Dietary control is key, says Dos Santos, as it is easy to end up overfeeding them.
A fully formulated diet accredited by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association is best because it has gone through all the nutritional tests needed for a balanced diet.
Depending on the breed, size, age and lifestyle of the cat, they will have particular needs. Getting the diet right early on is key to preventing obesity, according to Daniella Dos Santos, president of the British Veterinary Association. Ideally, their fat coverage should allow you to feel their ribs with a gentle touch and you should be able to visibly see their waist from above and a slight abdominal tuck from the side. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association scores body condition in cats from 1-9. A PDSA PAW 2018 report last year from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals found that 68% of cat owners were unaware that their pet was overweight or obese, so developing an eye for the signs is a good habit to get into.
