Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Small Animal Hospital LLC

2340 N. Newhall St

Milwaukee, WI 53211 US

414-276-0701

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
    • Mission Statement
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Office Tour
    • Online Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
      • Laser Therapy
      • Types of Pets We Care For
      • Preventative Health Care
      • Diagnostics
      • Dentistry - Oral Diagnostics and Treatment
      • Surgery
      • Vaccines
      • Spay and Neuter
      • Wellness Exams
      • Geriatric Care
    • History
    • Meet Our Team
  • Clinic Hours
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Birds
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fun with Pets
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • Appt Request
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

Preventing Obesity in Cats

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Cat eating from bowl

How to Help Your Cat Maintain a Healthy Weight

Overweight cats look cute in cartoons and memes, but feline obesity is no laughing matter. Excess weight strains your pet's heart and joints and increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, urinary tract problems, cancer, and skin conditions.

Is Your Cat Overweight?

It's difficult to determine the ideal weight for your cat if you look at numbers alone. Although experts say cats should weigh between 7 to 12 pounds, some cats may be overweight or obese at 12 pounds, while others are sleek and slim.

A quick examination will help you evaluate your pet's weight. Run your hands over your pet's body. Can you feel the ribs or are they hidden under a thick layer of fat? The ribs are normally covered by a small amount of fat but can be felt easily if your cat isn't overweight. If you can't feel your pet's ribs, it may be time to make some changes to your pet's diet.

Take a look at your cat's waist from above while he or she is standing. You should see a slight indentation between the hips and back legs. A round appearance with no noticeable waist may mean that your cat is overweight or obese.

What You Can Do to Prevent Obesity

These steps can help your cat avoid the dangerous consequences of obesity:

  • Offer Food Appropriate for Your Cat's Age. Your pet's nutritional needs change throughout his or her lifetime. Growing kittens require more frequent feedings and need extra nutrients in their food. Continuing to feed cats food intended for kittens past one year of age can lead to weight gain. Food changes may also be needed as your pet ages. Less active, older cats may benefit from lower-calorie senior food. Your pet's veterinarian can help you find a type of cat food that meets all of your pet's nutritional requirements.
  • Pay Attention to Portion Sizes. Do you throw a handful of food in your cat's dish every time you notice it's empty? Overfeeding is a common cause of weight issues. In fact, your pet may only need one-third to one-half cup of food per day, depending on the food's calorie count. Take a look at the cat calorie calculator offered on the Pet Nutrition Alliance website to determine how many daily calories your cat really needs.
  • Limit Treats. Too many treats can also affect your pet's weight and may be a factor in obesity. Treats should account for no more than 10 percent of your pet's daily caloric intake, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.
  • Help Your Cat Stay Active. Cats need regular exercise to maintain their ideal weight and keep their hearts, muscles, and joints strong and healthy. Your cat may enjoy batting at the toy at the end of a kitty fishing rod, chasing a laser beam, or fetching a small toy. Interactive treat mazes offer physical and mental stimulation for your cat (as long as you pay attention to the calorie count of the treats), while battery-powered mice give your pet a fun workout. If you're handy, a homemade maze or climbing tower can keep your pet busy for hours.
  • Visit the Vet. It's easy to overlook a slight weight gain in your cat. Unfortunately, even an extra pound may increase your pet's risk of developing health problems. During annual wellness exams, your pet's veterinarian evaluates your cat's weight and body condition and can offer a few healthy eating tips if your favorite feline has started to gain weight.

Approximately 60 percent of cats are obese, according to the American Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Could your cat be one of them? If you're concerned about your cat's weight, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Pet Nutrition Alliance: Calorie Calculator for Cats

Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University: Top Five Nutrition Mistakes Pet Owners Make, 5/31/17

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: 2018 Pet Obesity Survey Results

Cornell Feline Health Center: How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?

Catster: Do You Have an Obese Cat? Here’s How to Tell, 3/6/18

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Appointments

  • HOLIDAY HOURS

    We will be open on Thursday, December 24th and Thursday, December 31st from 9am to noon. We will be closed for Christmas on Friday, December 25th and New Year's Day on Friday, January 1st. We will also be closed on Saturday, December 26th and Saturday, January 2nd. Happy Holidays!

  • Mobile Pet App

    Click here for more information on how to get our mobile PET PAGE app. You can view your pet's medical history, request an appoinment, request refills, and more!
  • Schedule An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Use our online booking, moblie pet page app, or call us to schedule an appointment today! Click here to book an appointment online.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am

5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am

7:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am

5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am

12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The best! Our last dog had a several very serious health conditions crop up, no matter what Dr. Banks and the staff always made time to fit us in, give us the time and attention that is unheard of from other vets, and even call to follow up or with another thought on their own time. We will absolutely continue to bring our pets to Small Animal in the future."
    - Devin Mattix
  • "My rabbit and guinea pig have both been seen by Dr. Bennetts and staff. She is very thorough, genuine and honest. The vet tech we had was also very patient and friendly. Definitely, recommend for small animal care!"
    - Kami Christel
  • "I’ve been going to the Small Animal Hospital for as long as I’ve had pets. The staff are courteous and kind - I always feel like they have my pets best interest in mind when they are mapping a treatment plan. They’re the best!"
    - Wendy Sanderson

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    Identifying Dementia in Senior Dogs

    Have you noticed changes in your older dog's behavior? ...

    Read More

    Keep Your Pets Safe From Toxic Household Items

    Do you know which household items can sicken your pet? ...

    Read More

    Preventing Obesity in Cats

    Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim. ...

    Read More

    Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health

    Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy? ...

    Read More

    Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month

    Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash? ...

    Read More

    Bringing a New Pet in the Home in the New Year

    Are you planning on adding a pet to your family this year? These tips will help you prepare for the arrival of your furry, feathered, or finned friend. ...

    Read More

    Cold Symptoms in Dogs

    Could your sneezing, sniffling dog have a cold? ...

    Read More

    Cold Weather Pet Safety

    Do you know how to keep your pet safe this winter? ...

    Read More

    Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

    Keep Thanksgiving day safe for your pet by following these tips. ...

    Read More

    November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

    Do you know the symptoms that can occur if your pet has cancer? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map