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Jan 11

Does Your Cat Need to Shed Some Pounds? Here’s How to Help It Lose Weight – Inside Edition

Lose Weight Comments Off on Does Your Cat Need to Shed Some Pounds? Here’s How to Help It Lose Weight – Inside Edition

Making one of the first inspirational stories of the year, Zack the30-pound, overweight cat was adopted into his forever homeand will be enjoy a strict new diet. Zackweighedtwotimes a healthy weight when he arrived atMichigans Humane Society.

Thankfully, hes on the road to weight loss with his new owners, and you can learn more about his story in the video above.What exactly are Zack and his new owners up against in their new journey together?

What weight isconsidered obese for a cat?

Obesecats are at least 20% heavier than their optimal weights, per International Cat Care. Studies show that59% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Owners spent hundreds of extra dollarseach year when their feline companions are overweight, according to PetMd.

What are the health risks for the cat?

Overweight cats have a shorter life-expectancy due to various health conditions that can be triggered by obesity.

Cats thatare overweight can be susceptible to numerous diseases and complications, such asdiabetes, high blood pressure, arthritisand urinary tract disease. Excess weight can also put a strain on the cats lungs, making it hard for the animal to breath.

Obesity cantriggerhepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease, which can leave felines in need of a feeding tube and IV fluids. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

An increased risk of cancer is the case for obese cats as well. Mental health can also be a struggle for the overweight animals because their instincts areto run when theyre in danger. An inability to do that, because of their weight, can cause them distress.

How can owners help their cat drop excess weight?

Just like humans, exercise and diet play a major role in helping a cat lose weight. Owners can take their animals on short walks or play games with them that help expend calories.

The next thing thats recommended is for the cat to cut calories, but not too drastically, as that can also trigger hepatic lipidosis.

Vets recommendno longer leaving food out for your cat all daybut feeding the cat threeto four small meals a day. A meat-based diet, high in protein, is recommended over dry kibble. Also, swap out the cats treats for healthier ones and make sure its water bowl is full to help satiate hunger. Its recommended for a veterinarian to help decide what diet would be best for your pet.

Regular weigh-ins, every two to three weeks, for your cat can also help to keep yourself accountable as the owner, per theVeterinary Centers of America.

Once you get your cat to a healthy weight, then its all about maintenance. Owners are urged to continue to monitor their animals food intake and activity.

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Does Your Cat Need to Shed Some Pounds? Here's How to Help It Lose Weight - Inside Edition

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