The Dangers of Obesity in Cats

Obesity in cats is a growing problem in North America. Reports estimate that up to 50% of cats are overweight or obese. This is a serious issue, as obesity has been linked to a number of health problems in cats. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of obesity in cats and how you can help your cat lose weight.

What is obesity in cats and why is it a problem?

Obesity in cats occurs when it takes in more energy than they expend. Most often, it is considered a chronic inflammatory disease caused by fat cells' response to being starved of oxygen. This hypoxia creates oxidative stress and causes pro-inflammatory chemicals to be released. According to reports, 30-35% of cats are either overweight or obese. Furthermore, it is estimated that nearly 50% of cats aged 5-10 years old fall into this category.

In cats, obesity occurs its weight is 20% or more above what would be ideal. Obesity in cats has been linked to various health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, and reduced life expectancy. Obesity in cats can cause a range of health problems due to metabolic derangements, including insulin resistance, inflammation and abnormal appetite control. These abnormalities make it harder to manage obesity by affecting metabolism, fat storage and lipid metabolism.

The medical dangers of obesity in cats

Obesity has been linked to a variety of health problems in cats. Below we will discuss the most important medical challenges cats face with obesity.

Cardiovascular disease

Obesity in cats can negatively impact left ventricular function and contribute to cardiovascular disease. Cats who are obese can develop cardiac hypertrophy, vascular hypertrophy, hypertension, and myocardial hypoxia. Cats who are obese have impaired pulmonary function due to decreased lung volume.

Arthritis

Cats who are obese are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. Fat and adipose tissue releases inflammatory cytokines that can damage joints, and the extra weight puts more stress on bones and joints.

Kidney disease

Obese cats have been reported to have a number of kidney-related issues, including an enlarged glomerulus, glomerulosclerosis (scarring of the filtering units in the kidneys), and hypertrophy of the kidneys (enlarged kidneys).

Insulin resistance

Cats who are obese are more likely to develop insulin resistance, which is when the body doesn't respond properly to insulin. This leads to impaired glucose metabolism. Obesity in cats also decreases tissue sensitivity to insulin and has been associated with the development of diabetes mellitus. Obese cats also have decreased gene expression of genes that help Insulin do its job in insulin-sensitive tissues.

Obesity in cats can lead to the development of diabetes

Shorter lifespan

Cats that are obese have a shorter lifespan than cats that are lean. In a study, it was shown that 8-12-year-old obese cats had 3 times higher mortality rate compared to lean cats. Another finding showed that in the same age group, 53% of obese cats survived while 83% of cats with an optimal body condition score survived.

Cats that are an ideal weight have a longer lifespan compared to cats that are obese

Management strategies for obesity in cats

Obesity in cats needs to be managed by limiting their calories and making them burn more energy. This can be done by changing how you feed them, getting them to exercise more, and reducing how many calories they consume.

Dietary recommendations

There are a variety of diets formulated to help cats lose weight. Some diets are low in fat and high in fiber, while others are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Both types of diets have been successful in helping cats lose weight. However, some of the high protein/low carbohydrate diets are calorically dense, meaning that you will need to feed your cat a smaller amount of food than other weight-loss diets. High protein/low carbohydrate diets can help promote satiety, or feelings of fullness, in cats.

Many other weight-loss diets for cats use strategies like high fiber content (10-15% of dry matter) to help decrease appetite, fill them up without extra calories, and add healthy dietary bulk. This allows cat owners to feed a larger volume of food and limit the begging behaviour that is typically seen when cats are fed smaller portions.

Canned food leads to more successful weight loss in cats than dry food. This is because canned food contains more water, so the cat can eat a greater volume of it without gaining as much weight. One study showed that cats who ate canned food gained less weight than those who ate dry food.

Exercise and physical activity

Cats need to burn more calories, and the best way to do this is through exercise. Getting your cat to exercise can be difficult, but there are a few things you can try. One is to get them a cat tower or other climbing structure. This will give them something to climb and play on, and it will also help them burn more calories. You can also try playing with your cat using a toy that encourages them to run and chase. Finally, you can try feeding your cat their meals in puzzle feeders or food dispensing toys. This will make them work for their food and help them burn more calories.

Research has shown that increasing play by as little as 10-15 minutes per day was beneficial for weight loss in cats

Obesity in cats is a serious health problem that can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Studies have revealed that obese cats have a shorter lifespan compared to that of an ideal-weight cat. A diet and exercise plan is necessary to help your cat lose weight and improve its health. With dedication and modification, you can be successful in helping your cat lose weight and regain its health. To develop a weight loss plan for your cat, please consult with your veterinarian as they can help formulate a plan that is best suited for your cat's individual needs.