Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time with your cat. And if you’re also like me, then your cat spends a lot of time eating food and lounging around the house. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on your pet’s weight and make sure that he or she isn’t getting too big for their britches: literally! Here are some signs that indicate your cat may be overweight so you can take steps to correct this problem before it becomes worse:
Is my cat fat?
You may be wondering if your cat is overweight. The answer is yes: cats can be overweight. But don’t panic! Your cat isn’t likely to get fat from eating too much dry food, or even from eating too much wet food. Cats are not naturally fat like humans, but they do have a tendency to store fat around their abdomen and other areas of the body in order to keep warm in cold weather and to protect their internal organs when they are ill or injured. Cats who have been on a diet for an extended period of time will also start putting on weight again once they stop restricting their intake so strictly.
Fat cats can be unhealthy because they tend to be less active and energetic than normal-weight cats; this lack of exercise leads them into poor eating habits (like consuming processed foods), which makes them even fatter! They are also more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and respiratory problems if left unchecked by veterinarians who specialize in treating obese pets such as dogs or cats (not all vets know how best treat these conditions).
The cat is standing with its back legs a bit apart.
If your cat is standing with its back legs apart and looking a bit uncomfortable, this is a sign that it is overweight. The reason for this is that being overweight puts pressure on the cat’s joints. This can lead to arthritis, which can make movement even more painful.
The best way to tell if your cat is overweight or not is by feeling its ribs. If you can feel them easily through its fur, then it needs to lose some weight!
If your cat has arthritis, the same applies – time for dieting! Cats love treats just like people do so try giving them some dried fish or chicken instead of treats made in factories with chemicals or preservatives in them. This will help keep their weight down while they heal from their joint problems as well as helping prevent new ones from forming in future years when they age out of adolescence (about seven years old).
The cat’s sides are bulging.
Here’s one that might seem obvious, but if you’re looking for signs of cat obesity, look at the sides. The cat should have taut sides that are not bulging outwards at all. If they are bulging outwards and you can see a lot of fat there, then your cat is overweight and needs to lose some pounds.
The cat has a rounded belly.
You might expect your cat’s belly to be tucked in, but if it’s rounded and looks like it could burst, then this is a sign of obesity. This is especially true if the rest of their body is slim or average.
If your cat has this problem, they may not be able to groom as effectively due to the size of their stomach. This can lead to skin problems such as hair loss and even infections (like ringworm).
If you notice that your cat has a bloated belly but no other signs of being overweight or obese (such as excessive weight gain or difficulty breathing), it could be something else entirely—so make sure you take them to see the vet for an examination!
The cat is breathing heavily and seems to be panting.
One of the most common signs of a fat cat is heavy breathing. It’s easy to think that this means your cat is tired or bored, but it can also mean something more serious.
When cats get too hot, they start panting as part of their cooling process. If your cat is panting heavily it may be time to take them to the vet for a checkup!
The cat has difficulty jumping onto things.
If your cat has a weight problem, it may be hard for them to jump. A fat cat might have trouble with jumps that they once easily made. For example, a heavier cat may not be able to jump onto high surfaces like the top of a fridge or dresser anymore. Their body weight may also make it difficult for them to jump up into places like beds, chairs or tables.
When the cat walks, its sides shake.
When the cat walks, its sides shake.
A fat cat’s sides move up and down more than a slim cat’s. This is because of two things: First, the cat is carrying extra weight that it doesn’t need to carry. Second, the fat has pushed out from under their skin and into their ribs and chest cavity (i.e., their ribcage). This makes their body stiffer than it would normally be if they were leaner.
Fat cats also have trouble keeping up with other cats when they’re playing or fighting because they can’t jump as high as leaner cats can!
Bloat.
Bloat is a serious health condition that can be fatal if left untreated. The stomach fills with gas, causing it to twist and cut off the blood supply to the stomach and intestines. If your cat has bloat, he will be in pain and unable to eat or drink. Some other signs are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal swelling (look for a “potbelly”)
- No appetite
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, you need to start an exercise regime and put the pet on a diet immediately.
If you see your cat displaying any of these symptoms, you need to get them to the vet immediately. Cats are more likely to suffer from obesity than dogs because they are natural predators who have a high metabolism and low level of body fat. A cat’s diet should be low in fat and high in protein. This will help them keep a healthy weight. Examples of good brands for overweight cats include Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets and Iams Veterinary Formula but there are many others available on the market today as well!
Conclusion
If your cat is looking a little chunky, you should monitor its weight and see if there are any changes in your pet’s condition. Also, don’t forget to keep them active by playing with toys, engaging in play-time activities like fetch or hide-and-seek games.