Obese - Meaning cats that are 20% or more, heavier than their ideal weight.
Overweight - Meaning cats that are between 1-19% heavier than their ideal weight.

• It is estimated over 50% of the UK's cats are overweight.
• 20-30% of these are Obese.
• Cats between 2 and 10 years old are more likely to be overweight.
• Cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals.
• In the wild they may eat up to 20 meals per day.
• Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they strictly feed on animals in the wild.
• Cats naturally eat raw meat; it is perfectly acceptable to feed raw meat in captivity.
• Cat's teeth are designed to tear meat, not crunch on dry biscuits.  Dry food should not be fed to benefit the cat's teeth.
• Water is a very important part of the cats diet:
  -   A cat's prey is generally 75% water.
  -   Dry food usually has no more than 10% water.
  -   Tinned food usually has approximately 75% water.
  -   Kidney disease is the number 1 killer of cats.  Kidney disease is usually the result of lack of water.
  -   It is important for water to be a part of the food, as they have a very low thirst drive and will not drink as much as they should.
• Cats excrete the enzyme 'amylase' from the pancreas.  Amylase is used to break down carbohydrates; it is lethal to feed too many carbohydrates, but a small 3-5% carbohydrate level is ideal.
  -   Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate.
  -   Starch is a digestible carbohydrate.
  -   Un-used carbohydrates are stored as fat.

Causes of Obesity

• Humans are the number one underlying cause for overweight and obese cats.
• Overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets.
• Cats that eat dry food are more likely to be overweight.
• Cats often eat when they are bored.
• Inactive cats are 16 times more likely to become obese.
• Indoor cats are twice as likely to become overweight.
• Disabled cats are more likely to be overweight.
• Neutered cats are 3 times more likely to become overweight.
• A neutered or spayed cat usually has approximately 20% lower metabolism due to being less active.  This means they require approximately 20% less calorie intake.
• High energy cat food should only be fed to energetic cats.  This will not make un-energetic cats more energetic.
• The temperature at which your cat is kept at will affect its metabolism.  Cats that live predominantly outdoors will need more calories to maintain a higher body temperature.  Cats kept in a centrally heated house will need a lower calorie intake.

Effects of Obesity

• Obesity shortens life expectancy.
• Obesity can cause the following conditions:
  -   Diabetes mellitus - Sugar diabetes
  -   Lower urinary tract disease - Several disorders involving the bladder and urethra.
  -   Lameness - Due to arthritis or muscle injuries
  -   Non-Allergic skin diseases - Due to being less able to groom.
  -   Hepatic lipidosis - Fat build up in the liver.
  -   Cardiovascular disease
  -   Lower stamina levels and exercise tolerance
  -   Higher risks when using anaesthetic
  -   Dystocia - Problems giving birth
  -   Pickwickian syndrome - Strain on the lungs due to excess fat, making it harder to breathe
  -   High blood pressure - Leading to heart failure
• Overweight cats are 4 times more likely to develop Diabetes mellitus
• Obese cats are 7 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
• Overweight cats are 3 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
• Obese cats are 3 times more likely to get non-allergic skin diseases due to being less able to groom.
• Obese cats are twice as likely to die at middle age, between 6 and 12 years old.

By Chris Jones
Director of PetClub UK Ltd.

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