You may have an overweight feline and not even know it. They can be pretty good at carrying their weight around, but don't be fooled. Extra bulk can lead to all kinds of problems in cats, just like with other mammals. Your vet will usually tell you that your cat is overweight, but there are ways to recognize the onset of weight and related problems before you go to the vet.
The average cat should weigh between 9-11 pounds, depending on gender and breed. Some breeds are lighter or smaller such as the Siamese, which weigh in at around 6 pounds. The very large breeds such as Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat can be heavier but above 15lbs or so is risking it. These measurements of weight don't sound like too many pounds. To a human, a few pounds difference doesn't mean much, but on a cat's much smaller frame it makes a huge difference.
Like humans, a cat becomes overweight usually due to a lack of exercise and too much food intake. But there may be a medical cause, especially if weight gain is rather sudden. Thyroid condition can cause changes in your cat's metabolism and he may eat as if he were starving and still lose weight or he may gain weight for no apparent reason. At any rate, if you suspect a medical cause, don't hesitate taking your cat to the vet right away.
The average indoor cat needs only 4 to 7 ounces of food per day. There are numerous "low-cal" cat foods on the market in both dry and canned foods. Dry foods tend to have a higher fat ratio, but most cats deal with it well. There are now lower fat dry foods available too.
How can you tell if your cat is a FAT CAT? The really obese are obvious, but some are more capable of appearing svelte. Your cat is overweight if his abdomen isn't parallel with the floor, but sags. And you thought that jiggle in his walk was cute. You should be able to feel your cat's ribs too, but some cats carry their weight higher or lower along the abdomen.
Fat cats have a much shorter life expectancy. They also have high risk for congestive heart failure, respiratory problems, kidney failure, diabetes and on and on. By managing your cat's cuisine and playing more each day with him, you'll have a better cat and a better relationship.
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