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Reviving a past Friday Fact because today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day.
After you get your cat neutered/spayed you might notice some weight gain, especially after they turn 1 years of age and are considered adults. Adult cats stop growing and their activity levels are generally low compared to when they were kittens. Neutering/spaying decreases their metabolic rate by 20-30%. So generally an adult cat usually needs fewer calories to maintain a healthy body weight. Statistics show about 58% of all cats that a vet sees are overweight and 33% are considered obese. Imagine if you included cats that don’t see a vet!? So it is best to start watching your cat’s weight at the 1 year mark to hopefully keep them healthier in the long run. Here is a list of the most common obesity related conditions for cats:
Bladder/Urinary Tract Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease
Diabetes
Liver Disease
Asthma
Arthritis
High Blood Pressure
Heart Failure
Gall Bladder Disorder
Immobility of Spine
It is never too late to help get a cat to a healthier weight. If you think your cat is overweight, talk with your vet to set a goal for what would be an ideal weight and slowly work at it. Vets say you can’t blame the cat for being overweight, it is the human feeding them that is at fault. Measured portions, less treats and regular exercise are important in helping an overweight cat achieve a healthier weight.