Unfortunately, images of overweight or obese cats have been a source of fun for meme makers and social media users. However, it is no laughable matter. Being overweight and obese are serious health problems that require a cat parent’s attention.
Cat owners in this position must understand their feline fur baby’s dietary needs and cut back on prohibited pet food to help them achieve weight goals. Constant weight monitoring and adapting the cat’s routine to set the cat on the right track to health and happiness is essential to prevent long-term medical complications.
Also, cat owners should consider purchasing cat insurance so that dealing with unanticipated health issues need not be financially cumbersome. With cheap pet insurance, a feline fur baby is covered for testing, treatment, and medications during illnesses, injuries and more.
So, contemplate buying a pet policy. Meanwhile, read this article to learn how diet and exercise can positively impact a cat’s wellbeing.
Why is being overweight an issue?
Overweight fur babies are more susceptible to acute and chronic medical conditions because of their larger size compared to their slimmer friends. They require more energy and resources to maintain the body, sustain life processes, and even breathe comfortably.
They develop health problems sooner and hence can have a shorter life span than fur babies at an ideal weight. So, if your cat is fat, stop calling them that. Instead, take fluffy to the vet for guidance. Help your cat tackle the weight issues, and you can be confident your munchkin will thank you as it grows older.
Diet and Exercise
Diet and exercise can work well in helping your cat lose those extra kgs. Contact your vet for a diet plan and to understand the exercise needs of your cat. It is crucial to follow the vet recommended diet and not the feeding instructions on the cat food pack. Plus, avoid feeding human food items from your plate. Stick to the diet chart and try not to deviate from it as much as possible.
Many human food products are high in butter, some can be greasy, and others can contain meat drippings. Overindulgence in such food items can lead to liver and pancreatic issues.
You must feed your cat only treats made for cat consumption. Another safer option is researching tasty treat recipes online and making them at home. This way, there is little to fret about the ingredients used; they are free from food additives, preservatives, coloring agents, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, and other potentially toxic substances. However, pay attention to the food portions.
When it comes to exercise for weight loss, take the process slowly if your cat isn’t used to an active lifestyle. You can take your cat out for short strolls in the beginning to avoid muscle tears and injuries. Gradually pace up the speed and distance, but make sure to accommodate sufficient breaks now and then so your cat can relax.
Interactive toys, games, outdoor activities, traveling, and adventure trips can help encourage your cat to play and enrich its life.
It is advisable to take your cat for its exercise during the cooler part of the day or before meals for walks or exercise, so it enjoys the activity.
Even after investing so much time and effort into helping your cat maintain its weight and health, some health issues are unavoidable. It is one reason why you must consider being prepared with cheap pet insurance in the least. Cat insurance helps provide your fluffy companion the medical care it deserves during accidents, injuries, specific illnesses, and emergencies. So, contemplate buying a policy to keep your cat covered during distressing days of health.
