Fat Cat

It seems obesity is an ever spreading epidemic throughout the human race, especially in the United States. This uncontrolled condition has gotten so outrageous that is has actually affected many of our animal counterparts, such as pet dogs and cats. Cats are predominantly at risk. Studies show that there are more cats than dogs in the U.S., and over half of the entire population of domesticated cats are considered overweight. Even more unfortunately, 40% of those that are overweight are actually obese. As with humans, cat obesity leads to many dangerous diseases such as Feline Diabetes Mellitus (diabetes), liver disease, arthritis, and heart and skin problems. Considering it is us, the humans, that feed our fellow furry friends, it is more than fair to say that our poor habits are taking a grave toll on our dependent cats. Too often, our cats are being overfed while under nourished. This is a growing problem that must be rectified.

Just as with the human body that is prone to gain weight when it is left to consume more calories than burned, a cat is just as susceptible, if not more so. Unlike other mammals, such as dogs or humans, cats do not need a carbohydrate intake. In fact, they do not possess the same carbohydrate-digesting enzyme in their saliva, called Amylase. Amylase usually begins the carbohydrate breakdown process in the mouth, and then further in the intestine and pancreas. Lacking the enzyme in their saliva, cats have far less amylase activity than most other mammals. Nature intended a high protein, meat filled diet for our precious cats; not the grain based dry food full of flour, sugar, and preservatives we hazardously pour into an ever full food bowl. Unfortunately, considering the commercially packed supply of cat foods out on the market, the high carbohydrate content converts into a high risk of weight gain.

What cats are being fed goes hand in hand with how much is actually being provided. Free choice cat feeding is used by many cat owners, leaving a constant bowl of dry food throughout the day so kitty can nibble whenever she pleases. Though cats are more particular about eating when they feel like it, boredom, emotions, and simply the lingering presence of available food can trigger overindulgence. Constant available food directly coincides with the overabundant amount being fed to the cat. Humans tend to think in portions of cups as servings versus ounces. But considering that an average sized human only needs 16 to 24 ounces of food per meal, a cat should be fed in regard to a similar ratio. Instead of following the suggestive serving sizes on the labels of cat food, which will no doubt lead to an overweight cat, one should gauge food provisions on a much smaller scale, namely half an ounce to an ounce per meal.

As for human; with diet comes exercise. Before evolution reared domestic cats into adapting to the residue of poor habits exhibited by their owners, cats hunted for their food. Sustainability was never guaranteed, and prey was on the run. The chase and capture of a mouse, bird, or other small rodent is certainly the ideal menu for a prime feline diet, but it also requires calorie burning energy to fuel the hunt. After evolving to an indoor lifestyle, cats now leisurely eat in frequency without ever having to run, jump, attack, or expel even a small amount of energy. This lack of exercise also paves a path to obesity.

The rise of weight gain has reached a new height, contributing to many counts of discomfort and disease around the world. Overall, there is a huge commonality amidst the major reasons animals gain weight. Simply put, burning less calories than intake is a cross between diet and exercise. That being said, intelligent eating and physical movement are key ingredients to a healthier, more balanced weight for any mammal, humans and cats alike.