That Fat Cat

by Dr. Sue A. Whitman, D.V.M.

As a veterinarian I often hear people announcing with pride that their cat is huge, weighing in at 25 pounds, etc. Since even the largest cat, when lean, weighs no more than 17 pounds (and that would be a huge cat!), I am certain that the 25 pounder is not big, but obese. The average female cat weighs from 7-9 pounds, and the average male from 8-13 pounds. Below is a chart that puts things in perspective for humans by comparing certain kitty weights to the equivalent human weight:

Most humans know that obesity is not healthy for the heart, and can also make individuals more prone to diabetes. These things are just as true for the cat. What most humans don't realize is that the cat is one of a small group of species that commonly develops a serious liver disorder from being overweight. This disorder, called hepatic lipidosis or "fatty liver disease" makes the human's little problems with obesity look mild. It is common, life-threatening, difficult and expensive to treat, and is quite frankly, a frightening way for caring owners to learn that letting your cat expand its waistline is not kind.

WHAT IS FATTY LIVER DISEASE? Unlike some species, when a cat deposits fat stores in the body, fat cells are placed within liver cells as well. The liver is a critical organ in processing energy, and plays a big role in mobilizing fat to usable calories in times of fasting. When liver cells become laden with fat globules, they lose the ability to communicate with one another. Since the liver is a huge organ made up of millions of cells, without teamwork between the cells, the organ cannot function. The process of fat deposition and damaged function is underway long before the big crash occurs and a cat gets ill. It starts at the same time that other fat is being put down in the abdomen, tissues under the skin, and chest. Yet, as all this fat is over-running the liver, this organ's amazing ability to compensate for problems makes owners think all is well with their happy cat. Some cats have severe disease before illness occurs, and as liver transplants are not feasible, many cats die (because getting fat OUT of the liver is so much harder and slower than putting fat IN). Other cats can be managed by placing a feeding tube and having owners feed a liquid diet through the tube for several weeks. Some, (the lucky ones), will respond to appetite stimulants, fluid therapy, and medications.

Although some cats will get jaundiced (develop a yellow skin color from waste in the blood) or begin vomiting, most cats with fatty liver disease begin by becoming anorexic (loss of appetite). Many owners have heard the fat cat lecture from their veterinarian, and are pleased that their overweight cat has finally curbed its appetite and is dropping some pounds. As the owners wait, what is occurring in the liver is making things worse. The liver is responsible for mobilizing fat into calories when meals are missed, so with each missed meal, the liver receives more fat cells to process, and faces a bigger workload and more fat in its cells. It becomes a huge "snowball effect" that is more difficult to halt with each passing day. The last signs of fatty liver disease are essentially the result of liver failure, which allows the toxins and wastes that the liver is supposed to clear from the body to accumulate in the blood. This can cause a generalized illness affecting every aspect of life; some animals present with mental depression and seizures, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and jaundice. This is why IT IS CRITICAL THAT OBESE CATS DO NOT MISS MEALS! Even a tiny cold or the stress of visitors can begin a crisis. Owners of heavy cats should seek veterinary help immediately if their cat is eating nothing in a day! The veterinarian may have to prescribe appetite stimulants or tube feed your cat until the cold, company, etc. is past.

IF YOUR CAT IS ALREADY HEAVY, WHAT CAN YOU DO? Start by feeding your cat only twice daily, leaving the food down for 20 minutes, and then picking it up. The average overweight cat snacks 12 times per day by strolling by the food dish for a single bite. Yes, changing to twice a day feedings is going to make kitty angry, but in 4-5 days he/she will know the routine and will forgive you. I promise that if they could know about the damage being done to their liver, they would thank you!

Also, if your cat is eating canned food, go only to dry. Canned food is high in fat and is too easy to eat; it's similar to eating a candy bar, in that you can take in your entire daily calorie requirement in a mere 5 minutes. If your overweight cat must have canned food for a medical condition, use a reduced calorie prescription canned food such as R/D or W/D by Hills.

Feed a lower calorie dry diet that takes calories down further than senior or less active/light diets. Your cat can eat the same satisfying volume with calorie content slashed in half by using a prescription diet. Check with your veterinarian to have a food and diet regimen prescribed. Remember that during diet changes to accomplish weight loss, and routine changes to help your cat lose weight, you must be sure your cat continues to eat. Be sure your cat gets at least a tablespoon of something twice daily, even if you have to use some of the old food for a while during the transition period.

Of course, the easiest way to PREVENT FATTY LIVER DISEASE is to not allow your cat to get heavy in the first place. Begin twice daily feeding, rather than free choice feeding, as soon as your kitten reaches full growth (about 9 months unless you have a large breed like a Maine Coon). See that your cat has plenty of play- time exercise, or get it a feline friend to romp with. Just like in humans, dieting is no fun for cats, so if it's not too late, keep your cat slim!

THE CAT CARE CENTRE DIET PLAN

• it is best to keep a chart somewhere; once a month, record the date, your cat's weight and the amount you feed per day
• measure out the amount to feed your cat per day; any measuring device will do
• feed for 20-30 minutes, 2-3 times a day, and pick up all the food; do not leave a bowl of food out all day or night
• if your cat needs to lose weight, your goal is ½ pound of weight loss each month; this is a safe and reasonable goal
• each month your cat does not reach the goal of ½ lb. of weight loss, cut the total volume of food back 20%, and feed this amount each day for the next month, and so on
• once your friend is the desired weight, use your monthly chart to gauge if you need to increase or decrease the daily feeding

Copyright 2000 by Suevet, P.C., Dr. Sue A. Whitman, President.

Sue A Whitman D.V.M.
8262 Switchboard Road
Spencer, Indiana 47460
812-876-0711
Emergencies call above number.