While everybody knows that Americans are getting fatter by the day, guess what? So are our cats! A quick look at the neighborhood veterinary clinic waiting room will likely show a similar situation - obese cats with health problems.
In a four-year research studies of feline obesity done by Cornell University published in the Journal of Nutrition, December 1998. It was found that overweight cats are more likely to suffer from serious diseases like diabetes, and obese cats are more likely to die at a younger age.
Of 2092 cats, as high as 20% were determined heavy and an additional 5% were obese. (Many experts estimate that nearly 35 to 40% of American felines are obese.) The study also found that the overweight cats were found to be mostly middle-aged neutered males living in apartments with little or not outdoor activities and exercises. They were also found to be mainly eating diets of dry cat food.
In addition, an article published in DVM News, the Magazine of Veterinary Medicine, author Susan Little, DVM, advises that an American Animal Hospital Association Compliance Study found that veterinarians under diagnose feline obesity and that cat owners are largely unaware of how to gauge feline obesity and don't understand its consequences.
Dr. Little also notes that traditional high-fiber, low-calorie weight loss diets have been largely unsuccessful. Conversely, she notes that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate formula (like Hill's Prescription Diet m/d) that is designed to manage feline weight can be beneficial. She also suggests that 250 to 500 mg of carnitine administered to a cat once daily has shown results to show that it can improve the fat metabolism that help cats in losing weight.
If you are one of the many cat owners whom are unaware of your cats being overweight - Take Note! Your cat might just be over weight, obese, and in danger of getting more health problems than a slim fit cat.
Experts recommend a full physical check to make sure that your cat's reason for overweight is simply over eating and lack of exercise and not a result of any underlying medical condition. Steps to help your cat lose weight include:
1. Feeding your cat lesser food in smaller portions at regular time instead of free feeding.
2. Feed foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
3. Ask your veterinarian if there is a need to put your cat on any weight-reduction program. You should devise and start a weight reduction program only under the guidance of your veterinarian.
5. Get your fat lazy cat to start moving. Determine where your cat interests are; try to engage in some quality exercise each day.
6. For a lone cat, you can consider adopting a second cat. Having a friend will give him someone to interact and play with while you're not home.
It is no easy feat to help your cat lose weight, but with the right approach, and discipline, it is not so difficult either. Does your cat a healthy favor by helping him lose weight today!
Moses Wright is the webmaster of Feline Cat Diet. More helpful information on Commercial Cat Food and Special Medical Cat Diet can be found on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if the content and live link are keep intact.
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