Cats | Pet Lover Blog

Obesity is a severe and debilitating illness. It is the most common nutritional disease in pets and people; estimates suggest that up to 45% of dogs and up to 13% of cats are obese (many doctors think these estimates are quite low judging by the number of obese pets they see every day in practice.) Current medical opinion states that a pet is obese if it weighs 15% or more over its ideal weight. While pet owners often use the pet’s actual weight to gauge obesity, it is probably more accurate to use a body composition score. Body composition, measured by looking at the pet from the top and sides and feeling the areas over the ribs and spine more accurately reflects obesity than a certain magical number.

Can pet owners prevent obesity? Keep in mind that most obese pets are made, not born, that way. Many owners give their pets treats and snacks and feed them whenever the pet begs for food. In essence, these owners are setting their pets up for all of the medical problems that can occur with obesity. While many people who constantly reward these begging behaviors believe that they are being kind and loving owners, they are actually killing their pets with kindness.

Problems that are associated with obesity in pets and people are numerous and include orthopedic problems (including arthritis,) rupture ligaments, intervertebral disk disease, difficulty breathing, reduced capacity for exercise (and in severe cases any movement at all,) heat intolerance, increased chance for complications due to drug therapy (it is more difficult to accurately dose medications in obese pets,) cardiac problems, hypertension, and cancer. When you keep in mind that the excess body fat occurs in the body cavities of the chest and abdomen (often being deposited there first) as well as under the skin (what we see as “fat”,) it is not surprising all of the medical problems that can be associated with obesity.

Because diseases such as hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus can be associated with obesity, obese pets should be screened for these disorders prior to treatment for obesity

The treatment of obesity involves restricting calories and increasing the metabolic rate via a controlled exercise program. Using store bough “Lite” diets is not usually adequate, as these diets are not designed for weight loss but rather weight maintenance. Additionally, since many store bought diets may contain chemicals, by-products, and fillers, they would not be a part of a holistic pet program. Homemade restricted calorie diets would be the first choice for dietary therapy for obese pets (see my book The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats for an example of a homemade diet for overweight pets;) processed “obesity-management” diets available through veterinarians would be the second best choice as some of these diets may also contain chemicals, by-products, and fillers. These “obesity-management” diets are used until the target weight is obtained, then replaced with a homemade maintenance diet if possible. Foods which increase metabolism such as vegetables which are high in fiber are included in weight loss diets. Fiber, contained in vegetables, decreases fat and glucose absorption; fluctuating glucose levels cause greater insulin release. Since insulin is needed for fat storage, decreased or stable levels are preferred. Fiber also binds to fat in the intestinal tract and increases movement of the food in the intestines, which is of benefit to the obese pet.

There are several natural therapies that may be helpful as part of the treatment of obesity in some pets. Suggested therapies include chromium, carnitine, herbs (cayenne, ginger, and mustard,) hydroxycitric acid (HCA,) white bean extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG,) and coenzyme Q-10. The natural treatments are widely used with variable success but have not been thoroughly investigated and proven at this time. However, a new supplement that appears promising contains the clinically tested starch blocker Phase 2 pet

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Food

Dry food has been a recommended staple diet for cats by many experts for a number of years. It is an easy option to leave a bowl of dry food out constantly; something that cannot be done with tinned food. Unfortunately though, it’s not a natural food source and has been developed by humans using many additives and un-natural products. Cats, like humans, will eat until they fill themselves up. However, dry food has many more calories and carbohydrates than a natural food source, which leads to the cat taking in far more than necessary just to feel full-up. Many owners assume that their cat is just greedy, but in many cases it is not the quantity of food being eaten, it is the quality.

Naturally, cats are obligate carnivores; meaning they only feed on other animals. The cats prey however, are generally herbivorous and have various vegetable and plant matter in their guts. All of which, will be consumed by the cat. Domestic cats have been shown to have longer intestines than wild cats; proving they have evolved over hundreds of years to cope with more plant and vegetable matter (carbohydrates). Still, this is no excuse to turn a carnivore into an omnivore. Rather, supplementing the diet with small amounts of carbohydrates is acceptable.

