How can I tell if my almost 8 year old spayed female Domestic Short Hair who weighs 9 lbs is overweight? I asked my veterinarian what her ideal weight would be but he wouldn't tell me.
-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
How do I tell if Precious is overweight?
- Thread starter avemaria02
- Start Date
You should be able to feel, but not see, her ribs if she's the proper weight, and a waistline should be visible. This thread has a chart that's helpful: Ideal weight for cat
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3
Thank you. It would appear that she is overweight and borderline obese. What can I do to reduce her weight? I know I can reduce the amount of food she gets and I can play with her more for exercise but as for reducing the food, I don't know how much to reduce it by.
Good on you for asking first!!!!!!!
Cats do NOT diet well/easily. They are unique in that they do not metabolize body fat very well....their livers do not have the necessary enzymes for this. You or I could survive on a desert island without food for quite some time (do note the "or" between you and I
Cats' livers will attempt to do this (a natural mammal reaction)....but, the fat gets absorbed by their livers - the livers themselves become fatty and eventually go into failure, and death follows. The condition is commonly called 'Fatty Liver Disease', more properly Hepatic Lipidosis.......we've seen many cases here at TCS.
There are safe guidelines for getting your kitty to slim down - the best (imo) come from a reputable online Vet (who doesn't sell anything, btw) and who spends countless volunteer hours on The Feline Diabetes Message Board, helping people like us get and keep - and, get over - their cats' diabetes. I hope you're a "reader" - that'll help. Here you go: http://www.catinfo.org/?link=felineobesity
Be open to a discussion about types of food, too.....not just quantities.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #5
Thank you very much!
