Over Weight Cat.

And a startling 15 per cent are obese, which means that their body weight exceeds the ideal by 15 to 20 per cent. 50 why are cats today likely to be fatter than they were ten years ago? Hill's vet, Libby Sheridan, explains: "In some cases it can be attributed to changes in our own diet and lifestyle that have led to humans experiencing similar problems with obesity.”With the family out all day, there may be no time to play with your cat. When cats are left at home, they often have nothing to do but laze around.
And just as we are at risk of overeating to compensate for our own stressful lives, we often treat our pets in the same way. It's all too easy to show love to our cat by giving extra treats.

A third of owners don't realize when their animal is overweight so animals are increasingly suffering from illnesses associated with obesity such as arthritis and depression."

The problem is not knowing how much food is given or how much is too much. There are also factors that may increase the risk of a cat developing obesity, including neutering, age and some health conditions and medication.

This year is the 13th that Hill's Pet Nutrition has run the Pet Slimmer of the Year Awards for dogs and cats, to highlight this important issue and to encourage owners to think about their pet's lifestyle. In the 200lt competition, winner Mischief Harding from Stevenage shed 38 per cent of his body weight, slimming from a hefty 11 kg to a svelte 6.3kg in just 40 weeks. Owner Sharon Harding said: "Mischief couldn't fit through the cat flap, jump on to the bed or even wash himself! We now have a tree-climbing expert. I couldn't be happier or prouder. Hill's seems to have achieved the impossible when all other routes had failed us."

Question.
WhY should I visit my vet if I think my cat is too fat?
Answer.
Your cat may have an underlying problem causing the excess weight or may be showing signs of disease, such as diabetes or arthritis, which are a direct result of the obesity.

Question.
can't I just reduce the amount offood I give?
Answer.
No. Simply reducing the quantity of food can mean your cat doesn't get the vital nutrients that he needs. He may feel hungry and cry for food or steal from neighbours. Drastically reducing the amount of food your cat is given, particularly if he is very overweight, can lead to health complications. Any change in diet or lifestyle should be gradual and overseen by a veterinary professional.

Question.
How quickly should my cat lose weight?
Answer.Your vet will probably advise a loss of one to two per cent per week. Too rapid a weight loss can cause health problems. And, the slower and more consistent the weight loss, the more likely the cat is to keep the weight off.

Question.
HOW will my vet decide the weight loss plan?
Answer.
Your vet will check to ensure there are no underlying health problems and will then advise how much weight he needs to lose. Many vet clinics employ a nurse trained in weight management. She will consider all factors, including how overweight your cat is, his age, lifestyle and whether he's been neutered. She will recommend an individual weight loss plan, including feeding. Many practices offer free weight management clinics, where you can visit every one or two months for ongoing monitoring, keeping you motivated and your cat on track.

Question.
I have heard that food bought from the vet can be more expensive. Is this the case?
Answer.
Prescription diets are specially formulated to help manage certain conditions, such as obesity. It's true that they are slightly more expensive than standard pet foods. This is a result of the level of technology invested in these foods that ensures your cat receives the right nutrition to help with the weight loss. On top of this, after the initial consultation, you will receive free advice and ongoing support from the vet nurse. It is this added service, care and guidance that you just can't get from a pet shop.

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