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Fight Fat Naturally
54% cats are obese or overweight
Cats are considered overweight if they weigh more than 15% of their ideal weight. Obese cats are 20% or more overweight.
Obese cats are vulnerable to health problems that include diabetes, osteoarthritis, liver disease, skin and coat problems. Weight loss can sometimes be achieved by increasing activity level. Encourage playtime on a TALL cat condo/tree. Running up and down is a great calorie burning activity.
However, most obese cats have little desire to begin an exercise program. Therefore a nutritional diet strategy for weight loss seems to be the best option for most cats.
The nutritional approach is two fold. First, increase protein in the diet. A diet food for cats should contain 35% protein. A variety of no grain (low carbohydrate) diets are easily found which are higher in meat protein levels. Second, reduce calories by limiting portion size. It is very important that your cat does not miss a daily meal. Fasting is dangerous for cats and can lead to liver failure very quickly.
Visit your cat's health care team at Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital to start our Biggest Loser program. We will determine your cat's ideal weight and make certain no underlying health problem exists.
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