Three Million Cats Desperately Need a New Year Diet

Over three million pet cats are chubby and the issue is turning into worse in the course of the pandemic, in response to Cats Protection.

In a survey of over 2,000 cat house owners, greater than 1 / 4 (28%) stated that they had overfed their pet for the reason that begin of lockdown in March 2020.

Over a 3rd (36%) stated their cat visited neighbours for a bonus feed and total, one in 5 cats (20%) had usually gained between 1 and a pair of.25 kilos in weight.

This echoes the charity’s CATS report, carried out earlier than the beginning of the pandemic that highlighted no less than 3.2 million owned cats had been already chubby.

Maggie Roberts, Director of Veterinary Services for Cats Protection, stated: “This survey suggests the additional time we’ve spent indoors with our cats has led to us over-indulging them, which house owners did out of affection or to make their feline really feel like a member of the family. Sadly we’re doing them extra hurt than good as chubby cats are at important threat of diabetes, joint issues and urinary infections.

“At a time of 12 months when many people go on a food regimen, it’s advisable to ask your vet in case your cat wants one too.”

One cat at present on a weight reduction regime is Paisley. The five-year-old weighed 10.75 kgs  – twice her really helpful weight – when she was delivered to Cats Protection final 12 months.

After being placed on a specifically prescribed food regimen she was adopted by James Frankland, 52, from Hove, East Sussex who has continued with Paisley’s slimming plan.

“I felt so sorry for Paisley once I first met her, stated James. “She was so massive she couldn’t transfer correctly or attain round to groom herself. I’ve a deep love of cats and was decided to assist her attain a wholesome weight.

“Initially she was following a vet-prescribed food regimen and I later moved her to regular cat meals whereas sticking to accountable portion sizes. Paisley begged for meals most days so I normally purchased her off with a catnip toy or a bit extra play to assist her get extra train.

“She Is now getting used to regular sizes of cat meals and has misplaced greater than three kilos. Although she continues to be two kilos from her perfect weight, she’s already a lot extra agile and vigorous. I’ve little doubt it’s prolonged her lifespan.”

Cats Protection recommends house owners to:

• Weigh out cat meals each day, to not overfill bowls, and if giving your cats treats, scale back the general quantity of meals you present them
• Avoid giving your cat human treats similar to milk or cheese as many cats can not digest cow’s milk merchandise
• Ask neighbours to assist by not feeding them. This is very necessary in case your cat is on a particular food regimen or remedy. Consider affixing a easy paper collar to your cat stating that your cat is on a food regimen and politely requesting neighbours to keep away from placing out meals.

Further suggestions for serving to chubby or overweight cats may be discovered at www.cats.org.uk/weight problems

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