Weighty Issues…
Turn on the TV, open a magazine –obesity is a major issue in our society, including our pets. Veterinarians previously believed obesity was simply a matter of excess dietary intake or decreased energy expenditure. New research indicates other factors also have a significant role in the development of obesity.
Cats are carnivores. Their “natural” food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Cats primarily utilize protein as an energy source, and any carbohydrate that is not used immediately is stored as fat. New studies have shown high protein (> 45%) and low carbohydrate diets can achieve weight loss and maintain lean body mass.
Canned food is less caloric dense so your cat can eat more and not take in as many calories. Eating canned food is a learned behavior ideally taught to kittens. Try to feed at least 50% canned food along with the dry. Later in life if your adult cat develops health issues such as urinary tract or kidney disease, a canned food diet can be a benefit.
Cats are notorious for not liking change. They may have a preference for dry food, one flavor, or even one shape of dry food. Gradually introduce a canned food. This may take months. If you are not successful with the canned, find a dry diet that is high protein and low carbohydrate. You still must pay attention to the total calories you feed your cat. In general you may follow label feeding recommendations for kittens, but all that changes when your pet matures. Recommendations on cat food is based on trials in non-neutered, young, active cats. This is 30% higher than most housecats require.
No more free-choice feeding! Start your weight maintenance program by decreasing the recommendation on the commercial food label by 30%. Cats also prefer multiple meals, so divide the calculated amount into two or four meals per day. Increasing exercise is another factor you can control. Our indoor cats tend to be sedentary. Toys work for some cats, cat trees to climb and even interactive toys that reward them with food, and then they are working for their supper.
Regular visits to your veterinarian can assure that your pet maintains a healthy weight. When addressing obesity have your cat examined by a veterinarian to see if any other health issues are present. For example, a cat with chronic renal disease should be on a low protein diet.
The obese cat is at increased risk for developing diabetes, hepatic lipidosis, urinary tract disease, and osteoarthritis. Change your behavior, when your cat’s bowl is empty and he cries, try petting or playing with him rather than using food as love. Your pet can live longer and healthier with your attention to his waistline.
Valerie Gaeth, DVMAnimal Clinic
Iowa City, IA 319-337-2123