Obesity affects approximately 35-50% of cats in developed countries and causes significant welfare problems including pain, reduced mobility and shortened lifespan.
Obese cats experience chronic physical discomfort, reduced ability to groom themselves, higher disease burden and shortened lifespan. The welfare impacts of obesity are often invisible to owners because cats hide discomfort and adapt their behaviour gradually. Prevention through appropriate feeding and environmental enrichment is far easier and more effective than treatment. Weight management requires veterinary guidance to ensure adequate nutrition during caloric restriction and to screen for underlying health conditions.