PET CARE
Cat Obesity
Feeding your cat extra treats or cuddling for longer naps, may be hurting her more than showing her love. It may be leading to an overweight or obese cat. MetLife1 shares information on how you may be hurting your cat in the long run by not monitoring their weight now.
Much like human obesity, carrying excess weight takes a toll on your cat’s body. The extra pounds can cause hip and joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, not to mention a shorter life expectancy. Along with the physical side effects, there are emotional ones too. Your cat may become more withdrawn from family and other pets in the home, making them more likely to continue gaining weight; and can lead to depression or acting out.
Preventing Cat Obesity
Preventing and treating your cat’s obesity is something you should first discuss with your veterinarian. The first step should be a complete veterinarian exam making sure there are no underlying physical conditions also adding to the obesity. Once given the green light, your veterinarian may offer some of the following treatments and recommendations:
Establish an eating plan (sounds better than putting your cat on a diet, right?). This will take some retraining for you, your family and your furry friend, so be patient. Everyone has to make the changes, or it won’t be successful. Establish a feeding schedule and stick to it as much as possible, including timing and quantity.
Control the number of treats and review the treat’s ingredients to ensure they are well-balanced for your cat’s health.
Exercise your cat, indoor cats can exercise too. Teaching your cat to come when their name is called or encouraging the cat to follow you around the house while you do chores are two great ways to start out. As your cat begins to get more exercise, you’ll notice a decrease in your pet’s appetite and their body composition will begin to change.
Examine your personal commitment to improving your cat’s health through weight loss. As your cat’s guardian, are you committed to making these changes in your cat’s eating and exercise routines? If you are not leading the charge in making these changes, your furry feline can’t win the battle of the bulge. So what can you as the pet parent do?
Review the eating plan and make sure there is no snacking or feeding between meals.
Only feed your cat in her food dish.
Commit to playing with your cat for 30 minutes or more each day. Set aside the time and find something you can do together such as playing with a new toy, chasing a jingle bell ball or investing in the cat treehouse.
Communicate with your veterinarian these changes you have made and commit to taking your cat in for regular check-ups. Your veterinarian is your partner in improving your cat’s health and will be able to help you along the way.
Consider Investing in Cat Insurance
Looking for more ways to protect your kitty? Consider investing in a cat insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1 Get your free quote today.
Protect your Cat
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.