Can't you differentiate the ribs when feeling your cat's back? Maybe you are overweight and you haven't realized! Obesity is a serious problem among people and already affects a large number of pets in Spanish homes. So much so that some studies consider that half of cats weigh more than they should and one in ten is obese.

In this post we tell you some of the dangers that being overweight can bring to kittens and some of the ways to attack this problem. Keep reading!

What causes obesity in cats?

When facing overweight, it is important to know its causes. Some veterinarians especially highlight five fundamental elements:

• Diet: diet plays an essential role when it comes to obesity. Many owners give their kittens more calories than they expend in their daily lives and this inevitably causes weight gain.

• Sedentary lifestyle: a sedentary life without physical exercise can be another of the main causes of obesity and overweight. Many kittens spend much of the day sleeping in their homes and do not get all the exercise their bodies need.

• Age: the prevalence of overweight and obesity is highest in cats between 5 and 11 years old. In older felines, the metabolism is slower, some joints begin to hurt and movement is less, helping to gain kilos.

• Neutering: as confirmed by some studies, cats that have been neutered are also more predisposed to obesity due to the hormonal changes they suffer.

• Attitude of some owners: owners of overweight or obese cats spend less time playing with them, tend to use food as a reward and often misunderstand their cat's behavior regarding food.

What risks does being overweight bring to a cat's health?

Sadly, many feline lovers are not yet aware of the dangers that being overweight can bring to our little ones. And they have to realize as soon as possible that obesity can act as a trigger for multiple disorders and pathologies. Some of the most frequent diseases caused by weight gain are…

• Cholesterol

• Hypertension

• Fatty liver

• Bone and joint problems

• Diabetes

• Respiratory problems

• urinary diseases

• Or weakening of the immune system

These conditions require constant medical supervision and can significantly impact a cat's quality of life. Obesity (and its conditions) are serious health problems and it is necessary to find a solution as soon as possible to prevent the cat from suffering its consequences.

But what solutions exist to avoid being overweight?

There are several options that can help your kitten avoid obesity. First of all, we recommend that you feed your kitten from puppyhood with healthy food (special for its age, breed and condition) and not give it homemade food or too many pet treats. With this you will get your kitty used to healthy food!

You can also try to activate your feline and help it be more active, but how? If your kitten is lazy by nature, you can encourage him to move through a series of games. Exercise is so much more fun when it doesn't feel like exercise! Buy him toys that awaken his “hunting instinct”, let him entertain himself chasing a point of light or a feather toy, or give him an interactive game. You'll get him moving while he's having fun.

And finally, if you see that your little friend is starting to gain weight, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian and choose specific foods with a low fat content, top quality materials and natural ingredients. Some example? DMN Light Menu , a food with reduced energy content that provides digestible fiber, a feeling of satiety and good intestinal transit.

And here we leave it for today. If you have any questions, ask us through one of our social networks. We will be happy to help you!