An estimated 39-52% of pet cats are overweight or obese, causing significant welfare harms through joint disease, diabetes, urinary problems, and reduced quality of life.
Obese cats experience joint pain, reduced mobility, difficulty grooming, and increased risk of diabetes, urinary obstruction, and heart disease. Chronic pain reduces activity, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of weight gain. Many owners do not recognise obesity in their cats, often interpreting weight gain as normal aging. Veterinary guidance on body condition scoring and appropriate portion control is essential. Weight loss must be gradual in cats to avoid hepatic lipidosis.