cat-article-your-cat-overweight-underweight-or-just-right

cat-article-your-cat-overweight-underweight-or-just-right-mob

adp_description_block376
Is Your Cat Overweight, Underweight or Just Right?

This article is part of a series on how to spot signs of a healthy cat. You can learn more about the key signs here.

Assessing your cat’s body condition is an important step in evaluating their overall nutritional well-being. Particularly in cases where your cat appears to be obese or thin, it is important to evaluate their total health before consulting a vet for a proper nutritional management program. Look for the following signs that your cat is overweight, underweight or just the right size.

thin cat i

underweight cat i

ideal weight cat i

overweight cat i

obese cat i

Thin Cat

Ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones are easily visible
Thick neck and narrow waist
Obvious abdominal tuck
No fat in flank folds; folds are often absent

Underweight Cat

Backbone and ribs can be easily seen or felt
Minimal fat covering
Minimal waist when viewed from above
Slightly tucked abdomen

Ideal-weight Cat

Ribs are easily felt, but not visible
A slight waist can be seen behind the ribs when viewed from above
Abdomen is tucked up and flank folds are present

Overweight Cat

Slight increase in fat over ribs, but still easily felt
Abdomen is slightly rounded and flanks are concave
Flank folds hang down with moderate amount of fat — you might notice a jiggle when your cat is walking

Obese Cat

Ribs and backbone aren’t easily felt under a heavy fat covering
Abdomen is rounded; waist is barely visible or absent
Prominent flank folds sway from side to side when your cat is walking

adp_related_article_block348 492 YOUR --spice-- MAY ALSO LIKE …

adp_related_article_block348
How to Manage Your Dog's Weight

adp_related_article_block348
A Comprehensive Guide To Caring For a Golden Retriever

adp_related_article_block348
Nutrition Basics: Selecting the Right Food For Your Dog

adp_description_block273
Senior Cat Nutrition Facts and Fixes
Share
So, your baby's not a baby anymore.
You remember the first time you met like it was yesterday, but lately you find yourself wondering if your cat has entered the golden years.

Here are some things to know about senior cats, including signs they’re ageing and ways to alter their diets to keep them going strong.

Cats reach their senior years around age 11.
Gasp!
Is my baby ... old?

But older cats are kinda like older people
A 12-year-old cat is equivalent to a 64-year-old human.
This 64-year-old
ran a marathon,
so you never
know.

Don't worry; it's normal.
Just like people, cats often show signs that they're getting older:
• Decreased activity
• Joint weakness
• A picky palate
• Confused by the internet

A complete and balanced diet is important, whether or not your cat has underlying health issues.

Reasons to change a senior cat's diet:

1. Obesity
We get it. Indoor cats have less opportunity to exercise than outdoor cats. Just don’t let those calories add up to unwanted pounds.
10 extra calories a day = up to 1 pound a year.

2. Underweight
Picky eating in older age often comes from a reduced ability to taste and smell. Cats 14 years and older are 15 times more likely to be too skinny.
So make sure you’re feeding your cat a food that’s high in calorie density and as tasty as possible.

3. Heart Disease
Senior cats with heart disease may need a special veterinarian-prescribed food.

4. Kidney Disease
Senior cats with kidney issues may need veterinarian-prescribed food that's lower in potassium and protein.

5. Diabetes
Cats with diabetes may need to eat a special veterinarian-prescribed diet.

6. Dental Issues
Consider adding dry food to your cat’s diet which can help remove plaque buildup.

Bring on the meat!
All adults cats, regardless of age, should be fed a carnivorous diet.
An animal-based protein should be the first ingredient on any cat food label.

What about supplements?
Good news: You don’t have to worry about providing additional supplements when you choose IAMS™. All foods are nutritionally complete and balanced.

adp_related_article_block165 436 YOUR --spice-- MAY ALSO LIKE …

adp_related_article_block165
Is Your Kitten Ready for Adult Cat Food?
Read More

adp_related_article_block165
How to Keep Your Cat’s Urinary Tract in Tip-top Shape
Read More

adp_related_article_block165
The Many Perks of Cat Ownership
Read More