Russell is a couch potato – of the cat variety.
“Russell is not a cat; he’s a potato,” says owner Jessie who has five fur children.
According to a recent study conducted by Royal Canin Australia, 50% of cats do not visit the vet, and half are considered to be obese or overweight.
Dr Sarah Croucher, Veterinarian from the Windaroo Veterinary Surgery, agrees things are getting worse.
“In my role as a veterinarian, I have seen a significant increase in obese cats over time,” Dr Croucher said.
She said this could be due to several reasons, from spoiling our cats too much to not enough physical activity.
But is it time to buy a cat lead and start taking Russell for walks?
“I think there are a variety of factors contributing to an increase in feline obesity,” Dr Croucher said.
“Pet owners seem to over love their animals more than previously, which includes buying all sorts of treats and feeding a higher proportion of human food, such as giving small bits of leftover food both after a meal and during preparation.
“Additionally, an overall shift towards cats living an indoor-only lifestyle is contributing to an increase in obesity.”
Dr Croucher says above average weight can subject cats to further health issues.
“Obesity can predispose cats to a variety of serious medical conditions which require veterinary attention,” she said.
“Overall, studies have shown that obese cats have a lower life expectancy than cats of a healthy body weight.”
Dr Croucher says the same principles of weight loss for humans – improving diet and increasing physical activity – also apply to cats, and they don’t have to be a chore.
“Reduce or eliminate additional snacks entirely to further reduce the amount of calories your cat is eating,” Dr Croucher said.
“Exercising your cat can be made even more simple by allowing them access to a variety of toys to play with.”
Something as simple as a laser pointer for them to chase for 10 minutes a day can be hugely beneficial. Some cats even take well to walking on a leash and harness outdoors.”
So if you also have a much loved Russell in your home, the good news is giving them some exercise can also be a good source of entertainment.
