
Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulationof body fat. At least 25 percent of all cats areconsidered obese or are likely to become obese.It is the most common nutrition-related healthcondition in cats in our society. The primary causes of obesity are overeating andlack of exercise. When regular caloric intakeexceeds the energy burned, the excess is storedas fat. As little as an extra 1 percent caloricintake can result in 25 percent increase over ideal body weight bymiddle age.
Most owners don't recognize that their cats are overweight until they
take them to the veterinarian for another reason. Most pets begin slowly gaining weight and only a historical review ofbody weight reveals the insidious nature of this condition. Cats that are overweight may experience difficulty breathing or walking or they may be unable to tolerate heat orexercise.
Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine overall health and to provide recommendations for weight loss.
Diagnostic...
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