Cats are not meant to be overweight, it is usually the owners fault that domestic felines get so big and it can dramatically reduce the life of your pet. Check out these overweight cats pictures along with some cat facts to help you avoid having a fatty catty.
Lets kick off with our overweight cats pictures followed by some kitty facts.
Fat Cat Facts
1. Cats between 2 and 10 years old are more likely to be overweight.
2. Cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals.
3. In the wild they may eat up to 20 meals per day.
4. 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.
5. Water is a very important part of the cats diet:
6. Kidney disease is the number 1 killer of cats. Kidney disease is usually the result of lack of water.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Humans are the number one underlying cause for overweight and obese cats.
10. Overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets.
11. Cats that eat dry food are more likely to be overweight.
12. Cats often eat when they are bored.
13. Inactive cats are 16 times more likely to become obese.
14. Indoor cats are twice as likely to become overweight.
15. Neutered cats are 3 times more likely to become overweight.
16. 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 in Cats
1. Obesity shortens life expectancy.
2. 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