How to tell if your kitty cat is packing on extra pounds or is merely reflecting its DNA from a distant, more giant breed cat relative? This is often confusing to many cat owners because there are many feline breeds out there of all sizes.
It can be all the more confusing when larger cat breeds grow a few sizes up. If you share a similar confusion, then learn if your furball is fat or just fluffy. This clarity can help sort out a lot of troubles for your cat. Overweight and obesity can cause critical health issues like diabetes, heart and liver problems, bone and joint issues, and much more.
Consider monitoring your cat’s weight regularly and being prepared with kitten insurance NZ just in case something goes wrong with its health. Kitten insurance allows you to support your furball with quality medical care during accidents, allergies, injuries, illnesses, dental, emergencies, and more, depending on the level of cover chosen.
Contemplate purchasing a policy so getting medical help for your furry friend need not be financially burdening. In the meantime, read this article to learn how to determine if your cat is overweight.
1.Weigh your cat
Learn what is the average weight for your cat’s breed, age, and gender. In the case of domestic cats, the average weight should be between 3 to 6 kgs for a small to a medium-sized cat, and male cats typically weigh more than female cats of the same age belonging to the same breed.
It is worth noting that a fluffy coat doesn’t significantly add to the weight. If your pet is purebred, compare your cat’s weight with the breed standards. If your furry baby seems heavier, consider helping your cat lose those extra kgs.
2.Touch and feel
Work your hands along your cat’s rib cage, back, up, and down the tail. Normally you should be able to feel the shape and outline with little hassle. If your fur companion weighs more than the ideal weight, it can be difficult to feel its ribs, spine, and tailbone. You might have to work a lot to get past the fur and fat to feel the bones.
3.Eyeball your cat
You might look at your kitty every day, but do you look at its physique carefully? Observe the outline from behind when your cat is resting on that tree or floor. Do you see some layers hanging over its hind legs? Also, get a perspective from above. Does the mid-section appear wider than the hip joints at the rear? Also, does your furball’s abdomen hang low while it strolls? Abnormally large torso, sagging tummy, and disproportionate body parts are some signs that point to obesity.
When unsure, consult your vet for advice. Being overweight could be simply due to a lifestyle disorder, poor dietary habits, or a more serious health problem that needs medical attention. Learn what is contributing to your furball’s excess weight so you can seek workable solutions from your vet.
At the same time, consider being prepared with kitten insurance in NZ, so your kitty is covered for basic health benefits during dire health scenarios. Kitten insurance helps provide your cat with timely health care without you having to worry much about the finances involved. With benefits like this, why will anybody not consider buying a policy?
