is from overeating or whether there is an underlying heath issue.
o Once the overall state of health is assessed the vet with assistance from a nurse will put in place for you a diet plan often with the help of a prescription diet. A prescription diet is formulated to provide fewer calories but will still leave your cat feeling satisfied.
o Your cat’s weight loss will need to be managed carefully so weight is reduced at a slow but steady rate. A regular weigh in at the vet clinic with a nurse (at no charge) is necessary to ensure weight is reducing. You may be supplied with a chart to map the weight loss progress.
o It is also helpful to have the support from your vet clinic to encourage you to stick with the diet program and resolve any difficulties you are having!

Common complications in obese or overweight cats
o Heart – More strain on circulation, increased blood pressure.
o Breathing – more strain on respiration, an effort to breathe, especially when moving around.
o Joints – More pressure on joints and greater likelihood of arthritis
o Skin – As a cat’s weight increases the ability to groom decreases resulting in flaky skin, matted fur and dirty bottoms.
o Diabetes mellitus – Obesity causes insulin resistance.
o Liver disease – Hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver syndrome.
o Blocked bladders – Sadly very common in overweight or obese male cats, crystals build up in the bladder causing painful urination and eventually fully blocking the urethra.

One of the most rewarding things working in a vet clinic is seeing an overweight pet managed successfully through a weight loss program and the feedback from owners excited to see their pet behaving younger due to having more energy and mobility as well as looking great.

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