Library
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Managing the nutritional needs of an older, less active cat requires more than simply reducing food intake. This article explains how veterinarians assess the causes of inactivity, recommend appropriate diets, and guide weight-management strategies for individual cats. It also reviews the role of treats, activity, and regular weight monitoring.
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This handout discusses the risks and benefits of feeding commercially prepared fresh, whole-food diets, as well as home-prepared recipes for your cat or dog. Topics highlighted include food safety, nutritional imbalances, and the need to ensure that any diet has been well-researched for nutritional safety and completeness.
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Feeding your cat the appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to their overall health and well-being. Each cat has unique nutrition needs, dependent on individual preferences and activity levels. In addition, nutritional requirements and dietary preferences change over the course of the cat's lifetime.
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The optimal diet varies among individual animals in any species. The best way to avoid nutritional deficiencies and excesses in a home-cooked diet is to follow recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists who are experienced in using formulation software. This handout outlines the advantages and disadvantages of home-prepared diets, and best practices to ensure the diet is complete.
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By-products are "secondary products produced in addition to the principal product" as defined by AAFCO. By-products are commonly found as ingredients in commercial pet foods and are considered highly desirable by many human cultures. This article discusses misconceptions and nutritional value of pet by-products in food.
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Corn and grain have been included in commercial pet foods for many years, but they have recently been portrayed as "fillers" with little nutritional value. Contrary to popular opinion, corn and grain provide a wide range of essential nutrients that support the health of dogs and cats.
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Obesity in Cats -
In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in cats. Just over 60% of domestic cats are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.
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Obesity is the most common problem in cats in North America. The negative effects of obesity are far-reaching because it contributes to other diseases and shortens cats’ lives. Obesity can be prevented or reversed when dog owners are aware of calorie intake, body condition, and activity levels.
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Obesity is a common problem in cats. It results from too many calories being eaten and not enough calories being burned. Extra body fat causes increased inflammation in the body, worsening osteoarthritis and joint disease. To prevent your cat from becoming obese, speak to your veterinarian about your cat’s calorie needs and an appropriate food for your cat's life stage. Increasing your cat's daily activity can help prevent or reverse obesity. Be aware of your cat's body condition and keep track of her weight.