Prevention of Feline Obesity

6. Prevention of Feline Obesity

The goal of any weight-loss program is to facilitate a progressive decrease of body fat stores without detrimental effects on health. However, success is variable and, since long-term follow-up of weight loss programs is often poor, relapse is frequent. Consequently, it is preferable to prevent obesity occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to cure it once it has developed. As mentioned above, obesity has a number of health and welfare implications, most notably by decreasing both quality and quantity of life.

Weigh and Perform a Body Condition Score on Every Cat at Every Consultation

Both of these assessments should form part of a standard physical examination. They enable subtle body composition changes to be noted, and increases in body weight (suggesting over feeding) can therefore be picked up and rectified early on. However, these assessments also have wider health implications, because subtle weight loss might be recognized as the first component of another significant medical disease.

Communicate the Message of Obesity Prevention Early on

Advice on healthy eating and exercise should be included in all kitten consultations and continued for all cats whenever they are seen at the practice.

Be Alert to Weight Gain in Middle-aged Cats

Strategies to prevent obesity from developing should be implemented most aggressively in cats between 6 and 10 years of age. Most important is to prevent the onset of obesity in young (adult) cats, since these animals are the ones that will benefit most from avoiding excess adiposity (in terms of effects on longevity and reduced disease risk).

Be Alert to Weight Gain after Neutering

Like with age, neutering is a major predisposing factor for overweight and obesity (Figure 13 and Figure 14). It is advisable to schedule 2 - 3 weight-checks in the first 6 - 12 months after neutering to identify those cats at risk of weight gain and correct it before it becomes a problem.

Figure 13. Weight gain after neutering. (From Harper, 2001).

Figure 14. Serial body weight monitoring of a cat.

Promote the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle for all Cats

Encourage responsible feeding behaviors, which utilize many of the strategies discussed for the treatment of obesity (see lifestyle alterations). This includes weighing and recording food intake, avoiding the feeding of extras, and promoting regular physical activity through exercise and play sessions. Ideally, all practice staff should be encouraged to promote these concepts, and waiting room literature and other forms of education and support should be available to all owners.

Target New Pet Owners

It goes without saying that people who have only recently taken on a new pet, will have limited experience with pet ownership. Hence, it is important to make sure all new owners have the education and support necessary to prevent obesity problems from developing.