Feline obesity affects over 50% of adult cats in some studies, causing multiple health complications and reducing quality of life, but responding well to evidence-based management.
Feline obesity causes genuine welfare compromise through multiple mechanisms - the mechanical burden of excess weight on joints causes pain that restricts normal activity and grooming, creating further inactivity. Diabetic cats experience the discomfort of chronic metabolic dysregulation and require insulin injections. Hepatic lipidosis risk from inadequate food intake during illness creates management challenges. The welfare impact of obesity is often underappreciated because overweight cats can appear comfortable and even content. However, successful weight loss consistently produces improvements in activity level, grooming behavior, and engagement with environment - behavioral indicators that welfare was compromised by obesity and improves with its resolution. Gradual, monitored weight loss under veterinary supervision is safe and provides genuine welfare benefits.