If there’s one thing we know for certain about cats, it’s that these charismatic little furballs really take their beauty rest seriously. Fluffy can sleep up to 20 hours a day! While our feline friends’ penchant for napping is certainly very cute, it does have a few downsides. For one thing, your kitty’s napping predilection can make it very easy for her to become obese, which would be very bad for her health. Below, a Bucks County, PA vet offers some tips on keeping your cat fit.
Dangers of Obesity
We know, chubby cats are adorable … but that extra weight is very dangerous for them! Obese kitties have much higher risks of developing some very serious health conditions, including heart trouble, liver disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Fluffy will be much healthier if she stays at or near her ideal weight.
Diet
It’s very easy to overfeed our feline friends. Even giving Fluffy just a few calories too many each day can rapidly cause her to pack on pounds. Ask your vet for specific recommendations, including serving sizes.
Playtime!
Take time to play with your cat every day. Not only is this a purrfect way for you to wind down after a long day at work, it will be great for your kitty physically. Pouncing and jumping can burn calories fast, so even just a few minutes of playtime will be beneficial for Fluffy.
Furniture
Cats don’t seem to mind making themselves comfortable on our furniture, but they really benefit from having some things that they don’t have to share. Get Fluffy some pieces of pet furniture that promote fun activities like climbing and jumping. A cat tower is a great option for this!
Toys
Make sure that Fluffy has lots of fun toys to play with. Our feline pals all have their own preferences, so don’t be afraid to experiment a bit to see what your furball likes best. You can also get your cat some fun automated toys, like a robotic mouse or an automatic laser pointer. There are even devices that allow you to play with your kitty remotely, using your smartphone and a camera.
Do you have questions or concerns about your kitty’s health or care? Call us today! As your Bucks County, PA animal clinic, we are here to serve all of your cat’s veterinary care needs.
