Weighing in on fat cats

In most western countries, 6 – 40 percent of cats are overweight. The cause? Plain old overeating usually coupled with lack of exercise. Some loving owners may not recognize that their cat is getting a little too hefty.

Cats need to maintain a healthy weight to support good overall health. Always follow the feeding guidelines when feeding your cat.  To help overweight cats achieve a healthy body weight, the makers of WHISKAS^® recommend WHISKAS^® Weight Management food for cats, or WHISKAS^® Indoor Food for cats.

Weigh your cat regularly. You can also check your cat’s body shape by yourself: Gently feel for ribs. You should be able to feel the outline of the rib cage easily, by applying slight pressure.  If you can feel a layer of fat covering the ribs, your cat may be slightly overweight.  If you cannot feel the indentation of your cat’s waist, then he may be overweight.

If you can feel the rib cage easily without pressure, but you cannot easily feel the spine, then your cat is probably in lean condition.  However if you can feel the spine without pressure and easily feel the shoulder blades and hip bones, then your cat is too thin.   

Either way, if your cat is underweight, or overweight, you should take him to the vet for a checkup. A veterinarian can help find any underlining problems, determine her ideal weight and recommend solutions to help her achieve and maintain an ideal body weight.  

Help ensure a long, healthy life for your cat by maintaining a healthy weight through following feeding guidelines, choosing an appropriate diet, and encouraging physical activity.