Cats are cuddly but fat cats are at risk for heart disease. We’re sharing updated data. In 2011, about 50% of cats were obese. The latest study from Pet Obsesity Prevention reveal cats are getting fatter, a whopping 58% regardless of age.

October is National Pet Obesity Awareness Month.

Our reluctant model is Merlin from his obese period during midlife.

It’s rare for Siamese cats to be gargantuan and Merlin is large for his breed, usually a muscular 15 lbs. A few years ago, he porked out from a cat food with a high content of fat and too many treats. We’ve all seen photos online of obese cats looking cute but obesity is no laughing matter.

• Older cats often gain weight more easily and the combination of age plus obesity is a major health risk.
• What considered too fat? A cat who weighs 20% more than their breed standard. If you look down on a cat, usually there should be an hourglass shape like this. Merlin will always have the droopy poochie but he’s slim again. (Please note, be suspicious of rapid weight loss. It could indicate a illness or disease, the common being kidney disease. In fact, in this pic, Merlin was about to be diagnosed with kidney disease.

Let your vet decide if your cat is fat.

• Added weight puts a strain on joints and bones increasing risk for arthritis.
• The lack of mobility from being obese makes grooming more difficult and a cat less inclined to play.
• Fat cats are at risk for diseases like feline lower urinary tract disease and
• hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) and the same health risks as humans: including diabetes it’s National Diabetes Awareness Month ,
• cancer, heart and respiratory diseases. Consult with a vet before you make any dietary changes.

Light or senior cat food usually isn’t as tasty because of the lower fat content but keeping a fat cat trim is in their best interest. Stay away from high carb food. Cats or humans don’t need carbs. Think how you’d look if you only ate pasta, donuts and fries. The feline equivalent is dry kibble.

Older cats are more sedentary, napping more and exercising less. Merlin can’t see well and is no longer able to play games, watch birds or hunt. It’s important to keep him mentally stimulated and physically moving, so we go for walks. The fresh air and earthy smells always perks him up. Encouraging walking up and down stairs is also good exercise. It’s good place to plays games like follow the ribbon snake or catch the Neko fly.

For cats who aren’t seeing impaired, it’s all the more reason for engaged active play twice a day. It’s good for both of you. It’s no surprise that the obesity stats mirror the ones for American humans. A country of couch potatoes breeds fat adults, children and pets. Fat isn’t funny. Fat isn’t cool. Let’s get off our butts and get healthy like Odin.