Why is the cat getting fat
It turns out that among pets the problem of obesity is much more common than among humans. According to statistics, every second domestic cat and dog is overweight, but only every fourth owner knows about it. Experts from Royal Canin told how to help your pet get in shape and love a healthy lifestyle together.
Excess weight causes serious harm to the body, and not only to humans, but also to pets. “An overweight dog or cat is susceptible to more than 20 diseases, and animals are at increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and orthopedic disorders. We all want our dogs and cats to be healthy, which is why it is so important to educate owners about this problem, teach them to recognize the symptoms of overweight and help pets maintain optimal weight “, – the General Director of Royal Canin in Russia commented on the choice of the public-talk topic Svetlana Obruchkova. An open discussion took place on May 17 in Moscow in the DI Telegraph space. The experts were a specialist in gastroenterology and animal nutrition Daria Zheltysheva and author of the Frenzy Drying fitness marathon Vasily Smolny… The discussion was moderated by a TV presenter Dmitry Ignatovand his French bulldog Captain Larsen is a special guest.
People, as a rule, are aware of the fact that they have gained too much and strive to lose weight, especially before the beach season. But among pets, “body positive” is more common: obesity and fatness of pets, unfortunately, are included in the aesthetic norm. “If you look at a Labrador or British cat, then today’s average representative of these breeds will be larger than 20 years ago,” says Daria Zheltysheva. “The same trend holds true for corgis, pugs, Persian and Scottish cats.” Owners do not know how to determine overweight in their pets, consider them normal (even thin) and overfeed. Animals gain weight not abruptly, but in stages, and cross the threshold from a couple of extra pounds to morbid obesity imperceptibly for the eyes of the owner.
“The ideal weight of each pet is determined individually,” explained Daria Zheltysheva. “This figure depends on breed, sex, age and other indicators.” Therefore, it is impossible to give recommendations that a cat, say, should weigh 4 kilograms, and a dog – 15. To recognize obesity, it is more convenient to use the system of scoring of body condition accepted among veterinarians. Pat your dog or cat on the sides – all ribs should be felt at normal weight. Look at the belly: its contour should create a clear line tending to the pelvic bones, without sagging. Take a look at the pet from above: the waist should be clearly visible (if the coat allows you to see it). If one of these conditions is not met, your animal has excess weight that needs to be shed. And if you notice fat deposits on the back or a “roll” at the base of the tail, it’s time to go on a diet urgently – this is a sign that your pet is over 30% overweight.
During the public talk, the technique was tested on the French bulldog Captain Larsen. The owner of the dog Dmitry Ignatov explained that his pet is still a puppy, he is only 7 months old. The dog’s waist, ribs and belly line were in excellent condition, and a small “youthful fat” is not a reason for excitement, Daria Zheltysheva reassured the owner. However, in the future, you need to closely monitor the dynamics of the dog’s weight.
Why are the kilograms growing?
Animals gain weight for the same reasons as humans. As explained by the fitness expert and creator of the famous weight loss project Vasily Smolny, the surest combination on the path to obesity is an excess of food and a lack of physical activity. Food quality is also important: excess sugar, especially refined sugar, in the diet contributes to a sharp rise in blood insulin levels, and this hormone instantly stores excess energy in fat. Therefore, you should not give your pet food from your table. A piece of ham weighing 30 g, consumed by a cat in excess of its daily diet, is equivalent to 12 donuts for a person!
“You can draw parallels between the feeding behavior of the owner and the animal: if you overeat, then the animal too,” explained Dmitry Ignatov. “Research by Royal Canin shows that only 20% of owners measure the feed and fill in exactly the amount recommended on the package every time they feed their pet.” Daria Zheltysheva added that many animals do not know how to determine the moment of saturation and will eat until they are stopped by force or until the food runs out. “An empty bowl should not be a signal to fill it,” she stressed.
What if the cat is constantly begging for food? Answering a question from the audience, the expert explained that such a common problem is a consequence of the habit of communicating with the owner only through food. “Most likely, the animal does not have enough attention, but it does not know other ways of communicating with you,” said Daria. Food is not the only way to improve relationships with an animal, there are also games and walks for this, the veterinarian recalled.
How can you help your pet build? The basic principles of weight loss for cats and dogs are the same as for humans: eat less and move more. But first of all, you need to go for an examination and show your pet to a veterinarian and then adhere to the diet prescribed by him. “This will reveal possible hidden diseases that accompany excess weight and obesity,” explained Daria Zheltysheva. When it comes to diet, it is not portion size that needs to be cut, but total daily calories. To do this, you may need to switch to special dietary food with reduced nutritional value. Do not overdo it on treats, including sticks for brushing your teeth: they are very high in calories. And, of course, you need to walk more and play with your pet, exercise. And the most effective and funniest thing is to lose weight with your animal. This call from Vasily Smolny ended the Royal Canin public talk.
Video source: Getty Images.