Feline obesity is extremely common and causes chronic health problems, but requires different management approaches than canine obesity.
Feline obesity represents a chronic welfare problem driven primarily by feeding practices rather than metabolic disorder. The combination of free-choice access to palatable, calorie-dense dry food and indoor sedentary lifestyles has produced an obesity epidemic in companion cats. The consequences — diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and reduced mobility — cause significant ongoing suffering. Managing feline weight requires transitioning to measured meal feeding with appropriate food type, and weight loss must be managed carefully to avoid dangerous rapid fat mobilization. Early intervention prevents the more serious welfare consequences of prolonged obesity.