Obesity affects an estimated 25-40% of pet cats and causes chronic health problems and reduced quality of life. Prevention and treatment require both understanding and action.
Feline obesity is both a significant welfare problem in its own right and a driver of multiple secondary conditions that further compromise quality of life. Overweight cats often show reduced mobility, reduced engagement in play, and increased grooming difficulty that affects coat condition and self-care ability. The conditions associated with obesity — particularly feline diabetes requiring daily insulin injections and diabetic monitoring — cause substantial ongoing welfare impacts for both cat and owner. A particular challenge in feline weight management is that cats are notoriously resistant to dietary change and the stress of food restriction can cause behavioural problems. Preventing obesity through appropriate neutered cat feeding protocols from early adulthood is far more effective and humane than treating established obesity.