Let's face it, everyone loves a chunky cat. They're adorable and so very cuddly. But the reality is that just like humans, being overweight can negatively affect your feline friends' health and lifestyle. At the Cat Clinic & Hospital located the Bloomfield/Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, PA, our exclusive feline veterinary facility caters strictly to cats and kittens, so we can give your kitty the specialized attention it needs.
Our feline only veterinary clinic and hospital has been helping cats stay healthy, lose weight, and stay in great shape since 1979. It’s a good idea to have your cat examined by one of our feline focused veterinarians, but here's some information about how to help your pet with weight loss.
What Are the Health Risks Faced by Overweight Cats?
When a feline consumes more calories than it uses, it's likely to become overweight. Lack of exercise and genetics can also play a role. When this happens, the extra weight can have an adverse effect on your kitty. It can lead to:
• Skin infections
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Joint problems
• Auto-immune diseases
What Can be Done to Reduce My Cat's Weight?
A visit to the Cat Clinic and Hospital is a great first step in your cats' weight-loss journey. We will perform a comprehensive exam to check for any underlying conditions (thyroid, diabetes, etc.) that may be causing the problem. Next, we'll discuss your pet's lifestyle and diet. Once we know why your cat is overweight, we’ll put together a feline fitness plan to get your cat back to a healthy weight.
Keys to Cat Weight Loss
• Increase Exercise - begin slow with about 10 minutes a day. You can use cat toys, laser toys, catnip, feather teasers, fishing poles, and even paper balls.
• Modify the Way You Feed - place all food and treats in your cats' bowl to avoid over-feeding. Feed him several small meals a day to avoid him feeling deprived or anxious.
• Restrict Calories - Talk to your vet about prescription diet food that is full of fiber and protein, but low in calories.
Make an Appointment for your cat at the Cat Clinic and Hospital
If you're a cat owner located near Shadyside and Bloomfield in Pittsburgh, PA, we welcome you to call and schedule an appointment at the Cat Clinic & Hospital. Our veterinary clinic and hospital caters exclusively to cats and their unique issues. We are a full-service animal hospital providing a full range of services from weight control and wellness exams to vaccinations. Give our pet hospital a call today at (412) 681-1122.