OBESITY
‘Recent surveys in the United States have revealed that up to one third of household cats are now overweight’ (Tabor, 1997). And that was thirteen years ago… Causes of obesity in cats are overfeeding, food quality and lack of exercise.
Like in people, obesity has far reaching consequences. Extra weight puts strain on joints which become damaged, resulting in arthritis. It can easily become a vicious circle: walking, running and jumping get difficult and painful, which causes the cat to want to move less and less, use less energy, burn fewer calories, and to put on even more weight.
It may be short of breath when making a physical effort, its heart has to work harder for a bigger body mass and this can lead to heart disease.
As it is less mobile, it could get bored and want to eat more often, demand food from its owner every time he/she goes to the kitchen.
Obesity causes several medical conditions, from skin problems to the more serious Diabetes Mellitus or fat liver (Hepatic Lipidosis).
‘Recent surveys in the United States have revealed that up to one third of household cats are now overweight’ (Tabor, 1997). And that was thirteen years ago… Causes of obesity in cats are overfeeding, food quality and lack of exercise.
Like in people, obesity has far reaching consequences. Extra weight puts strain on joints which become damaged, resulting in arthritis. It can easily become a vicious circle: walking, running and jumping get difficult and painful, which causes the cat to want to move less and less, use less energy, burn fewer calories, and to put on even more weight.
It may be short of breath when making a physical effort, its heart has to work harder for a bigger body mass and this can lead to heart disease.
As it is less mobile, it could get bored and want to eat more often, demand food from its owner every time he/she goes to the kitchen.
Obesity causes several medical conditions, from skin problems to the more serious Diabetes Mellitus or fat liver (Hepatic Lipidosis).