Fat Cat Facts
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In short, learn the facts about your cat and the foods you are giving it. This is a quick summary of what a cat owner should and shouldn't feed. To learn more, please visit my more in depth cat feeding article.
Obese – Meaning cats that are 20% or more, heavier than their ideal weight. Overweight - Meaning cats that are between 1-19% heavier than their ideal weight.
• It is estimated over 50% of the UK’s cats are overweight. • 20-30% of these are Obese. • Cats between 2 and 10 years old are more likely to be overweight. • Cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals. • In the wild they may eat up to 20 meals per day. • Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they strictly feed on animals in the wild. • Cats naturally eat raw meat; it is perfectly acceptable to feed raw meat in captivity. • Cat’s teeth are designed to tear meat, not crunch on dry biscuits. Dry food should not be fed to benefit the cat’s teeth. • Water is a very important part of the cats diet: o A cat’s prey is generally 75% water. o Dry food usually has no more than 10% water. o Tinned food usually has approximately 75% water. o Kidney disease is the number 1 killer of cats. Kidney disease is usually the result of lack of water. o It is important for water to be a part of the food, as they have a very low thirst drive and will not drink as much as they should. • Cats excrete the enzyme ‘amylase’ from the pancreas. Amylase is used to break down carbohydrates; it is lethal to feed too many carbohydrates, but a small 3-5% carbohydrate level is ideal. o Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate. o Starch is a digestible carbohydrate. o Un-used carbohydrates are stored as fat.
Causes of Obesity
• Humans are the number one underlying cause for overweight and obese cats. • Overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets. • Cats that eat dry food are more likely to be overweight. • Cats often eat when they are bored. • Inactive cats are 16 times more likely to become obese. • Indoor cats are twice as likely to become overweight. • Disabled cats are more likely to be overweight. • Neutered cats are 3 times more likely to become overweight. • A neutered or spayed cat usually has approximately 20% lower metabolism due to being less active. This means they require approximately 20% less calorie intake. • High energy cat food should only be fed to energetic cats. This will not make un-energetic cats more energetic. • The temperature at which your cat is kept at will affect its metabolism. Cats that live predominantly outdoors will need more calories to maintain a higher body temperature. Cats kept in a centrally heated house will need a lower calorie intake.
Effects of Obesity
• Obesity shortens life expectancy. • Obesity can cause the following conditions: o Diabetes mellitus – Sugar diabetes o Lower urinary tract disease – Several disorders involving the bladder and urethra. o Lameness – Due to arthritis or muscle injuries o Non-Allergic skin diseases – Due to being less able to groom. o Hepatic lipidosis – Fat build up in the liver. o Cardiovascular disease o Lower stamina levels and exercise tolerance o Higher risks when using anaesthetic o Dystocia – Problems giving birth o Pickwickian syndrome – Strain on the lungs due to excess fat, making it harder to breathe o High blood pressure – Leading to heart failure • Overweight cats are 4 times more likely to develop Diabetes mellitus • Obese cats are 7 times more likely to be affected by lameness. • Overweight cats are 3 times more likely to be affected by lameness. • Obese cats are 3 times more likely to get non-allergic skin diseases due to being less able to groom. • Obese cats are twice as likely to die at middle age, between 6 and 12 years old.
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