Overweight Cats

Everywhere you look there are telltale signs that our waistlines are getting the best of us. At the newsstand, countless magazines have front page advertisements for articles about obesity. The local bookstore has needed to expand its section on health and diet to include more and more books about losing weight. Every grocery store now carries low calorie snack packs that are individually packaged with a specific number of calories. While you'd think we are a nation obsessed by weight consciousness, it doesn't seem to be helping.

On a recent radio program, the topic came up again, only this time is was about cats. Evidently man's furry friend is turning into man's fattest friend as well. I guess this shouldn't be a big surprise because the veterinarian on the show says that a cat's weight usually mimics their owner's weight. As the theory goes, fit owners will walk and play with their feline companions more than their overweight counterparts. During the radio program, several ideas were given to help our overweight kitties.

First, a visit to the veterinarian is the first order of business. This is always a good idea to make sure your cat is healthy. It is especially important if the weight is on one particular side or if it came on suddenly. The doctor will test your cat for all sorts of things from diabetes to thyroid problems. This is a critical part of your cat's health. No weight reduction program should be started until you know for certain there are no underlying health issues.

Barring any health problems, you vet will probably recommend two things. The first is to reduce the number of calories your cat is eating. This can be easier said than done. When counting calories, you need to consider treats and cat food. Once the vet tells you how much food and how many treats your cat needs, it will be up to you to keep your cat on this diet.

The second thing your vet will recommend is an increase in exercise. This includes walking, sometimes more than once a day, playing in or outside and overall physical activities. Yes I know this sounds strange. Walk them on the beach or in a nearby forest. The place doesn't matter. Getting the cat exercising will not only benefit him, it will benefit you as well. And before you know it, the pounds will be coming off.