October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month! Of course, if you tell your feline pal that she needs to drop a few pounds, she’ll probably just yawn and lick her paw. Fluffy may not be very concerned about her weight, but you should be. Extra weight can take a huge toll on your furry pal’s health and well-being, and can even shorten her lifespan. A Bellevue, WA vet lists a few reasons for cats to be pudgy in this article.

Overfeeding

Portion control is one of the most important things to be mindful of. You don’t have to be very far off to overfeed Fluffy. Just giving your kitty a few extra calories a day can cause her to gain a pound a year. A hundred extra calories puts her closer to a pound a month. Yikes!

Poor Food Choices

There are quite a few things to consider when choosing Fluffy’s menu. Dry food and wet food both have pros and cons. Wet food is generally the superior choice, as it has higher moisture content. On the downside, it’s more expensive and spoils quickly. Dry food is cheaper and lasts longer, but may contain carb-heavy fillers, such as corn, which may contribute to weight gain. It’s also important to choose a food that is appropriate for Fluffy’s age and lifestyle. Ask your vet for advice.

Boredom

Kitties are just as prone to boredom snacking as people are. We know, cats seem to thrive on doing as little as possible. However, Fluffy can’t sleep all day. Make sure your feline buddy has ways to occupy herself when she is actually awake. We also recommend taking time to play with your pet every day.

Genetics

Aside from diet and activity, genetics can also affect your furry buddy’s weight. Some kitties are just more prone to becoming butterballs than others are. Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats are both a bit prone to packing on weight. Of course, these are both fairly large breeds to begin with, which can make it tricky to tell if Fluffy is overweight. Your vet should be the ultimate judge.

Medical Issues

Another thing that may come into play here is Fluffy’s health. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can contribute to weight gain. If your feline pal suddenly starts gaining, and you can’t tell why, contact your vet.

Do you know or suspect that your furry friend is overweight? Contact us, your local Bellevue, WA animal clinic, today!