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The introduction of dry cat food, although wonderfully convenient for their human counterparts, has not necessarily been kind to cats. The very nature of dry cat food means it is substantially higher in carbohydrates and substantially lower in water, than is ideal to keep your kitty at a healthy body weight.
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Obese cats are at great risk for many of the same serious diseases that affect humans - diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis -- as well as one other - hepatic lipidosis which can place your kitty in a life-threatening situation in a matter of days.
An ounce of prevention
If you were to ask anyone who has ever tried to help their kitty lose weight, they'll tell you it's a difficult proposition. Keeping your cat slim in the first place is a much easier option.
Introducing canned food into your cats' diet is one of the best ways to avoid obesity.
Canned food is lower in carbohydrates and the protein content helps your kitty feel fuller for a longer time, therefore avoiding the desire to snack continually on dry food. An additional benefit is the higher water content which contributes to a healthier urinary system and reduces the chance of kitty becoming constipated.
Feeding your cat multiple small meals throughout the day will mimic their natural feeding pattern and providing the largest meal in the evening will take advantage of their innate metabolic system of utilizing calories in the most efficient way. Carefully measuring portions will also combat inadvertent over-feeding.
Balance
It is possible to have the best of both worlds. Feeding canned food at specified mealtimes and leaving a very small amount of dry food out for nibbling on throughout the day and night can keep you and your cat happy.
Ask your veterinary staff to help you tailor a specific feeding plan that contains the appropriate portions of a high quality veterinary diet. Investing in good nutrition and feeding can mean a longer, healther life for your beloved cat.
