STRAYZ - How to spot obesity in cats and support healthy weight loss through better nutrition and more exercise.

# Overweight Cats: Is Your Cat Too Heavy? Here’s How to Tell

Has your cat’s little belly become noticeably bigger recently? Then it may be time to take a closer look. **Being overweight is not a minor issue for cats**. It is a genuine risk factor for their health and quality of life.

Excess weight can contribute to:

- diabetes mellitus
- urinary stones
- joint degeneration
- a shorter life expectancy
- a reduced quality of life

## Is your cat overweight?

A quick check can often give you an initial indication:

- Can you still feel your cat’s ribs easily?
- Can you see a defined waist when looking at your cat from above?
- Does your cat’s abdomen appear noticeably rounder or heavier than before?

> **Important:** Abdominal fat and the so-called **primordial pouch** are not the same thing. The primordial pouch is the loose flap of skin on the lower abdomen that many cats naturally have. It should not automatically be mistaken for excess weight.

## What causes cats to become overweight?

Several factors can contribute to weight gain in cats:

- portions that are too large
- too many snacks and treats
- low-quality or highly calorific food
- increasing age and reduced activity levels
- indoor living without enough physical and mental stimulation
- stress, comfort eating or food competition
- neutering
- certain medical conditions
- breed or genetic predisposition

**Food quality** also plays an important role. If the food contains sugar or artificial flavour enhancers, a cat may continue eating beyond its natural feeling of fullness. The more natural and species-appropriate the food is, the better a cat may be able to regulate its appetite.

## What food is suitable for overweight cats?

For overweight cats, high-quality wet food without added sugar, grains or artificial flavour enhancers is generally a better choice than dry food. Due to the way it is produced, dry food often contains several of these undesirable ingredients at the same time.

It is always worth checking the feeding guidelines on the packaging, as many cat owners unintentionally provide too much food.

**The target weight is what matters:** For example, if a cat weighs six kilograms but is overweight, its food allowance should not permanently be based on a body weight of six kilograms. Instead, it should gradually be adjusted towards the cat’s healthy target weight.

However, the amount of food should **never be reduced abruptly**. A sudden and severe reduction in calorie intake can be dangerous for cats. Portions should therefore be adjusted gradually and ideally in consultation with a veterinarian or qualified veterinary nutritionist.

## Treats count too

Treats are often forgotten when calculating a cat’s daily food intake, but they contribute to the overall calorie intake. Extra snacks in addition to the recommended daily amount can quickly add up and have a noticeable effect on body weight.

Leaving food available at all times is generally not a good option for adult cats. Several small meals spread throughout the day are usually preferable to only two large meals. When given very large portions, some cats are more likely to eat too quickly rather than respond to their natural feeling of fullness.

## More exercise for indoor cats

Unlike outdoor cats, indoor cats cannot independently fulfil their natural need for movement and exploration outside. They therefore need active support and stimulation.

Suitable activities include:

- feather wands
- balls
- puzzle feeders
- interactive toys
- catwalks and climbing structures
- shared hunting and movement games

Activity levels should be increased gradually so that the joints and cardiovascular system have time to adjust to the additional exercise.

## A simple everyday tip

For a few days, write down exactly:

- how much food your cat receives
- how many treats your cat is given
- whether several people are feeding your cat
- whether your cat has access to another animal’s food bowl

This overview often reveals where additional calories or unintentional feeding mistakes are occurring.

As a general rule: **The higher-quality and more species-appropriate the food is, the easier it is to manage your cat’s daily food intake.**

Being overweight is also frequently associated with **diabetes and urinary stones in cats**. Both conditions are closely linked to nutrition and should be kept in mind if your cat remains overweight.

## What goes into STRAYZ cat food?

We deliberately decided to make our **STRAYZ organic cat food** completely free from added sugar, grains, artificial flavour enhancers, binding agents and any other unnecessary stuff your cat simply does not need.

Our food is also **100% transparent**, so you always know exactly what is going into your little fluffball’s bowl!