You've probably heard about the "obesity epidemic" in the United States in reference to the increasing numbers of overweight people in the country. What you may not know is that the cat population has its own obesity problem. In fact, obesity is the most common nutritional disorder among domesticated cats. If your cat is on the chunky side, it may be time to take action. Consider these diseases and conditions that a cat may be a greater risk of developing if your feline companion doesn't go from fat to fit.
Diabetes
An obese cat is at risk for diabetes. The warning signs of diabetes in felines include increased thirst and an increase in how often the cat urinates. Once developed, a cat will need insulin therapy, which can be costly and even frustrating for a cat owner who has to regularly administer it. A cat who loses weight can decrease their chances of developing it.
Congestive Heart Failure
Obesity can be a contributing factor in the development of congestive heart failure in cats. It happens when the cat's heart can't adequately pump enough blood for their system. This is essentially a condition that plagues the cat because of heart disease.
Urinary Tract Disorders
A cat may also develop feline urinary tract disease when they are obese. Thinner cats also suffer from this disorder, but obesity puts a feline at greater risk for getting one of the disorders. If cats are experiencing this problem, you may see blood in their urine or take note of how often they are urinating. If there is an increase in urination, it's a good idea to take the cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis
Don't get too scared by the long name of this issue, but this disease can be the result of the chronic bad habits that an obese cat can develop. Commonly referred to as fatty liver disease, feline hepatic lipidosis occurs when there is an excessive amount of fats in the liver tissue.
Finally, if you think your cat may be considered obese, it's important to take them to their veterinarian. Not only can a veterinarian give your cat a thorough exam to ensure that they are currently healthy enough to withstand changes to their diet and daily movement, but the animal doctor will also be able to give you specific suggestions to help your cat's unique health and situation. It's never too late to get your feline companion on a healthier path. Get help for your cat from a place like Gulfport Veterinarian.
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