How Can I Make My Overweight Cat Lose Weight?
Although the fat, cuddly Garfield cat makes a cute comic-strip character, the picture for real live cats that are overweight is not so amusing. According to the Pet Center website, obese cats–which include 40 percent of the pet cats in America–are at increased risk of developing serious medical complications, including diabetes, hepatic lipidoisis and arthritis. You can tell if your own cat is overweight by checking its midsection and evaluating its shape–if you cannot feel your cat’s ribs, or if your cat does not have a discernible waist, it is time to put your cat on a diet. By feeding the proper food, controlling portions and helping your cat get more exercise, you can help your feline friend lose weight and become slimmer, more agile and alert, and healthier. Take your overweight cat to the veterinarian for a physical exam that includes blood and urine tests, as well as an exact weight. It is very important to check that thyroid function is normal, and that there is no metabolic