Feline obesity affects over 60% of cats in some surveys and significantly impairs quality of life through joint pain, diabetes risk, difficulty grooming, and reduced activity.
Obesity profoundly impacts feline quality of life in ways owners often don't recognize. Cats carrying excess weight experience joint pain that reduces their motivation and ability to play, jump, and explore. Inability to groom properly causes skin and coat problems that cause further discomfort and social stigma within multicat households. Lethargy from carrying excess weight can be misinterpreted as the cat 'relaxing' when it actually reflects reduced capacity for normal activity. The cumulative welfare impact of obesity across a cat's lifespan is substantial.