The cats they love food. They would do anything to achieve their goal so that we could give them a little more.
And in order for them to be happy and for us not to feel remorse, we end up giving them either more than their own food or our food. However, this has impact. The cats they get fat. And the obesity leads to health problems. And health problems are something that no one ever wants to face.
In this article we will see the most common mistakes we can make and our cat gets fat, but also which diseases are associated with obesity.
Error 1
Cats need to eat a certain amount of food to be full and at the same time stay healthy. That is why there are relevant instructions on food packaging, which advise us. Combined, in fact, with the instructions of our veterinarian, we can know what the ideal amount is. However, many times when we see our cat’s bowl empty, we tend to fill it up again and again, with effect our cat eats a good amount more. This happens mainly with dry food – it has a higher caloric value than liquid food – and in the context of free feeding, so our pet is led to overconsumption and if we do not pay attention to obesity. It is therefore important not to get carried away by our emotions and to ensure that our cat follows a balanced diet.
Error 2
Our cat must eat food that is suitable for its age. In other words, when it passes the age of being a kitten and becomes an adult cat, we will have to move to equivalent food for adult cats. Unfortunately, this change is something we can ignore for a while, and continue to give to our cat food for kittens. Kitten food, however, is designed specifically for them and is more rich in nutrients and calories. So, if our adult cat eats this food for a longer period of time than it should, there is a chance that it will put on some pounds. It is good to always buy food suitable for the needs of our pet in order to avoid health problems and sudden weight gain.
Error 3
Our cat may love treats, but the frequent consumption and the large quantity may lead to an increase in her weight. It is therefore important to offer our cat treats in moderation. A general rule is that treats should consist of just the 10% of the cat’s daily diet. However, it is good to avoid them every day or to give our pet a healthier treat, with a low calorie content.
Error 4
One of the most classic mistakes we make is giving our cat some amount of our food. Small amounts of non-fatty foods are not a problem. But, we usually offer our kitty food like cheesethe cold cutsthe pasta and the potatoeswhich contribute to increasing her weight. It is good, therefore, to avoid such foods or if we want to give some of them, to make sure that the quantity is small. And of course not very often, because fats can affect her health.
Error 5
This mistake is not about nutrition, but about exercise. Even if our cat follows a balanced diet, low activity levels can cause her to put on weight. That is why daily physical exercise is essential. Indoor cats do not have the opportunity to explore, run and play like outdoor cats. So we, as responsible guardians, must create one environment with stimuli, in which our kitty can play, run and explore. We must be a part of this process, both to make it more fun and to make our relationship with our cat even stronger.
What diseases are associated with obesity?
Obesity is responsible for many diseases, some of which are:
– Musculoskeletal problems
– Heart diseases
– Breathing difficulty
– High blood pressure
– Diabetes
– Cancer
– Skin problems
– Fat in the liver
– Urological problems
Final thoughts
The normal weight of our cat depends on proper nutritionthe avoid excesses and her daily exercise. It is important to be careful and consistent in matters concerning both diet as well as her health her – these two are interrelated – so that we can give our cat a better quality of life with more years by our side, full of health and well-being.
