It’s not just humans in the USA that are battling obesity these days, but our pets as well. Current estimates indicate a whopping 40% of cats are overweight. Many of the side effects associated with weight gain are universal and should be taken seriously as they can be life-threatening.

When I first moved to Los Alamos, I was out walking my dog one day and met a yellow lab puppy tied to a neighbor’s porch. As the years progressed this puppy grew into an obese adult who could barely waddle to the end up her rope to greet us. Starved for affection and attention, but obviously not food, I voiced my concerns to her owner (who was also in need of some exercise). I was gratified to see the pair finally out walking several months later, but sadly it wasn’t soon enough and didn’t last long. The dog died at about six years of age, half the lifespan she should have lived.

Cats, too, are prone to weight gain if there is nothing to do during the day but eat and sleep. Interestingly, it appears to be more prevalent in neutered males. Exercise is very important for maintaining ideal weight and muscle tone. Invest in toys that encourage climbing and chasing, anything that raises the heart rate. The taller the cat tree, the better. If you have stairs, utilize them during interactive playtimes. Don’t forget to rotate toys to keep them new and exciting; cats get bored just as we do.

Overweight felines may develop diabetes requiring daily insulin injections, special diets and frequent visits to the veterinarian. Obesity also puts a strain on joints resulting in arthritis. Fat animals are at greater risk when put under anesthesia for teeth-cleaning or surgery. Heart disease can develop along with several other health problems.

I confess in the past I have recommended free-feeding kibble. While it is necessary for growing kittens, decreasing the amount left out should begin as the kitten approaches one year of age, culminating with offering a measured portion twice a day through adulthood.

If you are gone for long periods of time and feel your cat will be hungry, invest in a treat ball or two. Fill with grain-free kibble and hide them around the house. Another way to feed and exercise your pet at the same time is to scatter the dry food on the floor when you leave for work in the morning. If you have time, make an interactive game of mealtime by tossing pieces around the room one at a time. This causes your kitty to exercise (hunt) if he wants to eat. These “meals” should be part of the daily allotment, not extra.

Wet foods, without gravy containing gluten, are now the preferred food recommended by veterinarians along with a good grain-free, high protein kibble. The cost of premium foods will be repaid in lower vet bills and a longer life for your pet. The less expensive, grocery store dry food offerings are loaded with carbohydrates. Your cat may love it (who doesn’t love a good cookie), but as with us it goes straight to their hips and bellies as fat. It can also cause feline urinary tract problems and inflammatory bowel disease, both of which I have personally dealt with in the past.

Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning eating meat is not optional. In the wild, the only grains that are eaten are contained in the stomachs of their prey. Finding cat foods that contain more meat/protein than grains/carbohydrates is a challenge these days, with the shelves groaning beneath dozens of choices. Reading your way through the labels in one aisle alone could take 45 minutes, so do some ingredient research online before you go shopping.

Felines come in all body types and shapes. Some are naturally slim and lanky while others bulk up and appear fat, although it might just be muscle. Many cats carry a loose low-hanging belly flap, or doolap. This is normal unless it is full of fat. To check for obesity in your pet, stand over him and look down; he should display an indentation or “waist” just in front of his hip bones. You can also run your hands down his backbone and ribs feeling for the skeleton. If a handful of skin feels thick, it may be from fat.

If you think you have an overweight pet, a wellness check-up with your veterinarian is in order to rule out any medical cause such as a malfunctioning thyroid. Your vet can also make diet recommendations.

Cursed with “foot-in-mouth-disease,” I find it increasingly difficult to bite my tongue, often failing when I see animals who cannot speak for themselves. With that in mind, I ask you now to examine your own pets to see if a diet/exercise change might be in order. They will thank you by living longer and healthier, easing into old age more gently and in lower vet bills.