Did you know that obesity is a very common problem with house cats? Many of our feline patients are, well, a bit pudgy. This isn’t surprising, given that they spend so much time sleeping! Read on as a Carolina Forest, SC vet lists some things you can do to keep Fluffy in shape.
Toys
Exercise is very important to your pet’s health and well-being. Of course, you probably won’t have a lot of luck telling your furball to do stair runs. And if Fluffy ever did get on a treadmill, she’d probably just take a nap on it. Keep your kitty active by giving her lots of toys, and taking time to play with her every day. Even a few minutes of pouncing, jumping, and running will help. Plus, this is a great way for you to bond with your pet, and spend time with her.
Furniture
Kitties are very curious, and they love to investigate things. Many of them are also quite fond of heights. One way to keep Fluffy active is to offer her some pieces of pet furniture that encourages her to jump and climb. Cat towers are a purrfect choice here!
Proper Feeding Habits
As one might expect, diet plays a huge role in your pet’s weight. Offer your cat a high-quality food. Serving sizes are also important. Even giving your feline buddy just a few calories too many each day can cause her to pack on extra pounds. It’s also worth noting that many kitties have their humans trained to fill their bowls on command. Don’t let that adorable furry face fool you! If Fluffy just ate a can of food, but is crying for more, that cute meow may be a lie. Of course, portion control and feeding schedules aren’t the only things to consider here. Many lower-quality foods contain fillers like wheat and corn, which are high in carbs and/or sugar. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Limit Treats
Treats are another factor in kitty obesity. There’s nothing wrong with giving your cat a special snack, but if your pet gets treats whenever she meows, well, you may have a furry little diva on your hands. Spoil Fluffy with toys, catnip, and cuddles, instead of with food. Do you know or suspect that your cat is getting pudgy? Contact us, your Carolina Forest, SC vet clinic, today!
