Fat Cats: 1 in 3 cats are overweight

It’s that time of the week for another Scratchpad post, bringing you the latest in cat health news and research. Today we reveal a not so mind settling statistic that 1 in 3 pet cats are overweight.

When I first heard that I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I’ve seen my fair share of overweight cats, but 1 in 3? That’s high!

I will have to admit too, I honestly find cats’ pudginess to be a little endearing. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s not healthy for cats to be packing on extra pounds. But, how bad can it really be? Is it really THAT big of a deal?

Apparently it’s a lot more severe than I thought. When people gain a few extra pounds, it’s doesn't add much onto their total body weight. When a 12-pound cat adds on 2 extra pounds, that's 20 percent of its body weight!

It can also cause cats to worsen their arthritis, especially in older pets. More weight means more stress on the joints, which will increase pain and other symptoms.

How are cats becoming overweight?

For the same reasons any person can become overweight. Overeating, not enough exercise, etc. And little treats here and there add up faster for cats than they do for us.

On the bright side, Owners do seem to be aware of how an overweight cat isn’t a good thing. Even if it's just out fear for what their cat may look like. A good percentage of owners are embarrassed of their overweight cat, 43% of them to be exact. And 2% said they would pretend the animal belonged to someone else.

Veterinarian surgeon and specialist Martha Cannon says the weight can be hard to shed for cats, “Sadly vets see a high proportion of cats that are overweight and once the weight has gone on it can be very difficult to get it off.”

What you can do

Tip 1

See your veterinarian to set up a weight-loss plan.

Tip 2

Reduce your cat’s diet. You may hear more meows complaining about wanting more food, but stick with it!

Tip 3

Make your cat exercise by just playing. What’s their favorite game or toy? Focus on that and make sure to set aside time each day to play with your cat. If your cat is an outdoor and indoor cat, letting them outside to just roam around it great exercise as well.

Tip 4

Another trick a Dr. Jane Brunt says to motivate cats to exercise is to hid treats in food dispensing toys or puzzles. This will motivate them.

What's YOUR take on overweight cats? Why do you think it's so common? 

Sources: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2012/01/16/one-in-three-cats-are-overweight-115875-23701315/
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ae/s_773635.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/sns-201201171830--tms--petwrldctnya-a20120119jan19,0,807695.column

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