Unless you want your feline to look this large, follow these steps to help curb his weight gain.
Tips to help your feline return to a healthy weight
February 14, 2012
Pet obesity is major problem in the United States, but recent statistics from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has painted a much bleaker picture for feline owners. According to CatChannel.com, the percentage of cats classified as obese rose from 53.7 percent in 2010 to 54.7 percent in 2011. While canine obesity numbers declined over this same time period, this is depressing news for veterinarians and cat owners alike. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to improve cat wellness and help him shed a few extra pounds that he may be carrying around.
1. Commitment to regular play. Felines are usually happy to sleep most of the day away, but if your companion has started to pack on the pounds, it's time to increase his activity level. Set aside at least a half hour a day to play with your cat - whether this is running around the house and having him chase a feathery toy or a cat nip mouse. Anything you can do to help him get up and moving will aid his overall health.
2. A change of diet. If you've looked on the back of your cat's food lately, you may be surprised about the fillers and other ingredients on the label. Consider switching to a food that is higher in protein, cuts out carbs and is made from natural ingredients. After a month or two on a diet of high-quality food, you'll begin to see your feline return to a healthy weight. Additionally, try to cut out cat treats as well - many of these products are made from the same ingredients as processed food, so they may undo all of your hard work!
3. A water fountain. Encouraging your feline to drink more water is a wonderful way to support proper urinary tract health and help improve his overall well-being. Investing in a pet water fountain will help encourage your feline to drink more water. When felines have a chance to play with their water, they will drink more than normal which can help out his weight loss plan.
The pet obesity problem is reaching epic levels in this country, but there are many ways that you can improve animal wellness and prevent the many future health problems that can arise if you don't take action.
