What makes cats fat?

Cats can become overweight for a number of reasons. And many of these are similar to those that contribute to obesity in humans. Here we look at the common causes of overweight cats, and what you can do about it.

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Why is my cat overweight?

These are some of the most common reasons for cats being overweight.

●       Overfeeding. This is the obvious one. Giving cats too much food, especially high-calorie food, can lead to weight gain. This might be down to offering too many treats, or not measuring food portions accurately.

●       Poor diet. Feeding cats a diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein can contribute to weight gain. Many common cat foods contain fillers and grains that can lead to excess calorie intake. Look into high-protein alternatives.

●       Lack of exercise. Indoor cats in particular may not get enough physical activity to burn off the calories they consume. A sedentary lifestyle without sufficient playtime can lead to weight gain.

●       Free-feeding. Allowing cats to graze on food all day (free-feeding) can result in overeating. Controlled feeding times with measured portions can help manage weight.

●       Their age. As cats age, their metabolism slows down, and often they become less active. This can lead to weight gain if their diet isn’t adjusted accordingly.

●       Neutering. While neutering (spaying or castrating) a cat is important for their health and to control the pet population, these procedures can also slow a cat's metabolism. We’ll look at this in more detail below.

●       Health issues. Certain medical conditions - such as hypothyroidism or diabetes - can lead to weight gain. It’s important to have regular check-ups at the vet to rule out or manage these conditions.

●       Genetics. Some cat breeds are simply more predisposed to weight gain and obesity. For example, domestic shorthairs and certain pedigree breeds like British Shorthairs are more prone to becoming overweight.

How to manage your cat’s weight

First and foremost, your cat should have a proper diet. Feed them a balanced diet appropriate for their age and weight, also taking into account how active they are. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are generally better for weight management.

This goes hand-in-hand with portion control. Measure your cat’s food portions according to the recommendations on the packaging, or advice from your vet.

Plus avoid free-feeding. Set specific feeding times rather than allowing free access to food. This can help regulate your cat’s calorie intake. And limit treats. These should be given sparingly, and shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.

Regular exercise is important too. Get them moving with interactive toys and regular play sessions. Laser pointers are also great for getting them running and swiping. You should also make sure your cat has opportunities to climb and explore.

To keep an eye on progress, regularly weigh your cat, keeping track of any changes. This will give you a better idea of how best to adjust their diet and exercise routine.

If all else fails, seek advice from your vet. They’ll be able to provide a tailored weight management plan, including dietary recommendations and health check-ups.

Why are neutered cats prone to being overweight?

Neutered cats are prone to putting on weight for several reasons. One of the most significant is the decrease in their activity levels after they get neutered. The surgery affects their hormone levels and metabolism, leading to a slower metabolism and a decrease in their overall energy levels. This, in turn, results in the accumulation of excess body fat.

Plus neutered cats tend to eat more than they need to. This is because their metabolism slows down, and they require fewer calories to maintain their weight. But they may still feel hungry and consume more food than they require, leading to weight gain.

Rachel Andre, Founder of Tippaws, says “We recommend feeding your neutered cat a diet rich in amino acids that increase metabolic rates such as L-carnitine. L-carnitine occurs naturally in animal-based proteins, like meat, poultry and fish - and some cat foods such as Tippaws also contain it as a supplement.

“Studies suggest that L-carnitine may have other health benefits for cats, such as improving heart health, physical performance, and reducing the risk of infections.”