Episodes > 105 > Pet Vet

“Fat Cat Keeps Getting Fatter”

Too much lovin’ and too much food keep the Fat Cat fat! But you can help Fluffy with a few simple steps!

Ah, yes…the easy life, fed until you can’t take another bite. You push yourself away from your bowl with your paws, lean back, loosen your collar and settle down to an afternoon of taking catnaps and watching “Garfield” cartoons.

Fat and happy as they say…but is he healthy? Fat cats aren’t born that way they are created. There are a number of reasons why that tiny kitty you once knew now looks like a furry football with a tail… Poor nutrition and lack of exercise! Sound familiar? Cats get overweight just like humans do and like humans are susceptible to diseases like kidney problems, diabetes and urinary tract infections.

Meals high in fat and low in fiber can put on the pounds. Table scraps are usually higher in fat than cats can metabolize properly. But don’t take all the blame, most cat foods have a high fat content because it tastes better…and the better it tastes the more they eat.

Here’s some food for thought…the average cat weighs 5-6 pounds. Changing your cat’s diet to 10-20 percent fiber will start to shed the poundage, and of course exercise…like 20 minutes three times a week!

Follow these few tips and you won’t have to worry about your fat cat becoming like “Himmy”…he was the fattest cat on record and weighed in at a plump 46 lbs & 15 oz.

Think you know all about your cat? Well here are a few things that you might surprise you…

1. Milk and eggs are NOT healthy for cats!
2. WOOL sweaters can make cats sick.
3. Your cat's tail is BOTH a balancing tool AND a mood barometer.
4. A big cause of cat fatalities is the WRONG KIND OF COLLAR.
5. Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats.
6. Cats, like humans, can burn in strong sunshine, with white and pale coloured felines being the most at risk.