Why is my cat rapidly gaining weight?
An indoor lifestyle, boredom and lack of exercise can be precursors to weight gain. No outdoor activity or restricted outdoor activity can increase the risk of a cat becoming overweight at one year of age. [2] And boredom, caused by lack of activity, can lead some cats to eat more, Dr. Dereszynski says.
Why is my cat gaining weight but not eating more?
Sudden weight gain or excessive bloating are two more potential signs of cancer in your cat. A definite red flag is when your cat is eating less but seemingly gaining more weight. Again, be sure to stay knowledgeable of your cat’s normal eating habits, and visit your vet right away if you notice any alarming changes.
When should I worry about my cats weight?
Using body weight as a guide, cats are considered to be overweight when they weigh 10-20% above their ideal body weight. They are considered obese when they weigh 20% or more above their ideal body weight.
Here’s what your veterinarian will look for in a healthy cat food for weight gain.
- Find a Type of Food That Fits Your Cat’s Preferences.
- Make Sure the Food Fits Their Nutritional Needs.
- Feed Small, Frequent Meals.
- Try Warming Up Your Cat’s Wet Food.
- Offer the Right Snacks Between Meals.
- Decrease Your Cat’s Anxiety.
Why is my cat gaining weight but not overeating?
There are two main reasons why obesity occurs in cats: availability of excess food and inadequate exercise. Either one of these situations, or a combination of both, will cause your cat to put on an excessive amount of weight.
How can I prevent my cat from becoming obese in the first place?
- Ask your veterinarian to help you choose the most appropriate food for your cat.
- Portion control is critical.
- Choose specific meal times, and then be consistent.
- Consider using interactive feeding toys.
- Increase your cat’s exercise.
What causes unexplained weight gain in cats?
Gaining Weight for No Apparent Reason
If your cat begins to gain weight suddenly or rapidly for no apparent reason, it could be due to a serious underlying medical condition such as parasite infection or hypothyroidism and you should make an appointment with your vet to have them properly diagnosed.
Can a cat gain weight by not eating enough?
Healthy (but skinny) cats may simply need more meals per day and/or free access to dry food in order to gain weight. Cats prefer to ‘graze’ or eat small meals throughout the day so having food available all day long can make all the difference.
Why is my cat gaining weight on diet food?
If your cat has a healthy diet and gets proper exercise but still seems to be packing on the pounds, it’s possible that they have underlying medical condition. In many cases, treatment of the underlying cause can help your cat get back to their ideal weight.Medical Causes for Weight Gain in Cats
- Spaying and neutering. These procedures, in themselves, don’t make your cat fat.
- Pregnancy.
- Arthritis.
- Fluid retention.
- Acromegaly.
- Medications.
- Hypothyroidism.
Why is my cat fat for no reason?
Put simply, the reason your cat is fat is that it’s eating more calories than it’s burning off. This problem is more common among house cats because they tend to be less mobile if not stimulated properly. If your cat is leading a lazy, sedentary lifestyle, it won’t lose any weight.
What can cause a cat to suddenly gain weight?
If your cat begins to gain weight suddenly or rapidly for no apparent reason, it could be due to a serious underlying medical condition such as parasite infection or hypothyroidism and you should make an appointment with your vet to have them properly diagnosed.
Why did my cat get so fat suddenly?
Why Cats Become Overweight. Cats are built for running, jumping and hunting, cats typically gain excess weight when they begin consuming more calories than they are burning however some cat’s are more prone to weight gain than others.
Can stress cause a cat to gain weight?
Stress can be a factor in overweight cats. If your cat is overweight, consider their diet, lifestyle, environment and the placement of their food, water and litter tray.Obesity in cats is becoming increasingly common, but it’s important to know that even a few extra ounces can make a significant difference to your cat’s health.
- Diabetes.
- Arthritis.
- Urinary tract infections.
What illness causes weight gain in cats?
Hypothyroidism. This disease is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone. While hypothyroidism is more common in dogs, cats are more likely to have hyperthyroidism, or an overabundance of thyroid hormone.
What does it mean when cats gain weight?
Being overweight puts a cat at risk for developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.