How healthy would you feel if you stuffed yourself with five muffins a day? For a cat of four kilos, one teaspoon of cream and one piece of liver pâté correspond to this. In 2016, it was estimated that there were 750,000 cats in Norway distributed among 400,000 households. Up to 60 percent of our cats are now overweight. – Being overweight has become the new normal, says Kristina Johansen, veterinarian at AniCura and expert in preventive medicine and nutrition. One kilogram can correspond to 30 per cent. Obesity in cats increases the risk of a number of health problems: increased risk of types of cancer, osteoarthritis, skin diseases, urinary tract problems and a shorter life. Like us humans, obesity and lack of physical activity are the main causes of insulin resistance in cats. One teaspoon of cream and one piece of liver pâté for a four-kilogram cat is equivalent to five muffins for us humans. Photo: Privat One kilogram of excess weight can reduce insulin sensitivity by 30 per cent. Veterinarian Sasja Rygg in AniCura has previously spoken out about obesity in cats. She explains that a cat that should ideally weigh 3.5 kilos, but has “a little too much” on its stomach and now weighs 4.5 kilos, will have an increase in body mass of almost 30 per cent. Sasja Rygg is a veterinarian at AniCura. Photo: Privat In comparison, it would be equivalent to putting on 23 kilos for a man who initially weighed 80 kilos. – Seen in this perspective, it will be a heavy cinema to carry. The right feed is the key Lene Rasmussen is a veterinarian at Rana veterinary office. She says she often brings in animals that are clearly overweight. Veterinarian Lene Rasmussen at Rana veterinary office. Photo: Rana Veterinærkontor But it can be difficult to slim down overweight animals, especially cats. – They can get both angry and very verbal if they don’t get the food they want. Rasmussen says it is particularly difficult in the winter months. In winter, there are several lazy days for many cats. Veterinarians then recommend changing the cat’s diet. Photo: Elise Angermo Fossland / news – Today there are many cats who lie indoors and slumber during the winter. Then there will not be as much consumption of calories. Then Rasmussen recommends putting the cat on a “seasonal diet” and switching to feed that is adapted to the level of activity. But there are also other things you can do if the puss has become a little too round over the belly. Here is the vet’s best advice: Reduce food intake Give diet food to the cat, and be careful with the portion sizes. In addition, reduce snacks and treats. Although the cat may crave human food, it can damage both the quality of life and the health of the cat. As with us humans, it is also advisable to give the cat several small meals. For example, two to four a day. In the wild, cats capture small animal prey approximately twice each day. The cat does not need to have access to food all the time. A good tip is to place the bowl at a height. This means that the cat has to jump or climb to get its food. Play and cuddle with the cat When your cat seeks contact, it is not necessarily to get food. Maybe the cat actually wants to play or cuddle? When you reward such behavior with food, the cat learns that when it initiates contact it gets a reward, the vets explain. Although cats are known to be lazy and lazy, they are also playful animals. Vets therefore recommend keeping your cat fit. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news The best prevention against osteoarthritis is an active and slim cat. Play the cat in shape. Cats are more difficult to exercise than dogs, but playing with a ball, string or laser can speed it up. Ask for help But if nothing helps: Seek advice from a veterinarian. Vets do more than help the cat if it has fallen ill. They can also advise on nutrition to improve your cat’s quality of life. Photo: Simon Skjelvik Brandseth / news Food can be medicine and can extend your cat’s life, if the food contains the nutrients your cat needs. The vet can carry out a health check and help with feed guidance and frequent weighing.
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Slimming a cat – Three good tips
