Like all pets, you want to keep your cat healthy. That means making sure he or she has the proper nutrition, getting her shots, and of course, spaying/neutering. Many pet owners like to spoil their pets by giving them lots of tidbits and table scraps, but more often than not, this is damaging to their health and leads to feline obesity, which contributes to more health problems down the road. Here are a few ideas and tips to help prevent obesity. Ask the vet for more information.
- Just like people, all cats should get a sufficient amount of exercise. Let them play in the backyard or give them interactive toys, like fishing pole type toys or even remote control toys. It will entertain kitty and provide good exercise. Not only does this burn their calories, it improves digestion and releases pent up energy that all healthy cats have.
- Check with your vet about the right food and amount of food you should feed your cat. It is important to know that your cat will require different amounts of food during the many stages of your life. While kittens tend to eat a lot more, the older they get they less they require. Overfeeding them can lead to obesity. Don’t forget to give them an adequate supply of water- especially if they eat dry cat food.
- It is also a good idea to monitor your cat’s weight. Sometimes felines will gain a little weight, and it goes unnoticed. Don’t be afraid to get kitty on the scale (try to do this at least once every two days) to monitor his weight gain or loss. Keep it recorded and talk to the vet. Remember that before you put your pet cat on a diet, it is important to consult your vet to make sure your cat remains healthy while losing weight.
