Cat illnesses
O is for ...
OBESITY:
Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder of dogs and cats.
It is estimated that 25 to 44 percent of pet dogs and up to 40 percent
of pet cats seen by veterinarians are obese.
Causes of obseity:
Physical Activity: Cats who are often idle, bored
or inactive expend less energy and require fewer calories than active
pets. Activity
levels tend to decrease with age.
Diet: Some cats consume too much food it they are
offered an unlimited or excessive amount of any diet. In addition,
most table
scraps and treats are high in calories and cause weight gain.
Genetics: Some breeds appear to be more at risk
for obesity, which suggests a genetic factor. And of course, individual
metabolic
rates can also vary from one animal to another.
Beware that sudden weight loss in your cat can lead to a condition
called HEPATIC LIDPIDOSIS or Fatty Liver Disease. Weight Loss should
be undertaken only under your vet's supervision
Obesity -
VetMedCenter
Obesity
- The Risks to Your Cat - from Cornell
Obesity:
Too Much Feast, Not Enough Famine - Edmund Doroz, BSA, DVM
Plump
Pets Need Your Help - University of Illinois Vet School
Love
is Not Spelled T-R-E-A-T-S - University of Illinois Vet
School
Overweight
Cats & Dogs: Causes, Risks, Treatment & Prevention - Drs.
Smith & Foster, DVMS
Obesity
In Cats - Another excellent article from The Pet Center
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