IS YOUR CAT FAT?

Domestic cats bask, snuggle, snack, nap and generally lead a relaxed yet sedentary lifestyle. If your cat is packing a few extra kilos and you are worried it may be overweight, then a change of diet or an increase in activity may be a good idea.

The modern day cat is fed its daily meal without the necessary need to hunt for food. They like their meal routines and a demanding meow at the appropriate time is often all it takes to get a feed. Puss, if it's motivated enough, could have already snacked on the neighbour's cats bowl before running home in time to collect 'desserts'.

The first thing to determine is whether or not your cat is overweight. This can be difficult as normal weight varies for different breeds of cats. A cat's breed, frame, height and length are all factors in a cat's appropriate weight.

While there are several indicators, always check with a veterinarian before taking any action. A veterinarian will recommend a proper diet and exercise routine to avoid any unnecessary changes to a cat's regular diet or activity level. An assessment will also ensure there are no underlying health problems.

Cats that are overweight are more at risk of heart disease and diabetes. Arthritis problems may also begin earlier in an overweight cat compared to a cat of healthy weight.

Exercise for felines
While we can rule out a walk around the block, there are lots of games you can play with puss in and around the home. Here are just a few:

* Use a laser pointer to shine a dot on the wall - your cat will delight in chasing it.

* Bounce a ball downstairs and encourage the cat to chase it.

* Strategically place healthy treats in high places such as atop cat scratching poles and on windowsills. Your cat will have to leap for its food!

* Purchase a 'wind-up' mouse (or several!) and watch the action unfold.

Diet change
Although exercise is one option for weight loss in cats, the best way is a diet change. A veterinarian can calculate your cat's dietary requirements and determine how much food you need to feed it. If your cat is not satisfied with the amount of food it is currently receiving, then it may be reasonable to change to a different food with lower calories so it can eat more and feel full.

The most important aspect in encouraging a cat to lose weight is being patient as weight loss is a gradual process.

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