Many consumers believe that dried food is actually better for cats. The manufacturers have implemented the belief that all these additives such as corn and grains are an important part of a cat’s diet, implying ‘the more the better’ approach. Although very small quantities of these may benefit the cat, too much will be detrimental to their health.

Kidney disease is one of, if not the biggest killer in cats. Kidney disease is usually a result of lack of water and unfortunately, cats have a very low thirst drive. Although they may drink when eating dry food, they will generally only take in half of the liquid necessary for their health. A cat’s prey item consists of around 75% water, canned and raw foods have a similar amount. Dry foods on the other hand usually have a maximum of 10% water content. It is obvious therefore, that canned or raw foods are an absolute must to maintain a healthy cat.

Cats need a high level of protein in their diet which must come from animals. Plant protein differs from meat protein, and should not be substituted. When protein is calculated in canned food, the moisture content must be subtracted from 100 and the protein percentage worked out from the result. For instance, a canned food with 8% protein and 75% water means that the true protein value should be worked out like so:

Non-Moisture Content = 25% so: 8

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Obese - Meaning cats that are 20% or more, heavier than their ideal weight.
Overweight - Meaning cats that are between 1-19% heavier than their ideal weight.

It is estimated over 50% of the UK’s cats are overweight.
20-30% of these are Obese.
Cats between 2 and 10 years old are more likely to be overweight.
Cats prefer smaller, more frequent meals.
In the wild they may eat up to 20 meals per day.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they strictly feed on animals in the wild.
Cats naturally eat raw meat; it is perfectly acceptable to feed raw meat in captivity.
Cat’s teeth are designed to tear meat, not crunch on dry biscuits. Dry food should not be fed to benefit the cat’s teeth.
Water is a very important part of the cats diet:
o A cat’s prey is generally 75% water.
o Dry food usually has no more than 10% water.
o Tinned food usually has approximately 75% water.
o Kidney disease is the number 1 killer of cats. Kidney disease is usually the result of lack of water.
o It is important for water to be a part of the food, as they have a very low thirst drive and will not drink as much as they should.
Cats excrete the enzyme ‘amylase’ from the pancreas. Amylase is used to break down carbohydrates; it is lethal to feed too many carbohydrates, but a small 3-5% carbohydrate level is ideal.
o Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate.
o Starch is a digestible carbohydrate.
o Un-used carbohydrates are stored as fat.

Causes of Obesity

Humans are the number one underlying cause for overweight and obese cats.
Overweight humans are more likely to have overweight pets.
Cats that eat dry food are more likely to be overweight.
Cats often eat when they are bored.
Inactive cats are 16 times more likely to become obese.

Indoor cats are twice as likely to become overweight.

Disabled cats are more likely to be overweight.
Neutered cats are 3 times more likely to become overweight.
A neutered or spayed cat usually has approximately 20% lower metabolism due to being less active. This means they require approximately 20% less calorie intake.
High energy cat food should only be fed to energetic cats. This will not make un-energetic cats more energetic.
The temperature at which your cat is kept at will affect its metabolism. Cats that live predominantly outdoors will need more calories to maintain a higher body temperature. Cats kept in a centrally heated house will need a lower calorie intake.

Effects of Obesity

Obesity shortens life expectancy.
Obesity can cause the following conditions:
o Diabetes mellitus - Sugar diabetes
o Lower urinary tract disease - Several disorders involving the bladder and urethra.
o Lameness - Due to arthritis or muscle injuries
o Non-Allergic skin diseases - Due to being less able to groom.
o Hepatic lipidosis - Fat build up in the liver.
o Cardiovascular disease
o Lower stamina levels and exercise tolerance
o Higher risks when using anaesthetic
o Dystocia - Problems giving birth
o Pickwickian syndrome - Strain on the lungs due to excess fat, making it harder to breathe
o High blood pressure - Leading to heart failure
Overweight cats are 4 times more likely to develop Diabetes mellitus
Obese cats are 7 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
Overweight cats are 3 times more likely to be affected by lameness.
Obese cats are 3 times more likely to get non-allergic skin diseases due to being less able to groom.

Obese cats are twice as likely to die at middle age, between 6 and 12 years old.

By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.
http://www.petclubuk.com

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