Obesity in cats causes chronic pain and reduces lifespan significantly. Prevention through appropriate feeding and exercise is a fundamental welfare responsibility for cat owners.
Feline obesity has become epidemic in domestic cat populations, driven by sedentary indoor lifestyles and unrestricted access to calorie-dense commercial diets. The welfare consequences are substantial: obese cats experience chronic joint pain from extra weight on already arthritic joints, reduced grooming ability leading to coat and skin problems, diabetes requiring ongoing management, and shortened lifespan. Many owners find it difficult to recognise obesity in their own cats — veterinary body condition scoring at annual visits provides objective assessment. The welfare-positive approach involves measured feeding portions, appropriate protein-rich food, and activity encouragement rather than expecting cats to self-regulate calorie intake.