Symptom12 connections · 3 sources
Obesity
Obesity is a significant health problem in cats that should be prevented whenever possible or reversed when present. Overfeeding -- even by small amounts -- can lead to substantial weight gain. Just 10 extra pieces of dry kibble per day can cause 10% weight gain in a year.
Key Facts
- A significant health problem that increases risk of diabetes-mellitus and other conditions
- Canned food helps with satiety due to higher water content, aiding weight management
- Measuring food accurately (gram scale or measuring cups) is essential
- Switching from dry to canned food is often the first step in a weight loss plan
- Feed for the target healthy weight, not the current weight
- Obesity predisposes to heat stroke in dogs
- Improper feeding contributes to obesity, diabetes, kidney, heart, and liver disease
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (12)
Related Conditions
Cruciate Ligament RuptureCondition
Excess weight is a major risk factor
Cushings SyndromeCondition
Pot-bellied appearance from fat redistribution
Degenerative ArthritisCondition
Excess weight dramatically worsens arthritis
Diabetes MellitusCondition
Excess weight is a major risk factor; weight loss improves regulation 13-fold
Hepatic LipidosisCondition
— major risk factor
HyperlipidemiaCondition
Maintaining healthy weight is important in management
LipomaCondition
— risk factor
OsteoarthritisCondition
— overweight increases arthritis risk