Weighing in on Your Cat’s Health

by: Alyssa, Kennel Attendant at West Ridge Animal Hospital

Excess body fat puts stress on joints and internal organs, making it more difficult for your cat to play and be active, thus contributing to further weight gain or other detrimental health issues. Diet and exercise play an important role, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of our pets. It’s helpful to remember that when we eat food, our body uses the water, vitamins, and minerals in it to fuel the body. When your cat eats, and has obtained enough nutrition to maintain their body temperature and keep their organs functioning, the rest of that energy either needs to be expelled through physical exercise, or it will be stored as fat.

Incorporating play time into your day with your cat is a great way to tap into their wild side and make sure they are getting sufficient exercise. Laser pointers, Kong Kickeroos, and other cat toys are a great way to encourage them to practice their hunting, pouncing and other instinctual behaviors. Try having an exercise session before meal time; this may give your cat the sensation they have hunted, killed, and eaten their prey! If you have more than one cat in the household, encourage group play to build a bond between the cats.

While an excess of calories and a deficit of exercise is one of the most common causes of obesity, some cats have simply been dealt a rough hand, genetically speaking. They may be suffering from an illness or disease that is affecting how their body uses nutrients. If you feel your feline may benefit from shedding a few pounds, or if they have had a change in their weight that you are unsure of the cause, contact your veterinarian. During your cat’s routine preventive care exam, talk your veterinarian about doing a nutrition consultation. The science of pet nutrition is an exciting place, and new advances are always being made. Hill’s Pet Nutrition has produced a revolutionary new diet called Metabolic Weight Loss Solution. This diet is formulated to reprogram your pet’s metabolism to function like that of an animal at a healthy weight. Statistics indicate that more than 80% of pets fed Metabolic at home show weight loss results!

Call your West Ridge Animal Hospital veterinarian today to schedule your feline friend an appointment at (970) 330-7283,  or request an appointment online!